Turkey Driving License: Complete Guide (2025)

The Turkish driving license is an official document that permits individuals to operate motor vehicles in Turkey. It is issued by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) and is recognized both domestically and internationally under certain agreements.

Types of Driving Licenses in Turkey

Turkey issues driving licenses according to European Union standards. The categories include:

Category A1, A2, A – Motorcycles (various engine sizes)
Category B – Standard passenger cars (up to 3,500 kg)
Category BE – Passenger cars with trailers
Category C, CE – Trucks and heavy commercial vehicles
Category D, DE – Buses and minibuses
Category F, G, M – Agricultural vehicles, mopeds, and others

Who Can Get a Driving License in Turkey?

To apply for a Turkish driving license, you must:

Be at least 18 years old (Category B) or meet the age requirement for the desired category
Have completed at least primary school education
Be medically fit to drive
Pass both theoretical and practical exams
Complete training at a licensed driving school

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents when applying for a new driving license:

Turkish national ID card or valid residence permit
Biometric photo (recent, with white background)
Medical certificate (from authorized health facilities)
Blood group documentation
Criminal record certificate (may be retrieved automatically by the system)
Driving school training completion certificate
Receipt of payment for license fees

How to Apply for a Driving License in Turkey

Register with a Licensed Driving School
Complete required classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
Pass the Theoretical Exam
A computer-based test covering traffic rules, first aid, and vehicle knowledge.
Pass the Practical Driving Test
Conducted by certified instructors on designated test routes.
Submit Application
After passing both exams, apply for your license through the NVI (Population Directorate).
Receive the Card
The physical license card is usually delivered within 1–2 weeks.

License Validity and Renewal

Standard driving licenses are valid for 10 years.
For professional drivers (e.g., Category C, D), the validity is 5 years.
Renewal requires a new medical report, updated photo, and payment of a renewal fee.

Renewals can be done online or in person at the NVI offices.

Using a Turkish License Abroad

Turkey is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, allowing Turkish license holders to drive in many countries for a limited period.
For longer stays, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or conversion to a local license may be required depending on the country.
Some European and Gulf countries have bilateral agreements with Turkey for license exchange without testing.

Foreign Licenses in Turkey

Visitors can use their valid foreign driving licenses for up to 6 months from the date of entry.
After 6 months, foreigners must convert their license to a Turkish one.
Conversion requires a notarized translation of the foreign license, residence permit, and medical documentation. Some applicants may need to retake the exams.