WILLEMSTAD – In a significant shift from decades-old policy, the government of Curaçao has announced that starting January 1, 2026, individuals will be allowed to take their driving exam in an automatic transmission vehicle. This change was confirmed by the newly appointed Minister of Government Services, Mrs. Lew-Yen-Tai.
Until now, Curaçao’s driving license system required all candidates to pass their practical driving exam in a manual shift car, regardless of whether they intended to drive automatic vehicles in daily life. The new regulation aligns the island with global trends, where automatic transmission cars have become more common and preferred by younger drivers and the elderly.
More Accessible and Modern
“This is an important step forward in modernizing our driving regulations and making them more inclusive,” Minister Lew-Yen-Tai stated. “We recognize that driving habits and vehicle technology have evolved, and our laws should reflect those changes.”
With this reform, aspiring drivers who wish to be tested only on automatic transmission vehicles will be able to do so without needing to learn manual driving techniques. However, it is expected that their licenses will include a notation restricting them to driving automatic cars only—a common practice in jurisdictions that offer this option.
Broad Support and Anticipated Impact
The decision has been widely welcomed by driving schools and road safety advocates, who argue that the move will lower the barrier for young drivers, elderly citizens, and people with physical limitations who may find manual vehicles more difficult to operate.
Driving instructors also note that automatic cars allow students to focus more on road awareness and traffic rules during exams rather than gear shifting, which could contribute to improved safety and lower failure rates.
Implementation and Guidelines
The Ministry of Government Services will publish further details and guidelines for driving schools and examiners in the coming months. Authorities are also working on updating the Road Traffic Ordinance and licensing system to reflect the new classification for automatic-only licenses.
This policy change represents another step toward a more adaptable and efficient public service under the new minister’s leadership.
