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Free Practice Questions for ATTT Driving Theory

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Key Facts: ATTT Driving Theory Exam

133 questions

Items in SERTRACEN's official theory-exam question list, published in Spanish and English

SERTRACEN, Preguntas teóricas de examen

B/.40.00

First-time license fee for women aged 16–54 and men aged 16–59

SERTRACEN, Costos de licencia

4 years

Standard license validity; two years for drivers aged 70 and over

Decreto Ejecutivo 640, Art. 117

Decreto 640

Executive decree of 27 December 2006 that issued Panama's Reglamento de Tránsito Vehicular

Gaceta Oficial No. 25,701

41 µg/dl

Breath-alcohol level from which a driver is in embriaguez comprobada

Decreto Ejecutivo 640, Art. 141

3 months

License suspension for a first embriaguez comprobada offense without an accident

Decreto Ejecutivo 640, Art. 251

90 days

Period a tourist may drive with a valid license from their country of origin

Decreto Ejecutivo 640, Art. 110

10%

Surcharge added when a traffic fine is not paid within 30 days

Decreto Ejecutivo 640, Art. 239

40 km/h

Speed limit on calles and in residential areas unless a sign says otherwise

Decreto Ejecutivo 640, Art. 181

Panama's driving theory validation is taken at SERTRACEN branches under ATTT rules, and SERTRACEN publishes its official 133-question list in Spanish and English without stating a question count or pass mark. A first license costs B/.40.00 for most adults. This free OpenExamPrep bank offers 100 English-language study questions on Decreto Ejecutivo 640 topics; it is independent practice, not an official test simulation.

