In the Republic of Turkey, driving a vehicle is permitted only with a valid driver's license, similar to most other countries in the world. Foreign nationals planning to move to Turkey for permanent residency have several options to legalize their driving rights in the country:
Using a National Driver's License: Foreigners can drive in Turkey using their national driver's licenses for the first six months of their stay. This is allowed as long as they comply with visa requirements or have a temporary residence permit.
Converting Foreign Licenses to Turkish Ones: After the initial six months of stay in Turkey, foreign nationals are required to convert their national licenses to Turkish licenses. This process does not involve taking additional driving tests.
Obtaining a Turkish Driver's License from Scratch: If a foreign national doesn't have a driver's license, they can acquire one in Turkey by undergoing relevant training and passing the required examinations.
Process of Converting Foreign Licenses to Turkish
To convert a foreign driver's license to a Turkish one, the following steps must be taken:
- Schedule an appointment at the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) via their official website.
- Collect the necessary documents:
- Original foreign driver's license and its notarized Turkish translation.
- Receipt of state duty payment.
- Medical certificate.
- Original and copy of the foreign passport.
- Copy of the ikamet (residence permit).
- Certificate of clean criminal record.
- Proof of residence address in Turkey.
- Two biometric photos.
- Blood group certificate.
- Educational document (high school diploma or university degree) with notarized translation.
- Visit the directorate to submit documents and for fingerprinting.
Obtaining a Turkish Driver's License from Scratch
For those without a driver's license who wish to obtain one in Turkey, the process includes:
- Providing necessary documents:
- Copy and translation of the foreign passport.
- Copy and translation of the educational certificate.
- Three biometric photographs.
- Medical certificate with blood group, Rh factor, and an ophthalmologist's report.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Information about residence in Turkey and ikamet card.
- Completing theoretical and practical training.
- Passing exams that cover traffic regulations, first aid, vehicle mechanics, and driver psychology.
Key Points to Note
- Exams are conducted in Turkish.
- A minimum of 70 out of 100 points is required to pass the theoretical exam.
- If failed, the theoretical exam can be retaken after paying the relevant fee.
- Successful completion of the courses allows obtaining a driver's license through the police department.
Traffic Regulations in Turkey
The key traffic rules in Turkey include:
Speed Limits: Maximum speeds are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 120 km/h on highways.
Blood Alcohol Limit: The permissible blood alcohol level for drivers is up to 0.5 promille.
Headlight Usage: Drivers must use low beam headlights during the day in tunnels or in conditions of reduced visibility, like rain or fog.
Safety Measures and Child Transportation: Passengers in both front and back seats must wear seat belts. Children under three years must be transported in car seats in the back. Children under 150 cm tall and weighing up to 36 kg are prohibited from sitting in the front seat.
Phone Usage: It's illegal for drivers to use a mobile phone held in their hands while driving.
