Government aims to make licensing process more accessible as automatic vehicles become the norm

WILLEMSTAD - Beginning January 1, 2026, driving test candidates in Curaçao will be allowed to take their driver’s exam in an automatic vehicle. The change was officially published in a new ministerial regulation issued by the Minister of Governance, Planning and Service (BPD).

According to the government’s explanation, the goal is to make driving exams more accessible and reflective of current vehicle use, as automatic transmission cars now dominate the island’s roads.

Automatic Cars Dominate the Market

Recent inspection data show that over 70 percent of vehicles in 2022 had automatic transmissions. Local car dealers also confirm that manual transmission vehicles are now rare, found mainly in trucks and flatbeds used for commercial purposes.

Limited License for Automatic Drivers

Drivers who take their exam in an automatic car will receive a restricted driver’s license, allowing them to operate only vehicles with automatic transmissions. The legal foundation for this restriction originates from an Island Decree (Eilandsbesluit) established in 2002.

Curaçao’s decision brings it in line with the Netherlands, where automatic-only driving tests have long been available, and Sint Maarten, which adopted the system in 2022.

Implementation Costs and Campaign

The transition will cost approximately 185,000 guilders, covering the redesign of the driver’s license, production of new badges, software updates, and a public awareness campaign.

Officials say the change reflects both technological progress and practicality, ensuring that driving tests match the reality of modern vehicles and help more residents obtain their licenses safely and efficiently.