# Turkey Driving Test (EGM / Emniyet Genel Mudurlugu) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/turkey
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (ehliyet / surucu belgesi) in Turkey, covering the EGM theory test (teorik sinav), driving school (surucu kursu) requirements, costs, and step-by-step process.

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## Quick Facts: Turkish Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | EGM (Emniyet Genel Mudurlugu) / Surucu Kurslari Birligi |
| Theory Test Questions | 50 multiple choice |
| Time Limit | 45 minutes |
| Pass Mark | 35 correct (70 points out of 100) |
| Total Cost | TRY 20,000-35,000 (driving school + all fees) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (cars), 16 years (motorcycles A1/mopeds) |
| Test Languages | Turkish (English, Arabic, Russian available in some cities) |
| Theory Validity | Valid until practical test is completed |
| License Validity | 10 years (B class), 5 years (C/D commercial classes) |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 50-60% |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Turkish Driving License (Ehliyet / Surucu Belgesi)

### Step 1: Enroll in a Driving School (Surucu Kursu)
- Registration with an authorized driving school (surucu kursu) is mandatory
- Driving schools are regulated by the Ministry of National Education (MEB)
- Course duration: approximately 2-3 months
- Includes theoretical and practical education
- Cost varies by city: TRY 13,000-26,000 for driving school fees

### Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Turkish ID card (T.C. Kimlik Karti) or valid passport with residence permit
- Medical health report (saglik raporu) from an authorized hospital
- Biometric photo (biyometrik fotograf) - 2 copies
- First aid course certificate (ilk yardim kursu sertifikasi)
- Proof of residence (ikametgah belgesi)
- Blood type certificate (kan grubu belgesi)
- Driving school registration form

### Step 3: Complete Mandatory Training
- **Theoretical education**: Minimum 24 hours of classroom instruction
- **Practical driving lessons**: Minimum 12 hours behind the wheel
- Topics include traffic laws, road signs, first aid basics, vehicle mechanics, and safe driving
- Attendance is tracked electronically

### Step 4: Pass the Theory Test (Teorik Sinav / E-Sinav)
- 50 multiple choice questions administered via tablet/computer (e-sinav format)
- Each question worth 2 points (total: 100 points)
- Must score 70 points or higher (35+ correct answers)
- 45 minutes time limit
- Conducted at MEB-authorized examination centers
- Primarily in Turkish; some centers offer English, Arabic, or Russian

### Step 5: Pass the Practical Driving Test (Direksiyon Sinavi)
- Conducted with two certified examiners in the vehicle
- Tests: vehicle checks, hill start, traffic driving, parking maneuvers
- Includes parallel parking, reverse parking, and three-point turns
- Must demonstrate safe driving in real traffic conditions
- Fee: approximately TRY 1,350

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## Turkish Theory Test Topics (Teorik Sinav Konulari)

### Traffic Laws and Regulations (Trafik Kurallari)
1. **Traffic signs (Trafik isaretleri)** - Warning, prohibitory, mandatory, and informational signs
2. **Traffic signals (Trafik isiklari)** - Signal meanings, pedestrian crossings
3. **Right of way rules (Gecis hakki)** - Intersection priority, roundabouts
4. **Speed regulations (Hiz siniri kurallari)** - Limits by road type and vehicle class
5. **Parking and stopping rules (Park ve durus kurallari)** - Restrictions and penalties

### First Aid (Ilk Yardim)
- Basic first aid procedures at accident scenes
- Emergency response protocols
- CPR and bleeding control basics
- When and how to call emergency services (112)

### Vehicle Mechanics (Arac Teknigi / Motor)
- Basic engine and brake systems
- Tire maintenance and safety
- Vehicle lighting systems
- Dashboard warning indicators

### Traffic Ethics and Environment (Trafik Adabi ve Cevre)
- Defensive driving principles
- Environmental awareness while driving
- Courtesy and sharing the road
- Pedestrian and cyclist safety

### Question Distribution
- Traffic laws: approximately 25 questions
- First aid: approximately 12 questions
- Vehicle mechanics: approximately 8 questions
- Traffic ethics: approximately 5 questions

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## Speed Limits in Turkey (Hiz Sinirlari)

| Road Type | Cars | Trucks/Buses |
|-----------|------|--------------|
| Urban areas (Sehir ici) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Residential zones | 30 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural roads (Sehir disi) | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Divided highways (Bolunmus yol) | 110 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Motorways (Otoyol) | 120 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Select motorway sections (2025+) | Up to 130-140 km/h | 90 km/h |

Note: As of 2025, Turkey has increased speed limits on select motorway sections to 130-140 km/h for passenger vehicles. The general motorway limit remains 120 km/h unless otherwise posted.