Sample ATTT Driving Theory Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ATTT Driving Theory exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which legal instrument contains the Reglamento de Tránsito Vehicular that sets Panama's road rules, driver licensing rules, and traffic sanctions?
A.Ley 34 de 1999, the law that created the ATTT
B.Decreto Ejecutivo No. 160 de 1993
C.Decreto Ejecutivo No. 640 de 2006
D.Ley No. 14 de 1993
Explanation: Decreto Ejecutivo No. 640 of 27 December 2006, published in Gaceta Oficial No. 25,701, issued the Reglamento de Tránsito Vehicular de la República de Panamá and took effect on 1 January 2007 (Art. 267). It has been amended many times since, but it is still the regulation that SERTRACEN's theory-question list is built on.
2How does the glossary in Article 3 of Decreto Ejecutivo 640 define a 'vía pública' (public road)?
A.Only the paved expressways and toll corridors managed by the central government
B.Land for public use meant for free transit of vehicles, pedestrians, and animals
C.Any private driveway or farm track that commercial vehicles are permitted to use
D.The raised median strip that separates opposing traffic on a divided boulevard
Explanation: Article 3 defines vía pública as a zone or land for public use intended for the free transit of vehicles, pedestrians, and/or animals, with no limits other than those set by the regulation. This definition is item 19 on SERTRACEN's official theory-question list.
3Which description matches an 'autopista' as defined in Decreto Ejecutivo 640?
A.An unpaved rural road where farm machinery and livestock have right-of-way priority
B.An urban boulevard lined with storefronts and curbside parking
C.A secondary residential street with a 40 km/h speed limit
D.A road for authorized vehicles with no direct property access or level crossings
Explanation: Article 3 defines an autopista as a public road specially designed, built, and signed for authorized vehicles, where adjoining properties have no direct access, nothing crosses it at grade, and each direction has its own carriageway. It is item 1 on SERTRACEN's theory-question list.
4What is a 'carretera' under the Article 3 glossary of Decreto Ejecutivo 640?
A.A public road used for interurban travel with adequate safety and comfort
B.A section of roadway reserved exclusively for bicycle traffic
C.A street in an urban center reserved exclusively for people on foot
D.A temporary detour lane built around an active repair zone
Explanation: Article 3 defines a carretera as a public road used for the interurban transit of vehicles with adequate levels of safety and comfort (SERTRACEN item 2). Its default speed limit is 100 km/h under Article 181.
5Decreto Ejecutivo 640 defines 'derecho de vía' (right-of-way) as which of the following?
A.The right of any citizen to drive an unregistered vehicle on municipal streets
B.An exemption that lets freight trucks skip highway toll booths
C.The preference in circulation one vehicle or pedestrian has over others
D.Permission to park without a time limit in a loading zone
Explanation: Article 3 defines derecho de vía as the preference in circulation that a vehicle or pedestrian has over other vehicles or pedestrians (SERTRACEN item 3). The related term 'prelación' is the priority that one road or vehicle has over other roads or vehicles (item 13).
6What is a 'carril exclusivo' (exclusive lane) under Decreto Ejecutivo 640?
A.A lane for one vehicle type, separated by barriers, curbs, or special signs
B.The road shoulder, where broken-down vehicles may be repaired at length
C.A high-speed passing lane reserved for private sport utility vehicles
D.A curbside strip that alternates between taxi stands and delivery bays
Explanation: Article 3 defines a carril exclusivo as a lane for the sole use of a specific type of vehicle, separated lengthwise by fixed elements such as barriers or curbs, or by special signage; it may still have level crossings with other roads and pedestrians (SERTRACEN item 4).
7What is the 'hombro' (road shoulder) according to Decreto Ejecutivo 640?
A.A regular travel lane that slow drivers use so trucks can pass them on the right
B.An unpaved roadside area where private cars may be left parked overnight
C.A roadside strip reserved for vendors selling produce and handicrafts
D.The strip beside the roadway used for erosion protection and emergency stops
Explanation: Article 3 defines the hombro as the part of the road structure next to the roadway that protects against erosion and is used occasionally for vehicle stops in unforeseen situations or emergencies and for pedestrian circulation (SERTRACEN item 7). Driving and overtaking on the shoulder are both prohibited (Art. 161).
8How does Decreto Ejecutivo 640 define the maneuver 'rebasar'?
A.Changing into the next lane while keeping the same speed as surrounding traffic
B.Turning 180 degrees at an intersection to travel the opposite way
C.Passing a vehicle that is ahead of you in the same lane of a roadway
D.Yielding to oncoming traffic before turning into a private driveway
Explanation: Article 3 defines rebasar as the maneuver by which a vehicle overtakes another that precedes it in the same lane of a roadway (SERTRACEN item 15). Article 155 then requires overtaking on the left, with only limited exceptions.
9Under Decreto Ejecutivo 640, what is a 'paso peatonal a nivel'?
A.A zone of the roadway marked by devices or painted lines for pedestrians to cross
B.A pedestrian bridge or tunnel built so people cross above or below traffic
C.A raised median strip where street vendors may store merchandise
D.A curbside bay reserved for National Police motorcycles on patrol
Explanation: Article 3 defines a paso peatonal a nivel as a zone of the roadway marked off by devices or painted marks so pedestrians can cross the road (SERTRACEN item 11). Parking on one is prohibited (Art. 178), and overtaking near pedestrian crossings is also prohibited (Art. 161).
10Which vehicles does Article 156 of Decreto Ejecutivo 640 give priority of passage on public roads?
A.Courier vans and food-delivery motorcycles during peak lunch hours
B.Armored cash-transport trucks traveling between bank branches
C.Any public bus carrying more than forty seated passengers at rush hour
D.Police, fire, and SINAPROC vehicles in emergencies, plus ambulances on calls
Explanation: Article 156 gives priority to the vehicle carrying the President, Vice Presidents, or Ministers when escorted with sirens and flashing lights; National Police, Fire Department, and SINAPROC vehicles in emergencies; ambulances and rescue vehicles answering calls or carrying the sick or injured; and other vehicles carrying the sick or injured with signals on. Even then, they must use the privilege prudently.

