Driver’s License

If you have a residence permit in Turkey and you want to get a Turkish driver's license, you’ll need to go through a process that may vary depending on your nationality. Here’s the general procedure for obtaining a Turkish driver's license:

1. Check if Your Foreign License is Valid for Exchange

• EU/EEA Citizens: If you're from an EU or EEA country, you can exchange your foreign license for a Turkish one without needing to take a driving test, as long as your license is valid.
• Non-EU/EEA Citizens: If you're from a non-EU country, you may need to take both a written test and a practical driving test unless there is a bilateral agreement between your home country and Turkey allowing for a direct exchange.

2. Prepare Necessary Documents

Whether you're exchanging a license or applying for a new one, you'll need to gather several documents:

• Residence Permit: A valid Turkish residence permit.
• Foreign Driver’s License: Original and a photocopy of your foreign driver's license.
• Passport: A valid passport (with a copy).
• Turkish ID Number (T.C. Kimlik No.): If you don't have this yet, you'll need to obtain it.
• Health Report: A medical report from a government hospital or an accredited health center in Turkey. This includes a vision test.
• Photographs: A few recent passport-sized photos (typically 4-6).
• Fees: You'll need to pay the necessary fees for the application and tests (if applicable).

3. Submit the Application

You can apply for a Turkish driver’s license at the National Driver's License Department (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) or the Traffic Registration Office (Trafik Tescil Dairesi) in your city.

You’ll need to submit your documents, pay the fees, and fill out the required application forms.

4. Take a Written Test (If Required)

If you're not from an EU/EEA country or if your country doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement with Turkey, you may need to pass a written exam. The written test usually covers:

• Road signs and traffic rules.
• General knowledge of driving and safety rules in Turkey. The exam is typically in Turkish, but it may be available in English in some cities. Be prepared to study the traffic laws in advance.

5. Take a Practical Driving Test (If Required)

If required, you'll need to take a driving test. This will evaluate your ability to drive in real traffic conditions, including parking and maneuvering in a controlled area.

6. Receive Your Turkish Driver's License

Once you’ve completed the necessary steps (and passed any required exams), you’ll be issued a Turkish driver’s license. It can take a few weeks for the license to be processed and delivered.

Additional Information

• Languages: Some regions may provide driving tests and documents in English or other languages, but it’s good to confirm this ahead of time.
• Translation of Documents: If your foreign license or any supporting documents are not in Turkish, you may need to have them translated by a sworn translator.

If your home country has an agreement with Turkey for direct license exchange, you can skip the tests and get your Turkish license more quickly, provided you meet all the documentation requirements.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the written test and practical driving test, along with how to get the required medical report:

1. Written Test

• Content: The written exam focuses on traffic signs, road safety rules, traffic regulations, and general driving knowledge. It includes questions about:
  • Road signs (e.g., stop signs, yield signs, speed limits).
  • Driving laws (e.g., rules for overtaking, pedestrian crossings).
  • Vehicle maintenance and safety rules.
  • Alcohol and drug-related driving regulations.
  • General traffic etiquette and accident prevention.
• Format: The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to get 70% correct to pass (at least 35 correct answers).
• Language: The exam is primarily in Turkish, but some cities offer it in English or other languages. It’s best to check with your local Traffic Registration Office (Trafik Tescil) in advance.
• Preparation: You can study the Turkish driving theory book, which is available at the local Traffic Offices or online. There are also online resources and apps that provide practice tests in English.

2. Practical Driving Test

If you're required to take the practical test, it will assess your actual driving skills and ability to navigate the road in a safe and controlled manner.

• Test Areas: The practical exam often takes place in a controlled area (like a driving school parking lot) where you demonstrate:
  • Parking (parallel parking, reverse parking).
  • Maneuvering in tight spaces.
  • Understanding basic road signs and following traffic signals.
  • The ability to start and stop safely.
• Driving in Traffic: You will then be taken on the road, where you need to show how you drive in regular traffic. You’ll be evaluated on:
  • Lane discipline.
  • Following traffic signals and signs.
  • Handling intersections.
  • Overtaking and parking properly.
• What to Bring: Make sure you have your student driver permit or authorization from your driving school if you're going through one. Also, bring your passport and any necessary documents.
• Instructor: The test is usually conducted by an instructor or examiner from the Traffic Office, who will assess your driving abilities.

3. Medical Report

A health report is a mandatory part of the process for obtaining a Turkish driver’s license. This report verifies that you are medically fit to drive. Here's what you need to do:

• Where to Get the Report: You need to get the report from a government hospital or an accredited private medical center that provides health checks for driver's licenses. Some private clinics also offer this service.
• What it Includes: The report typically includes:
  • Vision test: To check if your eyesight meets the standard for driving.
  • Physical and Mental Health Assessment: Basic tests to confirm you are fit to drive. It includes evaluating your ability to control a vehicle, and your mental and cognitive state.
• Duration: The health report is generally valid for a few months (typically 6 months), so ensure you get it within a reasonable time before your application.
• Cost: The cost of a health report can vary, but it generally costs around 100–300 Turkish Lira depending on the clinic or hospital.

Additional Information:

• Driving School: If you're required to take the tests and are not familiar with Turkish driving conditions or language, you may want to consider enrolling in a local driving school. They can guide you through both the theory and practical exams and provide language assistance.
• Fees: The total cost for obtaining a Turkish driver's license can include:
  • Application Fees: For the written and practical exams.
  • Health Report Fee: As mentioned above, for the medical report.
  • Driver’s License Fee: For issuing the new license.
• Final Steps: After passing both the written and practical tests (if applicable), and submitting all the necessary documents, you will receive your Turkish driver’s license. It may take a couple of weeks for the license to be processed and delivered to your address. If you need help with any specific part of the process, like how to find a suitable medical clinic or more details on driving schools in your area, feel free to ask us at the international office.