Which Countries Allow Direct Conversion to Turkish Driving License in 2026? Full List
If you're a foreigner residing in Turkey with a residence permit and your stay exceeds 6 months, you must convert your foreign driving license to a Turkish one to drive legally. The good news? Many countries qualify for direct conversion without exams, meaning that no theory or practical driving test required, thanks to Turkey's participation in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and related bilateral agreements.
This 2026 guide explains eligibility, provides a comprehensive list of qualifying countries, highlights exceptions, and shows how to verify your country's status.
For the full step-by-step conversion process, costs, and documents, check our tutorial: How to Obtain Driving License in Turkey for Foreigners
Table of Contents
Why Some Countries Qualify for Direct Conversion (No Exams)
Turkey recognizes foreign driving licenses for direct exchange (tebdil) if issued by countries party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic which is also called the Vienna Convention. This multilateral treaty standardizes road traffic rules and license recognition among signatories.
Key benefit: Eligible licenses, valid and matching Class B or equivalent for cars, convert directly via Nüfus Müdürlüğü with no driving school and no exams.
Requirements recap: Valid foreign license, notarized Turkish translation, medical report, residence permit, biometric photos, and fees paid.
Non-eligible countries: If your country isn't on the list, you must obtain a new Turkish license include taking classes at driving school and taking theory and practical exams. This applies to most non-signatory nations.
Full List of Eligible Countries for Direct Conversion in 2026
Based on the Vienna Convention signatories (over 80–84 countries as of 2026) and Turkish implementation via NVI/EGM, here are the main countries whose licenses qualify for exam-free conversion.
Europe (Most EU/EEA Countries)
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia
United Kingdom (UK)
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland (EEA-associated)
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, Russia
North America & Oceania
United States (USA)
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Asia & Middle East
Japan
South Korea
Israel
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan (CIS countries)
Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Mongolia
Latin America & Africa
Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
South Africa
Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast
Other Notable countries are Iran, Pakistan, India (select cases), Monaco, Vatican, San Marino.
Non-Eligible Countries: What Happens If Yours Isn't Listed?
If your country is not a Vienna Convention signatory or lacks a bilateral agreement with Turkey (e.g., China in many cases, India sometimes requires exams, Saudi Arabia non-signatory except select Gulf), direct conversion isn't possible.
- You must enroll in a Turkish driving school.
- Complete theoretical and practical training.
- Pass written and road exams.
See our complete guide for the full new license process for driving in Turkey.
How to Check If Your Country Qualifies in 2026
Visit official sites: randevu.nvi.gov.tr or nvi.gov.tr and search "yabancı sürücü belgesi tebdil" or "foreign license conversion".
Call ALO 199 (NVI hotline). You can ask for English support if needed.
Consult your local Nüfus Müdürlüğü during appointment booking.
Cross-reference UNECE Vienna Convention list for signatories, then confirm Turkish recognition.
Tip: Even if eligible, your license must be valid, match the vehicle class (e.g., Class B for cars), and you need a residence permit. Apply early to avoid fines for driving on an invalid foreign license after 6 months.
Quick Summary: Direct Conversion Eligibility in 2026
Yes (no exams): If from Vienna Convention country (EU, USA, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, many CIS/Balkan/Latin American nations).
No (exams required): Non-signatory countries, go through full driving school process.
Verify officially rules can update with new agreements.
Safe driving in Turkey! If you're eligible, the conversion is straightforward and saves time/money.
Related reads on ezdex.net:
Can Tourists Drive in Turkey with a Foreign License? Rules for 2026
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