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How to get a Turkish driving licence as a foreigner
Updated 28 September 2026 · 6 min read
If you live in Turkey and do not have a driving licence, or your licence cannot be exchanged, you get a Turkish licence the same way Turkish citizens do: through an MEB-registered driving school, a written e-exam (which you can take in English) and a driving test. Here is the whole process for a B (car) licence.
Who is this guide for?
- Foreign residents in Turkey who have never had a licence.
- People whose foreign licence cannot be exchanged without an exam. If you already have a licence, first read converting a foreign licence.
- Tourists do not need this. See driving in Turkey as a tourist.
Requirements
- Age: at least 18 for a B (car) licence.
- Residence: driving schools register you in the MEB system with your foreign identity number, which you get with a Turkish residence permit. Check with the school before you apply.
- Education: at least primary school. A foreign diploma may need a notarised translation.
- Health: a "fit to drive" health report (sürücü olur raporu).
- Criminal record: no conviction that prevents you from holding a licence.
Documents for the driving school
| Document | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| Residence permit and passport | Show originals; the school keeps copies |
| Health report (sürücü olur raporu) | Family doctor (aile hekimi), state hospital or private clinic |
| Education certificate | Your diploma, usually with a notarised Turkish translation |
| Biometric photos | Any photo studio (white background, taken in the last 6 months) |
| Criminal record certificate | e-Devlet or the courthouse |
Schools sometimes ask for extra papers such as a blood group card. Call the school and confirm the list before you go.
Step by step
- Choose a driving school. Pick an MEB-registered school near you and ask in writing what the price includes. Ask whether they teach in English.
- Register with your documents. Tell them you want the exam in English.
- Attend the theory lessons. Traffic and Environment, First Aid, Vehicle Technology and Traffic Etiquette.
- Take the written e-exam. 50 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 70. Read the driving test in English.
- Take driving lessons. After passing the written exam you complete the compulsory driving lessons.
- Take the driving test. Learn the basic Turkish instructions the examiner uses.
- Pay the licence fee and card fee. At a tax office, a partner bank or online through the Revenue Administration (GİB).
- Collect your licence. Book an appointment with the Population Directorate (NVİ) and pick up your card.
Get ready to pass first time
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- All 500 questions in English, with explanations
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One-time payment: 249.90 TL · no subscription. A resit costs 1,250 TL.
Costs in 2026
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Written e-exam fee | 1,250 TL |
| Driving test fee | 2,000 TL |
| B licence fee (harç) | 6,754.60 TL |
| Licence card fee | 1,690 TL |
| Total state fees | 11,694.60 TL |
On top of this you pay the driving school. Course prices are set by a commission in each province, so they differ from city to city. In big cities a B course starts at around 20,000 TL. Translations, the health report and photos are extra. Every failed exam means paying the exam fee again.
How long does it take?
It depends on the school's timetable, exam appointment availability and whether you pass first time. Candidates who pass both exams at the first attempt usually finish within a few weeks to a few months.
FAQ
Can a foreigner get a driving licence in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign residents can enrol at an MEB-registered driving school, take the written exam (available in English) and the driving test, and receive a Turkish licence.
Do I need a residence permit to get a Turkish driving licence?
Driving schools register candidates with a foreign identity number, which comes with a residence permit. Confirm with the school before you apply.
How much does a Turkish driving licence cost in 2026?
State fees for a B licence total 11,694.60 TL (exam 1,250 TL, driving test 2,000 TL, licence fee 6,754.60 TL, card 1,690 TL). The driving school fee is extra.
Can I take the exam in English?
Yes. Foreign nationals can take the written e-exam in English and six other languages.
Sources: Driving licence in Turkey for foreigners (Expat Focus) · 2026 fee table (IŞIK Sürücü Kursu). Fees and rules can change; confirm with official sources or your driving school.