How to Obtain a Driving License in Turkiye

To obtain a driving license in Turkiye or convert a foreign driving license, there are certain procedures you need to follow.

Here’s a detailed report on how to get a driving license in Turkiye and the steps to convert a foreign driving license:

First: How to Obtain a Driving License in Turkiye

1. Required Documents to Obtain a Driving License in Turkiye:

   • Turkish Identity Card (Kimlik) or passport if you are a foreigner.
   • Medical Certificate: A medical certificate from an approved hospital or clinic for a vision and general health check.
   • Passport-sized Photos: Usually, 8 recent photos of size 3x4.
   • Proof of Residence: Such as a utility bill (electricity or water) or rental contract.
   • Proof of Residence in Turkiye: You must have lived in Turkiye for at least 6 months (in some cases, 1 year may be required).
   • Fee Payment: Includes fees for the driving school, government fees, and medical check fees.

2. Procedures to Obtain a Driving License:

   • Enrollment in a Driving School: You must enroll in an accredited driving school that offers both theoretical and practical lessons.
   • Theoretical Lessons: Cover topics such as traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving behavior.
   • Practical Lessons: Include actual driving on the roads under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
   • Passing the Tests:
     • Theoretical Test: A multiple-choice exam on traffic laws and safety.
     • Practical Test: Driving the car under the supervision of an inspector, performing specific maneuvers, and driving on designated streets.
   • Fee Payment: Payment is required for both theoretical and practical lessons, in addition to the license issuance fees.

3. Approximate Costs for 2025:

   • Driving School Registration Fee: Ranges from 4,000 to 7,000 Turkish Lira (depending on the city and school).
   • Medical Test Fee: Approximately 200 Turkish Lira.
   • License Issuance Fee: Around 400 to 500 Turkish Lira.
   • Total Cost: The total cost to obtain a driving license may range from 4,500 to 8,000 Turkish Lira.

Second: How to Convert a Foreign Driving License to a Turkish License

1. Required Documents to Convert a Foreign Driving License:

   • The original driving license from your country, which must be valid.
   • A certified translation of the license if it is not in Turkish.
   • Turkish identity proof (Kimlik or passport).
   • A medical certificate from an approved hospital.
   • A recent passport-sized photo.
   • Proof of residence in Turkiye (e.g., utility bill or rental contract).
   • Proof of residence in Turkiye for at least 6 months or 1 year (depending on your nationality).

2. Procedure to Convert the License:

   • Visit the Traffic Department: After gathering all the required documents, you need to visit the Traffic Department (Trafik Şube) to apply for the conversion.
   • Fee Payment: A fee will be paid for the license conversion, which can range from 500 to 1,000 Turkish Lira.
   • Vision Test: A vision test is typically conducted at the Traffic Department.
   • Wait for Approval: After submission, your documents will be reviewed, and your license conversion will be approved.
   • Issuance of Turkish License: Once approved, you can receive your Turkish driving license.

3. Approximate Costs for Converting the License:

   • License Conversion Fee: Around 500 to 1,000 Turkish Lira.
   • Medical Test Fee: Around 200 Turkish Lira.
   • Certified Translation of License: Approximately 100 to 300 Turkish Lira, depending on the service provider.

4. Notes:

   • Some countries (such as EU countries) may not require a driving test if your license is valid; it will simply be converted directly.
   • For some other countries, you may be required to take a driving test.

Third: Timeframe

• Obtaining a New License: It may take 1 to 3 months, depending on the duration it takes to complete the training course and pass the tests.
• Converting a License: This process may take about 1 to 2 weeks if all documents are in order.

Exceptions: In certain cases, you may be allowed to drive using your foreign license for a limited period (up to 6 months) before you are required to convert it to a Turkish license.