Hi, new to the forum, but have been living in SD for 7 years, and wanted to chime in on the license issue.

Used a buscone 5 years ago to get a license, and went to renew it last month..it is a fake...So started the process of getting my learners permit...The only documents they wanted from me was my cedula ( which was expired in 2006,my perm res. is in process) and a conduct certificate. Took a vision,blood test and had to watch a video about driving responsibly..Then took a computerized test where the answers are either yes or no..I took it in Spanish, I was not offered a test in English..My Spanish is still a bit shaky but I got a 90 on the test. Then took a photo and got learners permit..And was told to come back July 6th to take drivers test and get license..

Since that day I found out my license was fake I've been thanking my lucky stars!! I have been in 2 minor accidents, and the insurance paid my claim, no problem, never asked to see my license..But if you are involved in a accident where there is bodily harm done...YOU BETTER HOPE YOU HAVE A VALID DOMINICAN LICENSE!!. The police and insurance WILL check the vadility of your license and if it is a fake or if you do not have one..well your life is about to beacome very unpleasent.. If you are being held in the Casa de Condutor for investigation of a fatal accident and they find your license is not valid, that will make your insurance invalid and you will be transfered to a regular jail..And you will be on your own for bail, and for representation for when the victims family sues you..

If you live in the DR there is no excuse for not getting your license, it was cheaper than what I payed the buscone 5 years ago, and only took 2 hours..Keep in mind just because you haven't had a problem yet, doesnt mean that you won't..thats why they are called accidents!! Just cause your a gringo does not mean you are exempt from that rule!!

your driving license, which you obtained through a buscone, was a fake. well, surprise, surprise. you have 7 years here, and you still trust someone from this country to get you a sensitive document? ever heard of Diogenes, the guy who walked around with a lantern in the daytime, looking for an honest man? he was here.

Yes, like everything in life, do something wrong or illegal and you will get away with it short term, but everything is a matter of time, long term for sure you will get caught, sooner or later it will catch up with you one way or another.

Best words of advice I learn years ago, while working with Jews in NYC, people who I highly respect. I learn that the best option is to follow the rules as best we can, however, we know that in real life that sometimes is not possible, However, though rules were made to be followed, bend them as much as and as far as you can, but never break them.

Rule #1, Rules, bend them, but don't break them.

Rule #2, See rule number 1.

In other words: Si tu mete la pata y la saca pronto tu queda bien.

Oh boy!! Looks like I've joined another DR related forums where the ppl responed to posts that they haven't actually read!!!

Dreadlocks: 5 years ago (when I had been in the country for 2 years, most of that spent in sosua) I moved to the capitol and was told that that was how it is done..BUSCONES...So yes, stupid me for trusting that!!
But can you please point out where it says I am trusting another person to get my new license for me?? in my post...beacause i clearly stated that I went to the DMV myself took the test myself in Spanish...I was telling the village idiots on here that it is EASIER getting your lisence the CORRECT way..Which is going to the DMV yourself and taking the test..

i apologise to Jevita for getting the chronology twisted, but whaatever would make you believe that you needed some loser lamebrain to help you get a driver´s license? in two years, it should have dawned on you that these guys are just low grade criminal types, looking to rip off anything that moves, and to steal everything which is not nailed down.

You mean you moved in with Obama????
Yeah, he knows it all.

m'frog

I am a gringo & have been living here in DR for 6 years. I have been stoped many times by the police, they ALMOST always just ask for the registration & insureance & if you have a gun & of course, something for their lunch or breakfast. However, I was asked for my drivers lincense once & the cop wanted to take me to jail because I only had a California DL. 200 pesos set me free at the scene. I then went to the DMV with a driving teacher. There are many driving schools here. For 1000 pesos I got my license that same day. No driving test & the DMV guy pushed the computer bottons for the written. My DR license if good for 4 years

Any USA liscense is good to drive on in DR... This guy wanted a tip. You should have asked for his boss and he would have gotten scared and let you go

Not for long, though.
A resident needs to get his/her Dominican license.

m'frog

m'frog, you got that right. Tourists OK, Residents must have a DR license