Turkey Introduces New Driving Tests in Real Traffic

Turkey’s Ministry of National Education is gradually moving away from driving tests based on fixed, predetermined routes and introducing a free-route system, in which candidates’ driving skills are assessed in normal traffic conditions.

Driving tests will take up to one hour

As part of the transition to the new system across Turkey, the practical driving test will be extended from 35 minutes to one hour.

Candidates will have to navigate city streets and different urban areas independently instead of simply following a route they have learned in advance.

The duration of mandatory practical driving training will also increase. The current average of 14–16 hours will rise to 24 hours.

The additional training will allow driving schools to expand their training routes and give candidates more experience behind the wheel in different road conditions.

Driving in real traffic conditions

Salih Er, a representative of a driving school in Eskişehir in Central Anatolia, said that the new system would be an important step toward training more professional drivers and improving road safety.

“The driving test route is changing completely. I consider this decision truly revolutionary.”

“With the introduction of the free-route system, candidates will begin their tests in normal traffic conditions on city streets and in urban areas.”

Under the new system, candidates will practice driving on bypass roads where they will need to reach the permitted maximum speed. They will also drive in shopping center parking areas to make the test as close as possible to real-life driving conditions.

Parking requirements will also become more realistic. Instead of parking between two traffic cones, candidates will have to successfully park between real vehicles, according to Er.

How to obtain a driving licence in Turkey

To obtain a driving licence in Turkey, candidates must first pass a theoretical examination. The test covers several areas, including:

• first aid;
• traffic rules;
• vehicle mechanics and basic vehicle operation.

After successfully completing the theoretical examination, candidates take the practical driving test.

Why is Turkey changing the driving test?

The new system is intended to reduce the number of accidents involving inexperienced drivers who may struggle with complex urban traffic conditions.

By replacing predictable routes with real traffic situations, the authorities aim to ensure that candidates demonstrate practical driving skills rather than simply memorizing an examination route.

Key change: Driving tests in Turkey are moving toward longer, more realistic examinations designed to assess how candidates handle everyday traffic conditions.