Guide to Obtaining a Driving License in Turkey for Foreigners in 2025

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 comprehensive guide details the process of obtaining a driving license in Turkey in 2025, covering requirements, necessary documents, costs, and information about the International Driving Permit. Whether you’re converting a foreign license or applying for a Driving license B (standard car license), this guide provides all the information you need. Read on to learn more!

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.

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 (e.g., from Iran), 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: The conversion fee in 2025 ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 TRY, payable at ATMs or bank branches. Check real-time TRY exchange rates here.
6. License Issuance: Receive a temporary Turkish driving license, with the permanent one mailed to your address within 7–14 days.

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: Pay government fees (5,000–6,000 TRY) and training course fees (approximately 10,000 TRY). Payments can be made via ATMs with a Turkish bank account.
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 you to drive in Turkey for up to 6 months. In Turkey, IDPs are issued by the Turkish Automobile Association (TTOK) at turing.tr, costing around 2,000–3,000 TRY for one year. In Iran, IDPs are issued by the Touring & Automobile Club.

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: Since Iranian licenses include 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 2025

The cost of obtaining a driving license in Turkey is a key concern for many applicants. The table below outlines estimated costs for a Driving license B based on 2025 data. For precise figures, contact the Nüfus Müdürlüğü or driving schools. For currency conversion or money transfers to Turkey, consider services like EZDEX.

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 Iranian 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

• Verify Documents: Ensure all documents are complete and valid.
• Choose the Right School: Schools like Villa Levent offer English-language courses for foreigners.
• Prepare for Exams: Study theoretical exam resources at meb.gov.tr.
• Vehicle Insurance: Mandatory for legal driving in Turkey.
• License Renewal: A Turkish driving license is valid for 10 years and easily renewable.