{"id":4,"date":"2020-11-17T11:16:21","date_gmt":"2020-11-17T11:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitlocalturkey.com\/?p=4"},"modified":"2023-12-31T12:33:39","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T12:33:39","slug":"can-tourists-drive-in-turkey-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitlocalturkey.com\/can-tourists-drive-in-turkey-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Tourists Drive in Turkey? a Turkish Lawyer’s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a Turkish lawyer, one of the main personal questions asked by my clients and friends when coming to Turkey is if they can use their home country driving licenses in Turkey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you the answer right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, all tourists and foreigners can use their home country driving license in Turkey for up to 6 months starting from the day that they enter Turkey<\/strong>. Provisional Driving Licenses are not accepted in Turkey.<\/strong> (Turkish Road Traffic Regulation Article 88)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no special requirement or permit for foreigners or non-residents in Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post will share my information on using your driving license in Turkey and everything else you need to know while driving in Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tried to be as simple as possible and bolded important places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Can Tourists Drive with a Foreign Driving License in Turkey? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tourists with a foreign driver’s license can legally drive in Turkey. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, all foreign driving licenses are valid as long as they have a photo and are written in the Latin alphabet.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All British, American, Canadian, Australian, EU, Indian, Pakistani, and UAE driving licenses are valid in Turkey if they are not provisional and the driving license contains a photo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the age requirement for driving in Turkey<\/a> is being over 18 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With foreign driving licenses, tourists can drive in Turkey for up to 6 months after entering Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your driving license is not written in the Latin alphabet, <\/strong>you can still use your driving license in Turkey. All you need to obtain a notarized translation of your driving license. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Obtaining a translation of your driving license is easy.<\/strong> The usual method is to use Turkish Consulate services in your home country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, there is an easier method. In every major town, there are one or more public notaries. You can visit any one of them to acquire a notarized and translated copy of your driving license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The notarization process will not take much time, but it will depend on the speed and availability of the translator. The cost will be around $60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You do need to carry a translation of your driving license in Turkey. On the other hand, if you are to stay longer than a usual holiday, I advise you to obtain a notarized Turkish translation of your driving license. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the best practice that could help you to avoid any arguments. The British Government also advises this practice on their Turkey Travel Advice<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click to read specific guides for British driving licence holders<\/a> and American driving license holders.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Driving in Turkey<\/a> could be very relaxing. This is a picture that I took from my car. Photo was taken in Candarli, Izmir.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

2. What documents do you need to drive in Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turkish people<\/strong><\/a> have the compulsory duty to carry their ID cards with them at all times, and all foreigners\/tourists are also expected to carry ID with them. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The valid ID for any foreigner is their Passport or Turkish Residence permit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to my own experience, generally, police ask for your passport and driving license. They are usually okay with seeing only your driving license in holiday towns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, the Police may want to see your passport to check your entry date to Turkey. For this reason, you need your passport while driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a citizen of the below-listed countries, your own country ID cards will count as a passport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, you need to carry documents given to you when entering Turkey, and you may need them to prove your entry date.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Countries can enter Turkey with their ID cards.<\/strong> Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, North Cyprus Republic, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Portuguese, Ukraine, Greece citizens can enter Turkey with their national ID card. Source: Turkish Foreign Ministry<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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3. Can You Rent a Car in Turkey with a Foreign Driving License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Non-residents and foreigners can rent a car with a foreign Driving Licence in Turkey. Some rental companies may deny renting a car to people who are younger than 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the global car rental companies have offices in Turkey. You can hire a car from Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Alamo, Budget, and many other local and international brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before renting a car,<\/strong> I usually check car rental companies’ scores and reviews at Discover Cars<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renting from local companies with low ratings in Discover Cars may not be the best idea. Unknown companies with poor reviews may result in additional charges at the end of the contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can further read about my renting car tips<\/a> below in this post or check my guide specifically about renting a car in Turkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude97\ud83d\udca8 Ready to book your car rental? <\/strong>Click the link to book directly with Discover Cars<\/strong>,<\/a> which searches all national and local companies to get you the best rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. How long can you drive with a foreign driving license in Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tourists or any foreigner,<\/strong> or even Turkish citizens, can use their foreign driving license up to 6 months after entering Turkey. (Turkish Road Traffic Regulation Article 88)<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to replace their driving license with a Turkish Driving License at the end of six months. <\/strong>If you want a Turkish Driving License without any exams, read my article, 2 Ways for Foreigners to get a Turkish Driver\u2019s License.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The six months do not indicate the total time you spent in Turkey during several trips.  Every time you exit and enter Turkey, this duration will restart.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Should you use an International Driver’s License (IDB) in Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

International Driver’s License is also accepted in Turkey. If you want to, you can use an International Driving License to drive in Turkey. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, if you have a foreign driving license with a photo written in the Latin alphabet, you do not need it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Driving in Turkey is safer than driving in most countries.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