About the ATTT Driving Theory Exam

In Panama, a first-time driver's license requires visual, hearing, theory, and practical validations at a SERTRACEN branch under the procedure set by the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT). SERTRACEN publishes the official list of theory-exam questions, which tests the Reglamento de Tránsito Vehicular in Decreto Ejecutivo No. 640 de 2006: definitions, right-of-way, signs and markings, speed limits, parking, license types, driver duties, alcohol levels, sanctions, and accident procedures. This independent practice bank by OpenExamPrep is an English-language MCQ study adaptation; it is not an official translation and does not simulate the official test's format or language environment.

Exam sponsor: Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) & SERTRACEN Panamá. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

First-time applicants complete visual, hearing, theory, and practical validations at a SERTRACEN branch under the ATTT procedure. The theory validation draws on SERTRACEN's official question list. The practical validation is done on a track with a vehicle of the requested category or, for categories B, C, D, and E1 where available, in a SERTRACEN simulator at no extra cost.

Time Limit

not-published

Passing Score

Not published

Exam / Certification Fees

B/.40.00 for a first-time license (women aged 16–54, men aged 16–59); B/.36.00 (women 55–69, men 60–69); B/.16.00 from age 70. The driving course and laboratory tests are paid separately.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25 of 100 study questions (25%)

General Traffic Principles, Road Hierarchy & Right-of-Way

Article 3 definitions (vía pública, autopista, carretera, carril exclusivo, hombro, rebasar, derecho de vía), Article 147 priority rules, overtaking under Articles 155 and 161, turning, hand signals, reversing, lane use on autopistas, and yielding to emergency vehicles.

20 of 100 study questions (20%)

Road Signs, Traffic Signals & Pavement Markings

Article 163 sign classes (preventive, regulatory, informative), the ALTO and CEDA EL PASO signs, Article 165 white and yellow lines, Article 166 traffic lights and arrows, Article 167 inspector instructions, and Article 46 special lights.

15 of 100 study questions (15%)

Speed Limits, Distance Keeping & Parking Regulations

Article 181 limits (40 km/h calles, 60 km/h avenidas, 80/60/50 km/h by lane on urban multi-lane highways, 100 km/h carreteras, 120 km/h autopistas, 30 km/h near schools during working hours, minimum half the limit), engine braking on descents (Art. 183), and Article 178 parking distances (5 m from hydrants and corners, 10 m from an Alto sign).

20 of 100 study questions (20%)

Driver Responsibilities, License Categories & Vehicle Safety

License types A through J (Art. 112), requirements and validity (Arts. 109–118), carrying the license and vehicle documents, mandatory equipment (Art. 7), lights and high beams (Arts. 45 and 48), seat belts, child seating, phone use, and unauthorized public transport.

20 of 100 study questions (20%)

Traffic Violations, Impaired Driving, Accidents & Legal Procedures

Article 141 alcohol levels (tolerance 5–24, aliento alcohólico 25–40, embriaguez comprobada 41+ µg/dl in breath), testing and refusal (Arts. 139–140), Articles 251–252 drunk-driving sanctions, the 10% late surcharge (Art. 239), reconsideration appeals (Art. 206), compulsory liability insurance (Art. 236), and accident procedures before the Juzgados de Tránsito.

Preparing for the ATTT Driving Theory Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Not published
  • Assessment: First-time applicants complete visual, hearing, theory, and practical validations at a SERTRACEN branch under the ATTT procedure. The theory validation draws on SERTRACEN's official question list. The practical validation is done on a track with a vehicle of the requested category or, for categories B, C, D, and E1 where available, in a SERTRACEN simulator at no extra cost.
  • Time limit: not-published
  • Exam / certification fees: B/.40.00 for a first-time license (women aged 16–54, men aged 16–59); B/.36.00 (women 55–69, men 60–69); B/.16.00 from age 70. The driving course and laboratory tests are paid separately. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ATTT Driving Theory: Suggested Study Strategy

