International drivers permit Turkey

What is an International Driver’s Permit?

An International Driver’s permit is a legal document to grant foreign drivers free passage, and the document is recognized by 141 countries worldwide. It is valid for between one year and three years, depending on the country in which it is being used.

How do International Driver’s Permits work in Turkey?

If you want to stay in Turkey for more than three months, you will need an International Driver’s Permit. This will be valid for a year.

How do you obtain an International Driver’s Permit?

You can obtain an International Driver’s Permit through our website.

You must have an up-to-date copy of your native driver’s license.

How much does an International Driver’s Permit cost?

An international Driver’s Permit costs $49 and is obtainable through our website.

How long does it take to receive your International driver’s permit?

Once you have ordered your International Driver’s Permit, a digital copy will be available to you after two hours.

A postal copy will be sent to your postal address. This should arrive in between 2 and 30 days.

When should I get a national driver’s license for Turkey?

If you are looking to live in Turkey for more than a year, it is a good idea to look into getting a national driver’s license for Turkey. There is two ways of doing this:

Converting your original driver’s license –

Turkey recognizes the driver’s licenses of 84 countries as transferable (including the United Kingdom but excluding the United States of America and Australia), meaning that if you hold a license from one of these 84 countries, you can fill out some paperwork and send it off to the Turkish authorities to receive a Turkish driver’s license. However, when you send off your paperwork, you also have to send off your original driver’s license, which the Turkish authorities will subsequently send back to its country of origin. The countries that are included in this arrangement are:

Here is a list of the documents that you will need to send off to the Turkish authorities when applying to convert your original driver’s license:

• Your original driver’s license
• Translation of your driver’s license (an International Driver’s Permit)
• Passport
• Health report with all relevant tests passed
• One biometric photograph
• Declaration of blood type
• Education documents showing that you completed at least primary school
• Criminal record

Suppose you don’t wish to give up your original driver’s license. In that case, you can take the Turkish driving tests, which are as follows: a theory test taken online and a practical test taken in a vehicle with a moderator. If you pass these tests, you will be given a temporary driver’s license, and your official driver’s license will be sent in the mail.

Rules for driving in Turkey

Age restrictions

You must be over 18 to drive a car in Turkey. However, if you are looking to rent a car, you must be over 21.

Seatbelts

All passengers in a moving vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times. Violating this law may land you with a fine.

Mobile Phones

The use of mobile phones while driving is against the law in Turkey; in some cases, you may be fined and, in others, you may be fined, have your driver’s license confiscated, and be convicted. However, using hands-free devices is permitted.

Drink driving

Drink driving is illegal in Turkey. The legal limit for drivers is a blood-alcohol reading of 0.05% when using a breathalyzer. One pint of beer could tip you over this threshold, so it is best to avoid any level of drinking before driving. If caught driving above the limit, you will be fined and immediately banned from driving for 6 months.

Documentation

You must carry your driver’s license (native or national) with you at all times when driving a vehicle in Turkey.

You must carry proof of insurance for your vehicle. This could be a copy of your car insurance contract.

Car insurance

All vehicles in Turkey must be insured with at least ‘compulsory traffic insurance’ (zorunlu trafik sigortası). This type of insurance is equivalent to third-party insurance. Suppose you already have car insurance on a vehicle in your home country. In that case, it is recommended that you enquire with your car insurance company to see if they can provide you with cover as offers to existing customers are often discounted.

Speed limits

The speed limits in Turkey are as follows :

Urban areas: 50 km/h

Double lane roads: 90 km/h

Motorways: 120 km/h

Suppose you are caught breaking the speed limit by speed cameras or traffic enforcement. In that case, you are likely to receive a fine, and, in some instances, you may suffer more severe consequences for your offense, such as your license being confiscated or a driving ban being issued.

Tips for driving in Turkey

Which side of the road do you drive on?

In Turkey, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Are the roads safe in Turkey?

Generally, the motorways and main roads are well-maintained and safe to drive on in Turkey. However, many of Turkey’s side streets and lanes are old and unkept. It is best to avoid these roads but if your journey must use them, make sure you drive carefully at a reduced pace. Additionally, ensure that the road ahead is well lit.

Planning your journey

Turkey has few road signs in comparison to the UK. This can make it difficult for you to navigate the roads. It is best to plan your journey or, if this is not possible, to have a companion in the passenger seat who can guide you.

