How do you get a driver's license for the first time in Turkey?
The order of the first-license process, from gathering papers to converting the course certificate into an actual license.
Short answer
Collect your education document, criminal record extract, biometric photo and driver's health report, then enrol at a MEB-licensed driving school (MTSK) for class B. Finish the theory lessons, pass the e-Sinav computer exam, then pass the road test. The school issues a Driver Candidate Certificate; book an e-Devlet appointment at the Civil Registry Office to turn it into the licence card.
What you need
Step by step
Gather the documents
On e-Devlet, download the barcoded papers from the "Adli Sicil Kaydı Sorgulama" and "Mezun Belgesi Sorgulama" services. If your diploma does not appear there, request an education document from the school you graduated from. Add your ID card and a biometric photo, since the driving school asks for the whole set at enrolment.
Get the health report
Apply to your family physician or an authorised health facility for a "sürücü olur" fitness report. They check vision, hearing and general health; wear your glasses if you use them, because that gets noted on the report. The result is usually entered into e-Nabız, but keep a printout with you anyway.
Enrol at a driving school
Pick an MTSK licensed by the Ministry of National Education and register for class B if you want to drive a car. The school adds you to the MEB system. State at enrolment whether you will train on automatic or manual, because that choice is written onto your licence as a restriction.
Complete the theory lessons
Attend the Traffic and Environment, First Aid, Vehicle Technology and Traffic Etiquette classes. If you exceed the absence limit, your right to sit the exam moves to the next term. Once lessons end, the school submits your name to the e-Sinav list.
Sit the e-Sinav exam
Go to the MEB e-Sinav centre named by your school, taking your exam entry document and ID card. The test is multiple choice on a computer and the result appears on screen. If you fail, ask your school to re-register you for the next exam period.
Take the road test
Finish the practical training at the school, then take the road test at the location set by the provincial exam commission. You drive the school's car, and you must bring your ID card. Pass, and the school issues your Driver Candidate Certificate.
Book the licence appointment
Create a Civil Registry Office appointment for a first-time licence through the "Sürücü Belgesi İşlemleri Randevusu" service on e-Devlet or at randevu.nvi.gov.tr. Pay the fee and valuable-paper charge through the e-Devlet payment step or at a tax office, and keep the receipt.
Finish the application and collect the card
On appointment day, go to the Civil Registry Office with your certificate, ID card, health report, education document, criminal record extract, photo and payment receipt. They take your fingerprint and signature and hand you a temporary licence. The card is shipped by PTT to your registered address.
Tips
Watch out
Holding the course certificate is not the same as holding a licence. If you drive before the Civil Registry Office issues your licence, you are fined for driving unlicensed and the vehicle is impounded. The temporary licence is only handed over once the application is complete.
Frequently asked questions
+Can I sit the exam without attending a driving school?
No. First-time applicants must complete both theory and practical training at a MEB-licensed MTSK, and the school files the exam application on your behalf.
+If I pass e-Sinav but fail the road test, do I start over?
No, your theory pass stands. You apply through your school for a new road test period; only if you run out of attempts do you need to renew your enrolment.
+I lost my diploma. What should I do?
Use the "Mezun Belgesi Sorgulama" service on e-Devlet for a barcoded document. If it is not in the system, ask your school or the provincial directorate of national education for an education document.
+Can I get the health report anywhere?
It must come from a family practice, hospital or health facility authorised to issue driver reports. You can ask which provider your school works with, but you are not obliged to use it.
+Can I drive before the card arrives?
Yes, if you completed the application at the Civil Registry Office and received the temporary licence, you may drive inside Turkey. You must carry the document with you.
Sources and verification
Last verified: September 15, 2026. tell us. Process applies to Turkey; Turkish service and document names kept as-is so they can be found on e-Devlet.
This content is for information only; for official procedures the relevant institution’s current announcements take precedence. Details: disclaimer.