Converting Your Foreign Driver's License to

an Israeli License - Complete Guide

Understanding the Timeline

Can You Drive with Your Foreign License?

New immigrants and foreign residents can legally drive in Israel with a valid foreign driver's license for one year from their last entry into Israel. However, there are important exceptions:

The one-year clock resets only if:

ï           You spend at least 6 consecutive months outside Israel

ï           Short trips abroad do NOT reset this timeline

**Important: **While you have 5 years from your Aliyah date to convert your license, you can only drive legally with your foreign license for the first year after entry. Most Olim choose to convert within the first year to avoid being unable to drive.

License Conversion Window

For new immigrants (Olim):

ï           You have 5 years from your Aliyah date to convert your foreign license using the expedited process

ï           After 5 years, you must go through the standard licensing procedure as if getting a first-time license

For returning residents (Toshavim Chozrim):

ï           Must have spent at least 6 consecutive months outside Israel before returning

ï           Foreign license must have been issued at least 6 months before return

ï           5-year conversion window from return date

For tourists and temporary residents:

ï           Tourists must convert after residing in Israel for one year; the converted license is valid for 6 months or until visa expiration (whichever comes first)

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Convert a License?

You're eligible for license conversion if you meet ALL of these criteria:

Basic requirements:

ï           Within 5 years of Aliyah/entry to Israel

ï           Hold a valid, full foreign driver's license (not probationary or learner's permit)

ï           License must have been issued BEFORE your Aliyah date

ï           Meet minimum age requirement (17 for private vehicles)

ï           Not disqualified from driving in Israel

**Special note: **Those who lived in Israel for more than 5 years before making Aliyah are NOT eligible for conversion and must follow the standard licensing procedure

Three Conversion Paths

Path 1: Expedited Conversion (No Tests Required)

Eligibility:

ï           Within 5 years of Aliyah date

ï           Can prove 5 consecutive years of driving on a full, unrestricted foreign license issued before your Aliyah date

What you need to do:

1.        Complete online application (Tofes Yarok - green form)
2.        Medical questionnaire
3.        Eye exam at approved optician
4.        Visit Misrad Harishui (licensing bureau)
5.        Pay fees
6.        Receive your Israeli license

No driving test required!

Path 2: Standard Conversion with Short Road Test

If you have 2-5 years of driving experience:

ï           Only need to take a Mivchan Shlita (short conversion driving test)

ï           No written theory test required

ï           Same application process as expedited

ï           Plus: Short practical driving test

If you have less than 2 years of driving experience:

ï           Must take both a written theory test AND a Mivchan Shlita (short conversion driving test)

ï           Theory test available in English

ï           Shorter test than full beginner's exam

Path 3: Beyond Your Time Allowance

If 5+ years have passed since Aliyah:

ï           Must go through full licensing process

ï           Driving lessons required

ï           Full theory and practical exams

ï           Same as first-time drivers in Israel

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Get a Ministry of Transport ID Number (If Needed)

For foreign residents without Israeli ID:

ï           Visit any Misrad Harishui branch (no appointment needed)

ï           Present your foreign passport and valid visa (B1, B4, A2, A3, or A4)

ï           You'll receive a paper with a 9-digit ID number starting with "89"

ï           This number is used for all Ministry of Transport dealings

**Note: **Tourist visas (B2) and asylum seekers cannot apply for an Israeli driver's license

Step 2: Complete the Medical Questionnaire (Tofes Yarok)

This form has been digitized:

ï           The old physical "Tofes Yarok" (green form) no longer exists - the process is now fully online

ï           Complete at: Ministry of Transport website

ï           Available in Hebrew only (guide below helps navigate)

ï           Use your Israeli ID or 89 number

Medical questions cover:

ï           Vision problems

ï           Heart conditions

ï           Epilepsy

ï           Diabetes

ï           Mental health conditions

ï           Medication use

ï           Any condition affecting driving ability

If you answer "yes" to any medical question:

ï           Upload a doctor's letter stating you are "fit to drive" (לנהוג כשיר)

ï           Letter must be in Hebrew or English

ï           Should receive confirmation within 2 weeks

**Tip: **Some opticians can complete this form for you for a small fee if you lack internet access

Step 3: Eye Examination

Requirements:

ï           Must visit an optician approved by Misrad Harishui

ï           Bring your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID), passport, or 89 number

ï           The optometrist will:

◦           Conduct an eye examination

◦           Take your photograph for the license

◦           Upload results directly to the Ministry system

Costs:

ï           Eye exam fee varies (typically ₪50-150)

ï           Call ahead to confirm the optician is available

**Find approved opticians: **Check the Ministry of Transport website for a complete list by location

Step 4: Apply Online

Online application process:

ï           Visit the Ministry of Transport licensing portal

ï           Switch to English (click globe icon in top left corner)

ï           **Important: **Must enter your name in Hebrew

ï           Complete all required fields:

◦           Personal information

◦           Contact details (Israeli phone number required for SMS verification)

◦           Foreign license information

◦           Conversion category

What the system checks:

ï           Medical questionnaire completion

ï           Eye exam results (automatically uploaded by optician)

ï           Your eligibility for conversion

Step 5: Gather Required Documents

For Olim, bring to Misrad Harishui:

ï           Valid foreign driver's license (original + photocopy)

ï           Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate) OR Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID)

ï           Teudat Zakaut OR letter of Aliyah recognition from Misrad Haklitah (if lived in Israel before Aliyah)

ï           Proof of 5 consecutive years of driving (if claiming expedited conversion):

◦           Letter from foreign licensing authority

◦           Driving record abstract

◦           Any official documentation showing license issue date

For temporary residents:

