SKY beat me to it.
Currently, dear the young Mrs HB is going through the process. Last week she got her learner's permit. At the medical/eye exam she was behind a guy that could not read the chart, not because he could not see it, but because he was illiterate!!
Mrs HB, a doctor, asked her colleague doing the exam, how he did it, and he said that he usually asks these persons to go learn to read before applying for a license. Sometimes he will use a chart with numbers.
Also, no need for blood test, your cédula has your blood type on it. Just make sure to show it to the examiners.
Driving school might run, here in Santiago, (Juan Carlos)about 7,000-8,000, but it is hassle-free and worth every penny.
HB