International Driving Permit for Turkey
Turkey drives on the right, and while many foreign licences are accepted for short visits, an IDP is recommended to bridge any language gap and ease longer stays. The country's roads span European Istanbul, the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia, and a long Mediterranean coast, with modern toll highways using an electronic system. Carry an IDP with your home licence to simplify car hire and roadside interactions.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Turkey?
An IDP is recommended in Turkey for visitors driving beyond a short stay or whose licence is not in the Latin alphabet, as it helps with rentals and police checks alongside your national licence.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Middle East
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: Turkish
Driving in Turkey: key facts
- Turkey uses electronic toll systems (HGS) on motorways and many bridges, so rental cars usually carry a transponder.
- Speed limits commonly reach around 120 km/h on motorways, with lower limits on rural and urban roads.
- Seatbelts are mandatory and a strict alcohol limit applies, with zero tolerance for certain drivers.
How to get your IDP for Turkey
Getting your International Driving Permit for Turkey takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Turkey
Do I need an IDP to drive in Turkey?
An IDP is recommended rather than universally mandatory; a valid foreign licence is often accepted for short stays, but an IDP helps with longer visits, rentals, and any language barrier at checkpoints.
Can I rent a car in Turkey with a foreign licence?
Yes, you can rent a car with a valid foreign licence, and carrying an IDP alongside it is advisable, especially if your licence is in a non-Latin script.
What side of the road does Turkey drive on?
Turkey drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Turkey?
The minimum driving age is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 and to have held their licence for a year or more.
Other countries in Middle East
International Driving Permit for Turkey
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