1- Foreigners obtaining a driving license in Türkiye
Foreigners residing in Turkey want to explore the different regions and cultures that enjoy stunning scenery and constitute attractive historical centers in Turkey. Cars are considered the preferred means for foreign citizens to fulfill their desires and reach these areas, but here an important point emerges, which is the necessity of foreigners obtaining a driving license in Turkey, as Foreign citizens can use their driving license that they obtained from another country for a temporary period within Turkey, but when this period is extended, foreigners must replace the foreign driving license with a driving license that is granted by Turkish authorities.
2- Driving licenses legally accepted in Türkiye
The minimum legal age that allows driving a car or bus (eight passengers) in Turkey is 18, while the minimum legal age for driving motorcycles is 17, but in order for a foreign citizen to be able to drive his vehicle in traffic, he must obtain a driver’s license, as well as He must keep inside his vehicle the driver’s license, vehicle license, and insurance, and present them to the competent authorities if requested.
3- Conditions for using a driving license in Türkiye for foreign citizens
Foreign citizens who will reside in Turkey for a period not exceeding 180 days can use their country’s driver’s license during this period. In the event that there is no personal photo on the foreign driver’s license, its holder must present an international driver’s license, personal card (identity card), or passport. For the international driving license to be valid in Turkey, it must be presented with a valid regular driving license, and upon the expiration of the relevant period, which is 6 months, foreign citizens must obtain a driving license issued by the Turkish authorities.
Foreign citizens can also use their country's driver's license in Turkey, provided that the driver's license is translated and authenticated by a notary public. Translation and authentication can be done by a sworn translator at the notary public or by translation offices accredited by Turkish consulates and embassies.
4- Steps that must be followed to exchange a foreign driving license
Foreign citizens who hold a foreign driving license are not required to undergo any driving exam in order to obtain a driving license issued by the competent Turkish authorities. Instead, they can submit an electronic application by visiting the official website. https://randevu.nvi.gov.tr affiliated with the Public Registry Directorate and complete the procedures for replacing the driver’s license by presenting the required documents.
5- Documents required to replace a foreign driving license in Türkiye
· Original foreign driving license and a photocopy thereof
· Translation of the foreign driver’s license certified by a notary public or the Turkish consulate
· Personal card (ID)
· A medical report for the holder of a foreign driving license
· Receipts for payment of fees and taxes
· Photograph
· A written statement explaining the blood type of the holder of a foreign driving license
· Educational certificate and a notarized translation of certificates acquired from outside Türkiye
· Criminal record document (its authenticity is verified electronically)
Upon completion of the stage of submitting a request to replace a driver’s license, the foreign driver’s license will be returned to its owner. If the application is submitted completely and all necessary documents are presented, the replacement stage ends successfully and the new driver’s license is sent within 15 days via the PTT mail company to the specified address.
6- Steps that foreign citizens must follow in order to obtain a driving license for the first time
Foreign citizens residing in Turkey who want to obtain a driving license for the first time must pass the stages of education and tests and present all the necessary documents for this. The stages of education and tests are as follows:
· Training on first aid, engines and traffic rules
· Practical driving training that lasts for 12 hours
· Driving license test
· driving test
7- Driving license test
It is known as the test that determines the extent of knowledge of the details of first aid, engines, and traffic rules. It is conducted in the Turkish language only. An interpreter can be accompanied during the test. Foreign citizens need to obtain a score of 70 in order to pass the test.
8- driving test
Foreign citizens gain the right to participate in the practical driving test after passing the theoretical test. During the test, the driver’s skills in driving the vehicle in traffic are examined for 15 minutes.
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