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## Alcohol Limits (Alkol Sinirlari)

- **General drivers**: 0.50 per mille (0.50 g/L blood, 0.05% BAC)
- **New drivers (first 5 years)**: Zero tolerance (0.00 per mille)
- **Commercial/professional drivers**: Zero tolerance (0.00 per mille)
- **Bus and heavy vehicle drivers**: Zero tolerance (0.00 per mille)

### Penalties for Drunk Driving (2025/2026)
| Offense | Fine (TRY) | License Suspension |
|---------|-----------|-------------------|
| First offense | ~9,268 | 6 months |
| Second offense | ~11,622 | 2 years + mandatory SUDGE training |
| Third+ offense | ~18,678 | 5 years |
| Causing injury while drunk | Criminal prosecution | Revocation possible |

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## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Turkey (Zorunlu Arac Donanimlari)

1. **Fire extinguisher** (Yangin sondurucu) - must have Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) stamp and valid expiration date
2. **First aid kit** (Ilk yardim cantasi) - fully stocked and not expired
3. **Warning triangle** (Uyari ucgeni) - EU-approved reflective triangle
4. **Reflective vest** (Yansitici yelek) - must be inside the passenger compartment
5. **Tow rope or strap** (Cekme halati) - for vehicle recovery
6. **Spare tire or repair kit** (Yedek lastik) - with jack and tools
7. **Neck brace** (Boyunluk) - for first aid after accidents

### Motorway Toll System
- **HGS** (Hizli Gecis Sistemi) - fast toll pass sticker on windshield
- **OGS** (Otomatik Gecis Sistemi) - automatic toll pass transponder
- Cash payment is NOT accepted at motorway toll booths
- HGS sticker available at PTT (post office) branches - approximately TRY 50-100

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## Turkish License Types (Surucu Belgesi Sinifiari)

| License | Vehicles | Minimum Age | Validity |
|---------|----------|-------------|----------|
| M | Mopeds up to 50cc | 16 years | 10 years |
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125cc/11 kW | 16 years | 10 years |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 years | 10 years |
| A | Any motorcycle (unrestricted) | 20 years | 10 years |
| B1 | Light quadricycles (up to 400 kg) | 16 years | 10 years |
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8+1 passengers | 18 years | 10 years |
| B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years | 10 years |
| C1 | Trucks 3,500-7,500 kg | 18 years | 5 years |
| C | Trucks over 3,500 kg | 21 years | 5 years |
| D1 | Minibuses up to 16+1 passengers | 21 years | 5 years |
| D | Buses over 8+1 passengers | 24 years | 5 years |
| F | Tractors and agricultural machinery | 18 years | 10 years |
| G | Construction/industrial machinery | 18 years | 10 years |

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Insufficient knowledge of first aid questions (ilk yardim) - these make up ~24% of the theory test
2. Confusion about speed limits on different road types, especially the new higher motorway limits
3. Not understanding zero-tolerance alcohol rules for new and commercial drivers
4. Incorrect knowledge of mandatory vehicle equipment (especially fire extinguisher requirements)
5. Failing to study traffic sign meanings thoroughly - many similar signs with different meanings
6. Poor parking maneuvers during the practical test (parallel parking is commonly failed)
7. Not practicing hill starts sufficiently for the practical driving test

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## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost Range (TRY) |
|------|-----------------|
| Driving school registration and course | 13,000-26,000 |
| Medical health report (saglik raporu) | 500-1,000 |
| First aid course (ilk yardim kursu) | 300-600 |
| Biometric photos | 50-100 |
| Government license fee (harc) | ~6,755 |
| Valuable document fee (degerli kagit) | ~1,690 |
| Foundation service fee | ~425 |
| Theory exam fee | Included in school fee |
| Practical exam fee | ~1,350 |
| HGS toll sticker (if needed) | 50-100 |
| **Total estimated cost (Class B)** | **TRY 22,000-38,000** |

Note: Prices have increased significantly in recent years due to inflation. Driving school fees vary substantially by city - Istanbul is among the most expensive, while smaller cities are more affordable. Retaking the practical test costs approximately TRY 6,500.