Car rental in Turkey

Age restrictions

Although the minimum age for driving in Turkey is 18 years old, you must be over 21 to rent a car in the country.

Where should you look for car rental companies?

When looking to rent a car in Turkey, it is recommended that you look online to find the best deal. Ensure that the website you are using has a lock icon in the search bar; this confirms that the website you are using is trustworthy. To be sure you will get good service from the car rental company you chose, find some reviews online to confirm that the company provides excellent customer service.

When should I book my rental car?

Always book your rental car a month in advance to ensure that you get the best deal, as leaving it to the last minute can cause prices to increase due to higher demand for vehicles. Waiting closer to the date you wish to rent the car can also limit your choice of vehicle.

Pricing

Hiring a car for one day is substantially more costly than hiring a car for an extended period.

One day can set you back 1,600 Turkish lira ($90/£73).

A week of renting will cost around 450 lira ($25/£20 per day)

Insurance

Some rental companies will provide third-party car insurance as part of their package. Always check this with your provider. If you already have car insurance on a vehicle at home, consult your current provider to see if they can provide you with car insurance at a discounted rate. Otherwise, car insurance will add around another $7/£5 a day to your car rental fee.

Top destinations in Turkey

Marmaris

Situated on the Turkish Riviera, Marmaris is a beautiful city surrounded by blue waters, forests, and picturesque mountains.

The town offers a range of pastimes such as swimming in the ocean, tasting wine, dining in traditional restaurants, and partying in clubs.

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the horse safari in the Marmaris National Park. If you are visiting with children or just fancy some fun, the Aquadream water park is a perfect place to play.

Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most infamous cultural cities in the world. Wedged between Europe and Asia, this city was influenced by the Greeks, Italians, Romans, and Turks.

As a result of its various colonizers, the city of Istanbul has a diverse landscape of differentiating architectures. Visit the beautiful Haga Sophia mosque, built by the Byzantine empire, and admire the infamous mosaics that line the interior of the building. Then, go down to the Dolmabahce Palace and Museum to see the designs of the Ottoman Empire and take in the city’s history.

For unique souvenirs, visit the Grand Bazaar, a colorful market in the heart of the city. This market is one of the most infamous in Europe thanks to its wide range of merchandise from across the continents of Europe and Asia.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is the perfect destination for visitors looking to experience the magic of a natural wonder. This mystical landscape in the center of Turkey is scattered with stone sculptures formed due to volcanic eruptions. You can view the sculptures from the sky in the infamous hot air balloons that appear in all photos of Cappadocia.

To get the whole experience, stay the night in a cave hotel and wake at sunrise to see the true beauty of this natural wonder.

Konya

Konya stands as one of the oldest cities in the world. Despite being inhabited by several cultures over the centuries, Konya has maintained its traditional Turkish way of life.

If you are interested in the history of Turkey and its culture, this is the perfect destination; The Ince Minare Medrese is an incredible museum with artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras. You can also visit the ruins of the ancient Seljuk palace for an immersive historical experience. Last but not least, you can watch or join as the locals perform their beautiful, religious ritual each week, the ‘Sama’, in which participants twirl in flowing skirts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an International Driver’s Permit?

An International Driver’s Permit is a legal document recognized by 141 countries worldwide that foreign drivers use to allow them free passage in foreign countries.

Do I need an International Driver’s Permit in Turkey?

If you stay in Turkey for less than three months, you do not require an International Driver’s Permit. However, having one is a good idea so that any authorities looking to identify you can read your license in a language they understand, making any encounters quick and easy.

If you stay in Turkey for over three months, you must obtain an International Driver’s Permit. You must carry this document with you at all times while driving in Turkey and when crossing borders.

How long is an International Driver’s Permit valid in Turkey?

An International Driver’s Permit is valid in Turkey for one year after its issue date.

What is the minimum age for driving in Turkey?

You must be over the age of 18 to drive a motor vehicle in Turkey.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Turkey?

You must be over 21 to rent and drive a rental car in Turkey.

What side of the road do you drive on in Turkey?

You drive on the right-hand side in Turkey.

What insurance am I required to have on my vehicle in Turkey?

All motor vehicles in Turkey must be insured with at least third-party insurance.