1Download SERTRACEN's official list of 133 theory-exam questions (Spanish or English) and match each item to its article in Decreto Ejecutivo 640.
2Learn the Article 3 definitions word for word: vía pública, autopista, carretera, carril exclusivo, hombro, rebasar, derecho de vía, and prelación open the official list.
3Memorize the Article 112 license types: A bicycle, B motorcycle, C automobiles and camionetas, D light trucks up to 8 tons and buses up to 16 passengers, E1 taxis, E2 and E3 public buses, F heavy trucks and large buses, G combination trucks, H hazardous cargo, I heavy equipment, J metropolitan mass-transit buses.
4Know the Article 141 breath-alcohol bands (5–24, 25–40, 41+ µg/dl) and the Article 251 sanctions for embriaguez comprobada: B/.150 and 3 months, B/.300 and 6 months, B/.600 and 2 years.
5Separate the parking distances in Article 178: 5 m from a hydrant or a corner, 10 m from an Alto sign, and 9 m from a vehicle parked on the opposite side.
6Remember the light rules: exterior lights from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and in poor visibility (Art. 45), and dimming at 150 m on carreteras or 75 m on calles and avenidas (Art. 48).
7Review the deadlines: pay tickets within 30 days to avoid the 10% surcharge (Art. 239), file a Recurso de Reconsideración within 5 business days (Art. 206), and report a hit-and-run within 48 hours (Art. 214).
8Use this bank to check understanding, then reread the decree text, because official questions use its exact Spanish wording.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the SERTRACEN driving theory test, and what is the passing score?

SERTRACEN and the ATTT do not publish the number of questions in a theory validation or the passing score, and unofficial sources disagree. What SERTRACEN does publish is its official list of 133 theory-exam questions, in Spanish and in an English version. Study that list together with Decreto Ejecutivo 640.

Who runs driver licensing in Panama?

The Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) applies the Reglamento de Tránsito Vehicular (Decreto Ejecutivo 640 de 2006). SERTRACEN operates the licensing branches, where applicants book appointments through licencia.com.pa and complete the visual, hearing, theory, and practical validations.

How much does a first-time driver's license cost in Panama?

SERTRACEN's fee table lists B/.40.00 for women aged 16–54 and men aged 16–59, B/.36.00 for women aged 55–69 and men aged 60–69, and B/.16.00 from age 70. The ATTT-authorized driving course and laboratory tests (blood type, plus a drug test for Tipo D) are paid separately.

Is this bank an official translation of the SERTRACEN test?

No. SERTRACEN publishes its official question list in Spanish and in an English version. This independent OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation built from Decreto Ejecutivo 640 and that list; it keeps key Spanish legal terms but is not an official translation or a simulation of the test.

What are the alcohol levels in Panama's traffic regulation?

Article 141 of Decreto Ejecutivo 640 sets three breath levels: 5–24 µg/dl is the tolerance level (warning), 25–40 µg/dl is aliento alcohólico (fine), and 41 µg/dl or more is embriaguez comprobada (fine and retention of the vehicle). Without an accident, Article 251 imposes B/.150 and a 3-month suspension for a first offense, B/.300 and 6 months for a second, and B/.600 and 2 years for a third. Refusing a test is a serious indication against the driver (Art. 140).

Can tourists drive in Panama with a foreign license?

Yes, for a limited time. Article 110 of Decreto Ejecutivo 640 lets tourists drive with a valid license from their country of origin for 90 days. Tourists cannot obtain a Panamanian license or permit, including through an extension of their stay.

What safety equipment must a car carry in Panama?

Article 7 requires every motor vehicle to carry a mechanical jack, tire-changing tools, a spare tire, two wheel chocks, and a reflective safety triangle. Public transport and cargo vehicles must also carry an ABC or BC fire extinguisher and basic emergency repair tools.

What are the speed limits in Panama when no sign says otherwise?

Article 181 sets 40 km/h on calles and in residential areas, 60 km/h on avenidas, 80/60/50 km/h by lane (left/center/right) on urban multi-lane highways, 100 km/h on carreteras, and 120 km/h on autopistas. Near schools and busy sports venues, the precautionary speed is 30 km/h during working hours, and speed may never be below half the road's limit.