Driving License in Turkey for Foreigners: Complete 2026 Guide

Obtaining a driving license in Turkey for foreigners is a critical step for expatriates and long-term residents planning to drive legally in Turkey. A Turkish driving license not only ensures compliance with local laws but also serves as a valid identification document.This guide has been fully reviewed and updated for 2026 based on current regulations from the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) and recent fee adjustments. Costs and processes can change annually, always verify via official randevu.nvi.gov.tr or ALO 199. Foreigners can drive with a valid foreign license (plus notarized Turkish translation) for up to 6 months from entry. After 6 months with a residence permit, conversion to a Turkish license is mandatory to avoid fines. Obtaining a driving license in Turkey remains essential for long-term expats. This 2026 guide covers conversion of foreign licenses, obtaining a new Class B (car) license, required documents, updated costs, and practical tips.

Requirements for a Driving License in Turkey

To obtain a driving license in Turkey, including the Driving license B, you must meet the following conditions:

• Legal Age: At least 18 years old for cars (Driving license B) and 17 for motorcycles.
• Physical Health: A medical certificate, including an eye exam and general health check, from a government hospital or private clinic is required.
• Clean Criminal Record: A certificate of no criminal record may be required, obtainable from a local court or via the e-Devlet platform.
• Legal Residency: Foreigners need a valid residence permit (kimlik). For stays under 90 days, a tourist visa or permit is sufficient.

Turkey’s driving license system includes various categories, as shown below:

A Turkish driving license is valid in 84 countries worldwide, making it highly versatile for international travel.

💡Related: Can Touristes Drive in Turkey?

How to Get a Driving License in Turkey for Foreigners

There are two main methods to obtain a driving license in Turkey for foreigners: converting a foreign license or applying for a new one from scratch.

Converting a Foreign Driving License to a Turkish License

If you hold a valid foreign driving license, you can convert it to a Turkish driving license, such as a Driving license B, without attending classes or taking exams. This method is ideal for foreigners residing in Turkey for more than 6 months. The process includes:

1. Official Translation: Your foreign license must be translated into Turkish and notarized by a consulate or notary public (nöter).
2. Medical Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a government hospital or private clinic.
3. Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment with the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) via randevu.nvi.gov.tr or by calling 199.
4. Document Submission: Submit all required documents to the Nüfus Müdürlüğü.
5. Fee Payment: Government fees now range from 6000–9000 TRY for Class B (2026 rates, includes valuable paper, harç, and vakıf contributions). Pay via bank/PTT before or at appointment.
6. License Issuance: Submit at Nüfus Müdürlüğü. Temporary document issued on-site and permanent card mailed in 7–14 days.

⚠️Check out: Which Countries Allow Direct Conversion to Turkish Driving License in 2026?

Obtaining a New Driving License B in Turkey

If you don’t have a foreign license or prefer not to convert it, you can apply for a new Driving license B in Turkey. This process involves:

1. Enroll in a Driving School: Register with a reputable driving school, such as Villa Levent, which offers courses in English for foreigners.
2. Training Courses: Complete approximately 14 hours of theoretical training on traffic rules and practical driving lessons.
3. Theoretical Exam: Pass a 50-question test on traffic laws, vehicle mechanics, and first aid, requiring a minimum score of 70/100. The exam is available in Turkish, English, and sometimes Arabic.
4. Practical Exam: Demonstrate driving skills, such as parking and garage entry, in a 15-minute test.
5. Fee Payment: Government fees 6000-9000 TRY and driving school 15000–25000 TRY (2026 estimates). Exams cost extra if retaken.
6. License Issuance: After passing both exams, the Driving license B is issued by the Nüfus Müdürlüğü and mailed to your address.

International Driving Permit in Turkey

An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows driving in Turkey for up to 6 months with your original license. Issued by Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (TTOK/turing.tr), costing 2500–3500 TRY for one year (2026 rates with renewal lower).

Key Notes:

• An International Driving Permit must be accompanied by your original license and passport.
• For stays longer than 6 months, a Turkish driving license is required.
• For car rentals in tourist areas, an International Driving Permit is recommended to avoid insurance issues.

Required Documents for a Driving License in Turkey

For Converting a Foreign License:

Note: If your current license includes blood type, no additional blood test is required; an eye exam is sufficient for a Driving license B.

For a New Driving License B:

Costs of Obtaining a Driving License in Turkey in 2026 (Updated Fees)

The total cost varies significantly depending on whether you're converting a foreign license or obtaining a new one. Fees increased in 2026 due to annual revaluation (around 25–45% rise reported in some sources). Always check official NVI for exact amounts.

Costs for Conversion of Foreign License (No Exams, Eligible Countries Only):

Costs of New Driving License B (With Driving School + Exams):

Notes:

• Pay fees at contracted banks/PTT (select "Sürücü Belgesi İşlemleri").
• For real-time TRY rates or transfers, use trusted services—but verify official NVI fees first.
• Sources: NVI official 2026 fee tables

How to Pay Turkish Driving License Fees

If you have a Turkish bank card, you can pay the driving license in Turkey fee via any ATM as follows:

1. Select "Ödeme İşlemleri" (Payment Transactions).
2. Choose "Vergiler ve Resmi Kurumlar" (Taxes and Official Institutions).
3. Select "Sürücü Belgesi ve Kimlik Yenileme" (Driving License and ID Renewal).
4. Choose "Sürücü Belgesi İşlemleri" (Driving License Transactions).
5. Select "İlk Başvuru/Sınıf Ekleme" (First Application/Class Addition).
6. Enter your kimlik number and select B Class for a Driving license B.
7. Confirm with Onay or Devam.
8. Collect the payment receipt from the ATM or download it from your mobile banking app.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an International Driving Permit in Turkey

1. Translate Documents: Translate your license, passport, and academic certificate, with notarization by a notary public.
2. Obtain Medical Certificate: Complete medical tests at a hospital or clinic. Use your current license to skip the blood type test.
3. Book an Appointment: Schedule via randevu.nvi.gov.tr.
4. Submit Documents: Provide all documents, including a no-criminal-record certificate (obtained from a local court or police station with fingerprinting).
5. Pay Fees: Cover the required fees for the International Driving Permit.
6. Receive Permit: Get a temporary permit, with the permanent one mailed within 7–14 days.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Driving License B in Turkey

1. Enroll in a Driving School: Register at a reputable school like Villa Levent for foreigners.
2. Complete Training: Attend 3 weeks of theoretical and practical lessons for a Driving license B.
3. Pass Theoretical Exam: Score at least 70/100 on the 50-question test.
4. Pass Practical Exam: Demonstrate driving skills in a 15-minute test.
5. Pay Fees: Cover government (5,678 TRY) and training fees (~10,000 TRY).
6. Receive License: The Driving license B is issued by the Nüfus Müdürlüğü and mailed to you.

Tips and Recommendations for a Driving License in Turkey

Keep these tips in mind:

• Verify your country's eligibility for conversion on official NVI/police sites to avoid unnecessary exams.
• Book appointments early via randevu.nvi.gov.tr (select "Sürücü Belgesi").
• Prepare for potential 2026 fee increases, budget 20–45% more than prior years.
• Study theory via official MEB resources (exams in English/Arabic available in many centers).
• Always carry vehicle insurance, it is mandatory in Turkey.
• Ensure all documents are complete and valid.
• Choose the Right School. Schools like Villa Levent offer English-language courses for foreigners.
•  A Turkish driving license is valid for 10 years and easily renewable.
• Check 2026 driving rules and traffic fine in Turkey to avoid any possible issue.