Driving licence and International Driving Permit in Türkiye

A visitor can ride in Türkiye on a valid foreign licence for up to six months. The licence has to cover the bike you ride, and some nationalities also need an International Driving Permit or a Turkish translation. This guide explains which, and what the police can ask to see.

How long your foreign licence is valid

Under Article 88 of the Turkish Highway Traffic Regulation, a foreign national may drive in Türkiye on a foreign licence for up to six months. After that, anyone who stays has to exchange it for a Turkish licence. Most riders on a holiday or a tour never reach that limit, because the 90-in-180-day visitor rule ends their stay first (see our visa guide).

If you do move to Türkiye and exchange your licence, a foreign moped, motorcycle or car licence is converted to the matching Turkish class. Other classes need training and a test.

Do you need an International Driving Permit?

It depends on your licence and where it was issued. Check your own government's travel advice for Türkiye. Two examples:

• United Kingdom. The UK government says you need a 1968 International Driving Permit or a UK licence notarised in Turkish. The older 1949 permit is no longer accepted. You cannot get a UK permit once you are abroad, so buy it before you leave.
• Australia. You may drive for up to six months on a valid Australian licence. Digital licences may not be accepted, so carry the plastic card. The Australian government notes that police carry out random checks regularly.

An International Driving Permit is not valid in the country that issued it. Türkiye's own issuer, TURING, only issues permits for use abroad, so as a visitor you must get yours at home before the trip.

Even where it is not strictly required, a permit helps when your licence is not in the Latin alphabet or has no English or Turkish text. Rental companies may also ask for one.

Which licence covers which bike

Türkiye uses licence classes that will look familiar to riders from Europe:

Ride only what your own licence covers. If your licence limits you to a lower class at home, the same limit applies in Türkiye.

Car licence and scooters

A car licence is where riders most often get caught out. Since February 2024, holders of a Turkish B (car) licence may ride bikes up to 125 cc, but only after holding the licence for at least two years and completing approved training and a test. The permission is then added to their record. This rule is about Turkish licences.

For visitors, the UK government advises that you need a licence with at least category A1 to hire a moped or scooter. Some rental firms will hand over a 125 cc scooter on a car licence anyway. Do not take that as permission: if you are stopped or have an accident while riding outside your licence, the rental firm's agreement will not protect you.

Renting a bike

Requirements vary by company, so ask before you book. Expect to show:

• Your original licence with the right category, and an International Driving Permit if the company asks for one.
• Your passport. Rental companies register tourists' passport details.
• A card in your name for the deposit, or a cash deposit.

The UK government warns that rental insurance is usually third-party only. You can be charged for damage to the bike, and you may be arrested if you do not pay. Read the damage terms and photograph the bike before you ride off.

What to carry on the road

Turkish traffic law requires you to carry your licence while riding and show it when asked. A vehicle may not be used without its registration document and plates. In practice, keep these on you at all times:

• Your licence, plus the permit or notarised translation if you need one.
• Your passport. Visitors must carry photo ID.
• The bike's registration document, or the rental agreement.
• Proof of insurance valid in Türkiye. For your own bike that is a Green Card or a Turkish border policy; see our insurance guide.

Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger. Police fine drink-riding and can take your licence away for six months.

Quick checklist

• Licence with the motorcycle class for the bike you will ride
• International Driving Permit (1968 type) or notarised Turkish translation if your country's advice calls for one
• Plastic licence card, not only a digital one
• No riding on a car licence, even if a rental shop allows it
• Passport, registration or rental papers, and insurance on you at all times
• Helmets for rider and passenger