6. Is Turkey right-hand or left-hand drive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving in Turkey is on the right-hand side of the road<\/a> like in European countries and the USA. The Turkish traffic rules have no significant differences from other Western countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Is Driving in Turkey Safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving in Turkey is not the safest when compared with other European countries. Yet, Turkey is one of the safest places in the world to drive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey is riskier than Europe but the safest place in the Asia continent to drive. Also, Turkey is safer than the United States and most countries on the American continent.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me demonstrate my point. This is a graphic prepared by the World Health Organization. It shows death rates from road traffic accidents by country. (per 100,000 inhabitants) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can see in the graphic that traffic safety in Turkey is better than the world average. Turkey is only outranked by European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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WHO death rates from road traffic accidents by country. (per 100,000 inhabitants) Source Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Roads in Turkey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From my experience, I can tell that Turkish roads are better than most European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Turkish road network is advanced, and major hubs are connected via highways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in the villages, most roads are in good condition, and you can easily travel Turkish roads with regular cars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, SUVs may be required if you wish to go off the less beaten path and Eastern Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the World Economic Forum 2019 data, Turkish road quality is<\/strong> better than Italy, Greece, Australia and South Africa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey has a higher road quality than many European countries. (Click for WEF Road Quality Index<\/a><\/strong>) In road quality. Turkey ranks 32nd among 141 countries worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time to take a road trip and drive in Turkey is the summer and fall months. In winter, it can be snowy, and you may need winter tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Is it safe to drive in Istanbul?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving in Istanbul<\/a> is very difficult. While the roads are in good condition and safe to drive in Istanbul, it can be hard to manage Istanbul’s congested traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Istanbul traffic jams can be stressful for even a professional driver. Also, if you miss a turn, you could drive miles to return to the same place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Istanbul has diverse public transport options. Instead of driving in Istanbul, use taxis and the metro. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides being cheaper, public transport may be more comfortable than driving. If you are planning to use a taxi, please read my taxis guide<\/a> to learn how to avoid the worst taxi drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in the mood for driving, please read my article A Local’s Guide to Unique Day Trip Ideas from Istanbul<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Turkish highways connect major cities and tourist centers. A regular Turkish highway is a 3 lane road going in one direction. Izmir Highway.
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

10. Is Driving Easy in Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turkish traffic rules are within European standards, and there is no major difference. Yet, Turkish traffic has some unique behavior that can be stressful to adapt to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, the Turkish driver\u2019s mentality is different.<\/strong> I could write a separate article on the reasons for this sociological phenomenon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, some warm-blooded Turkish drivers drive riskier compared with the average European driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My father always told me that a good driver is not a driver who drives well. A good driver is a driver who can foresee other driver\u2019s mistakes and tolerate them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Turkey, drive defensively thinking that other drivers can make mistakes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The second reason<\/strong> why Turkey is a bit riskier than Europe is geography. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of Europe is flat plains, while Turkey is a mountainous country. <\/strong>There are many roads with slopes. These roads are not dangerous, but you may need to get used to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As someone who has experienced driving in Asia and Africa, I can confirm that driving in Turkey is safe compared to all other Asian and African countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, driving in Turkey<\/a> is more energetic when compared to European standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three special things, I should warn you about the Turkish Traffic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Flashing lights behind you<\/strong> and getting close to your car’s back is risky behavior that foreign drivers need to adjust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me help you understand this Turkish driver’s behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This translates to \u201cI am faster than you, and give me the right of passage by moving to the slower right lane.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing personal in this behavior, I am not fond of this behavior as well, just move to the right lane and let the warm-blooded driver pass you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out the holiday calendar for Turkish people before planning. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During public holidays’ start and end times, everyone wants to leave the city for some holiday. The traffic around Metropolitan areas like Izmir and Istanbul can be chaotic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start your road journey earlier, before 4 pm, when the workday finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even<\/b> in the hottest parts of Turkey, it can be cold in the winter mornings. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially in the very early morning, glass-like ice can form on the road. It is invisible but very slippery. Drive slowly in the winter mornings.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Be careful about Wild Animals when driving. These are wild Yilki Horses in Manisa, coming from Spilos mountain to enjoy grasses in the city center.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

11. Simcard and Online Maps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mobile internet coverage is very good in Turkey. Also, it is tough to find a spot without access to mobile internet. You can easily buy a sim card for your phone with data coverage when you arrive in Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means you can use Google Maps or Yandex Maps to find your way around Turkey. These apps have pretty accurate road assistance services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people use Yandex Maps in Turkey, but I like Google Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Baby and Children Seats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The child seat is mandatory in Turkey for babies and kids shorter than 150 cm and under 36 kg. Fortunately, most rental car companies supply baby and child seats at your request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Police Checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Police checks are frequent, checkpoints are located at the exits and entrances of major settlements, and there are also random checkpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are stopped at these checkpoints, this does not mean you did something wrong. These are both traffic and security control points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I used to outrun these checkpoints in my stupid 20s, but those fun days are gone. Today, police forces are very strict. Never try something like that. They will chase you now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please drive slowly and carefully when nearing these checkpoints. Follow the lead of the police officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Roundabouts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is the most confusing part of Turkish traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically you should give priority to the traffic coming from the right. However, we do not follow this rule. Turkish people<\/a> have a different understanding of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkish people tend to treat roundabouts as intersections, but our understanding may be illogical for a foreigner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the locals. Proceed carefully in roundabouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Pedestrians<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This advice is not about driving but about walking. Never assume that the car will stop and give you the way when crossing the street. Even in the pedestrian crossings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be watchful when crossing the streets until you have some experience in the Turkish way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Turkish traffic rules and speed limits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the basic rules to follow to avoid getting fined by the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n