Driving license in Turkey
Validity Period:
- International driver's licenses are valid in Turkey for six months from the date of each entry into the country. After this period, you will need to either leave and re-enter the country or exchange your license for a Turkish one.
- If you plan to live in Turkey for more than six months, you must exchange your national license for a Turkish one. Here are the main steps of this process:
Document Collection:
- Original and copy of your national driver's license.
- Passport and its copy.
- Temporary residence permit (ikamet) and its copy.
- Medical certificate from an accredited medical institution.
- Two passport-sized photos.
Visiting the Traffic Registration Office (Trafik Tescil Şube Müdürlüğü):
- Submit the collected documents and complete the application to exchange your license.
- Pay the government fee for the license exchange.
- Take the theoretical and practical exams. In some cases, exams may be required, especially if your license was issued in a country not recognized by Turkey.
Driver's License Training in Turkey:
- If you do not have an international driver's license or decide to obtain a Turkish license through training, you will need to attend a driving school.
- Driver's license training in Turkey takes about two months. After successfully completing the course and passing the exams, the license is issued for 10 years.
Required Documents for Driving School Enrollment:
- Medical certificate.
- Valid residence permit (ikamet).
- Passport-sized photos.
- Application for training (provided by the driving school).
Tips and Recommendations:
- Learn local traffic rules: Turkey has its own driving rules and regulations, so it's important to familiarize yourself with them in advance.
- Insurance: Ensure that your vehicle is insured and that your insurance covers you as a foreign driver.
- Seek professional help: If you encounter difficulties with bureaucratic procedures, do not hesitate to consult lawyers or specialized companies that can assist with the license exchange process.
If you are a RestProperty client, our after-sales service can help you enroll in a driving school or assist with the necessary documents for exchanging your international license. We wish you safe and pleasant travels on the roads of Turkey!
