Getting a Turkish Driving License
Following a recent question which was asked to the Bodrum Bulletin, reader Ole has very kindly sent in details of his experience in getting a European driving license "converted" to a Turkish license. In summary, it was a simple process, over a couple of mornings, took very little knowledge of Turkish language, and cost under 500TL.
Let me share with the readers how easy it was to swap my European driving license into a Turkish driving license.
1. Obtained forms at the "driver's chamber" office between the BP station and Mudo Concept shop in Bodrum. Price: 50 kuruş.
2. My Danish driving license was translated into Turkish. That took about 15 minutes at a price of 30 TL.
3. The translation was notarised at a cost of 54 TL. That took only 5 minutes, no waiting time.
4. Medical report from the Devlet Hastanesi (eye, ear and blood-test) at a cost of 40 TL and 50 kuruş. That took about 45 minutes, and the blood test result (blood type) was available one hour later.
5. Whilst waiting for the blood test result, I went to he Adliye (Court House in Bitez) to obtain my clean crime report. Price: 5 TL
6. Eight photos were taken at a cost of 10 TL.
7. Paid the driving license tax at the Vergi office in Bodrum. Price: 263 TL
All of the above was done on a Friday morning. The following Monday morning I took all the papers plus photos to the Trafik Polis in Bodrum. I was there at 9:00 a.m., and the police officer verified all my papers. After payment of 60 TL, I was told to return at 15:00 hours to collect my Turkish driving license. The license was ready at 15:00 hours, but before handing over the license, I was requested to have finger prints taken. I kept a computerised copy of my finger prints, which I was requested to keep together with my license or in my vehicle.
It was very easy and quick!