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips (Teorik Sinav Ipuclari)
1. Study all four test subject areas equally - first aid questions are frequently overlooked but comprise ~24% of the test
2. Use official MEB-approved practice apps and question banks (ehliyet sinav sorulari)
3. Focus on traffic signs - many questions test recognition of similar-looking signs
4. Memorize fine amounts and penalty points for common violations
5. Practice with timed mock exams - 45 minutes for 50 questions requires quick decision-making
6. Pay special attention to zero-tolerance alcohol rules for new drivers

### Practical Test Tips (Direksiyon Sinavi Ipuclari)
1. Practice parallel parking and reverse parking until they become automatic
2. Master hill starts - Turkey has many hilly areas and this is commonly tested
3. Complete more than the minimum 12 hours of practical lessons (20+ recommended)
4. Check all mirrors and use signals before every maneuver
5. Demonstrate proper pre-drive vehicle checks (lights, mirrors, seat belt)
6. Stay calm with two examiners in the car - they are evaluating safety, not perfection

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## Converting a Foreign License to Turkish (Yabanci Ehliyet Donusumu)

### Vienna Convention Member Countries (84 countries)
- Turkey recognizes driving licenses from all signatory countries of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
- Direct exchange possible without exams for valid licenses from convention member states
- Must convert within 6 months if residing in Turkey for more than 180 days continuously

### Countries with Bilateral Agreements (No Exam Required)
Foreign licenses from countries with bilateral agreements can be exchanged directly, including:
Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, and other countries with specific mutual recognition agreements.

### EU/EFTA Countries
- EU driving licenses are generally accepted for exchange
- Includes: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and all other EU member states

### Other Recognized Countries
- USA, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, UAE, and others
- Check the official EGM website for the complete current list

### Exchange Process
- Valid foreign driving license (original required)
- Notarized Turkish translation of the license
- Valid residence permit (ikamet izni)
- Medical health report
- Application form at the nearest traffic registration office (Trafik Tescil Sube Mudurlugu)
- Fee: approximately TRY 8,870 (government fees)

### Important Notes
- Foreign licenses are valid for up to 6 months after entering Turkey
- After 180 days of continuous residence, conversion is mandatory
- International Driving Permits (IDP) are accepted for tourists
- Some countries require a simplified written test for conversion

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the Turkish driving theory test?
The Turkish theory test (teorik sinav / e-sinav) consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Each question is worth 2 points, for a total of 100 points. You must score at least 70 points (35 correct answers) to pass. The test covers traffic laws (~25 questions), first aid (~12 questions), vehicle mechanics (~8 questions), and traffic ethics (~5 questions).

### How much does the Turkish driving license cost in total?
The total cost for a Class B (car) driving license in Turkey in 2026 is approximately TRY 22,000-38,000. This includes driving school fees (TRY 13,000-26,000), government fees and licenses (TRY 8,870), medical report (~TRY 500-1,000), and first aid course (~TRY 300-600). Costs vary significantly by city and driving school.

### Can I take the Turkish driving test in English?
The theory test is primarily administered in Turkish. However, some larger cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya) offer the test in English, Arabic, or Russian upon request. It is recommended to confirm language availability with your driving school or local examination center before registering.

### What is the alcohol limit for drivers in Turkey?
The general alcohol limit in Turkey is 0.50 per mille (0.05% BAC) for experienced private drivers. However, there is zero tolerance (0.00 per mille) for new drivers in their first 5 years, commercial drivers, and all bus and heavy vehicle operators. Penalties include substantial fines (starting at ~TRY 9,268) and license suspension from 6 months to 5 years.

### Is a fire extinguisher mandatory in Turkish vehicles?
Yes, a fire extinguisher (yangin sondurucu) is mandatory in all motor vehicles in Turkey. It must bear the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) stamp and have a valid expiration date. Additionally, vehicles must carry a first aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest, tow rope, and neck brace.

### How long does it take to get a Turkish driving license?
The entire process typically takes 2-3 months, including the mandatory minimum of 24 hours of theoretical education and 12 hours of practical driving lessons at a driving school, followed by the theory and practical exams. Some driving schools offer accelerated programs. If you fail an exam, there is a waiting period before you can retake it.

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - Turkey Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/turkey
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

EGM (General Directorate of Security): https://www.egm.gov.tr
Ministry of National Education (MEB): https://www.meb.gov.tr
ALO 112: Unified Emergency Number
Traffic Consultation Hotline: 154

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check egm.gov.tr.