Obtaining a Turkish driver’s license step by step Sürücü Belgesi

Your comprehensive guide to obtaining and replacing a Turkish driver’s license

The topic will be updated if there are any amendments to the Turkish laws related to the Turkish driver’s license.

If you want to drive a car, truck, or any means of transportation in Turkiye, plan to stay in Turkiye for more than 6 months and want to drive legally, you must obtain a driver’s license.

Requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Turkiye

According to Turkish law, there are some conditions for obtaining a driver’s license, including the following:

Applicants must be at least 18 years old for a vehicle driver’s license and 17 years old for a motorcycle driver’s license.
Have a valid residence permit from the time of application until you receive your license or temporary protection card with your national number for refugees.
Provide a copy of your residence permit or temporary protection card.
Apply A copy of the degree certificate, translated and certified by a notary.
A medical report for the driver’s license must be obtained from government hospitals.
A criminal record can be obtained from the Adliya or online from government websites linked to the relevant ministry sabıka sorgulama.
4 recent personal photos with a white background.

Steps to obtain a Turkish driver’s license

You must submit all of the above-mentioned documents to one of the driving schools in Turkiye, pay an amount of approximately 1500 Turkish liras, the course fee, and then attend the driving course. After the course, you will take a test.

The driving test consists of multiple choice questions, 50 questions for 60 minutes, and you must pass the test with a score of at least 70% and above. After the theoretical test, there is a practical driving test, the date of which is also determined by the school.

Failing the practical test does not mean that you will have to retake both exams; you can only retake the practical test with the theoretical test result.

After passing the driving school tests, the school directs you to a bank to deposit the amount of 520 Turkish liras for the driver’s license fee, to attach the payment receipt with the papers, and an appointment is set from the security center of your place of residence and you must go on the date with the papers you got from the school, including the document of success in the training course and you will get a temporary driving license for a period of one month until you get the final license.

How long is a Turkish driver’s license valid?

The total validity period of a license is usually 10 years.

Can I use the driver’s license I got from my country?

Yes, you can do that. As long as it is translated and legalized by a notary within 6 months from the date you enter Turkiye. After that, you must apply to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Turkish license, so you can drive in Turkiye legally.

Steps to convert your original driver’s license to Turkish

If you have a valid driver’s license in your home country, can you convert it to a driver’s license in Turkiye?

First of all, you should know that only countries that have acceded to the Traffic and Roads Agreement are allowed to convert their driver’s license into a valid driver’s license in Turkiye.

If your country is among the countries that have acceded to the Convention, you can transfer your license in several steps, as follows:

Prepare the following documents: A translation of the driver’s license certified by a notary public.
A certificate of good behavior from the Justice Department.
A color copy of the original license.
Submit these papers to the traffic department of your local security department Trafik hizmetleri başkanlığı.

The Security Directorate requires you to fill out a license transfer application, after which the competent authorities will give you a serial number and access it on the website to check the result of your submitted application, whether it is accepted or rejected, and it may take a relatively long time.

If you are approved, you need to prepare the following paperwork and documents:

Notary certified translation of the original driver’s license.
4 personal photos.
Driving medical report.
A copy of your private residency.
A receipt for approximately 60 lira

Can I use my international driver’s license?

Yes, you can use your international driver’s license as long as it is valid and cannot be converted to a local license.

Categories and types of driver’s license in Turkiye

There are several categories of driver’s license in Turkiye:

A1: Motorcycle driver’s license.

A2: License S Bicycle handles.

B: Driver’s license for cars, minibuses and buses.

C: Truck driver’s license.

D : Tow truck driver’s license.

E: Bus driver’s license.

F: Tractor driver’s license.

G: Driver’s license for engineering motor vehicles.