How to get your driver's license in Chile? (Santiago de Chile)

Hi,

I am a South African living in Santiago de Chile and have been driving with a valid drivers license since I was 18. I passed all the required theoretical and practical tests for a driver's license in Chile (Puerto Montt district), but at the last moment was told that my South African high school certificate (apparently a mandatory document for driving in Chile) was not acceptable.

After much research it turns out to be almost impossible to have my SA matriculation certificate validated in Chile. This is also partly due to SA not having an accord with Chile for such things.

I would gladly hear from anyone who has had similar experiences and/or has a possible solution in this regard.

Kindest regards,
Pieter