Anyone who wishes to drive a low-powered motorcycle and does not hold any other sort of driving licence, will have to take a test to get a patentino or mini driving licence.

The test was previously required only by young people between 14 and 18. The new law was due to come into effect from 1 July 2005 but will probably be pushed back to October 2005.

To obtain a patentino the motorcyclist has to attend 12 hours of theory lessons at a driving school and sit a test or quiz; the course and exam costs 150. Anyone failing the test can resit it within a year without having to retake the course of lessons. When the law comes into effect, anyone caught driving a low-powered motorcycle without the necessary licence risks a fine of 560 and the confiscation of the vehicle for up to 60 days.