ï           Valid foreign driver's license (original + photocopy)

ï           Passport

ï           Official permit for staying in Israel (visa with 3+ months validity)

ï           Entry/Exit report from Population and Immigration Authority (sometimes required)

For returning residents:

ï           Valid foreign driver's license (original + photocopy)

ï           Teudat Zehut

ï           Proof of time spent abroad (stamps, entry/exit record)

Translation requirements:

ï           European format licenses typically do not require translation

ï           Non-English licenses may require notarized translation (check current requirements)

Step 6: Visit Misrad Harishui

Making an appointment:

ï           Book online at: https://govisit.gov.il/en

ï           Select Ministry of Transport - Licensing Bureau

ï           Choose location and time slot

ï           Some locations accept walk-ins but appointments recommended

**Which branches handle conversions: **License conversion is available at most branches EXCEPT: Beit Shean, Safed, Yokneam, Daliyat El Carmel, Kiryat Arba, Ariel, Ofakim, and Rahat

Main conversion centers (with full hours):

ï           Jerusalem (Binyan Clal and Talpiot)

ï           Tel Aviv area (Ramat Gan, Petach Tikva, Holon)

ï           Haifa (Edison Street)

ï           Be'er Sheva, Netanya, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Afula, others

**Note: **Ramat Gan and Dimona only process conversions during morning hours (8:00-13:00)

At the office:

ï           Present all documents

ï           Staff will verify your online application

ï           Pay conversion fees

ï           Schedule road test if required (Path 2)

ï           If expedited conversion (Path 1): Receive temporary license

Step 7: Take the Road Test (If Required)

For those with 2-5 years experience OR less than 2 years:

The Mivchan Shlita (conversion test):

ï           Shorter than full beginner's test (about 20-30 minutes)

ï           Tests basic driving competency

ï           Conducted by Ministry examiner

ï           Can use your own car or rental

Test includes:

ï           Basic maneuvers

ï           City driving

ï           Parking

ï           Following traffic rules

ï           Proper mirror checking

Tips for success:

ï           Practice Israeli road signs and markings

ï           Understand right-of-way rules (different from some countries)

ï           Drive with an instructor familiar with the test route

ï           **Don't wear sunglasses **during test (examiner needs to see you checking mirrors)

ï           Know Hebrew/English terms for basic commands

If you fail:

ï           Can retake the test

ï           If you fail twice, may be required to take theory test

ï           Additional lessons recommended

Theory test (if required):

ï           Available in multiple languages including English

ï           Covers Israeli traffic laws and road signs

ï           Computer-based test

ï           Must pass before retaking road test

Step 8: Receive Your License

Temporary license:

ï           Issued immediately after passing (or if expedited conversion)

ï           Valid with your Teudat Zehut or passport

ï           Paper format

Permanent license card:

ï           Mailed to your address within 2-4 weeks

ï           Plastic card format similar to international licenses

ï           Valid for 10 years (until age 70, then renewals more frequent)

Costs:

ï           License conversion fee: ~₪125-180

ï           Eye exam: ₪50-150

ï           Road test fee (if required): ~₪120-180

ï           Driving lessons (if needed): ₪150-200 per hour

ï           Total for expedited conversion: ₪300-500

ï           Total with road test: ₪600-1,000+

Important Information

What Your Israeli License Covers

License categories:

ï           B: Private cars (up to 4 tons)

ï           A, A1, A2: Motorcycles (different engine sizes)

ï           Others: Trucks, buses, etc.

**Important: **To drive even a small motorbike in Israel, you need a specific motorbike license - a B-category car license is NOT sufficient

International Driving Permit

After getting your Israeli license:

ï           International Driver's License can only be obtained if you already hold a permanent Israeli license

ï           Valid for one year, costs under ₪20

ï           Useful for driving abroad

**US license holders: **If you have a valid US license, you do NOT need an international license for most countries

New Driver Status

If you had less than 2 years driving experience:

ï           Subject to "new driver" restrictions in Israel

ï           Must display "new driver" sticker

ï           Zero tolerance for alcohol

ï           Additional penalties for violations

ï           Status lasts until 2 years total driving experience completed

Key Dates to Remember

Timeline overview:

ï           **Entry to Israel: **Start of 1-year legal driving period with foreign license

**•       +1 year: **Foreign license no longer valid for driving in Israel

**•       +5 years from Aliyah: **Last chance for simplified conversion process

ï           **After 5 years: **Must do full licensing process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 **Waiting too long **- Don't wait until the last minute before your one-year mark **Driving after one year with foreign license **- This is illegal and carries penalties **Assuming short trips reset the clock **- Only 6+ consecutive months abroad resets it **Not having proper documentation **- Bring originals AND photocopies **Going to wrong branch **- Verify your chosen branch handles conversions **Forgetting to book appointment **- Save time by booking online **Incomplete medical form **- Answer all questions; upload doctor's letter if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I convert my license from any country? **A: Most countries' licenses can be converted. Israel has agreements with many countries. Check with Misrad Harishui about your specific country.

**Q: What if my foreign license expires during the conversion process? **A: Convert before it expires. An expired foreign license cannot be converted - you'd need to renew it in your home country first.

**Q: I have both a US and another country's license. Which should I convert? **A: Use the one with the earlier issue date that gives you 5+ years of driving experience. The US license is often easier since it's in English.

**Q: Can I drive while waiting for my conversion appointment? **A: Yes, if you're within your one-year period and have a valid foreign license.

**Q: What if I lose my foreign license after converting? **A: Keep a copy. Once converted, your Israeli license is what matters.

**Q: Do traffic violations from my home country affect my Israeli license? **A: Generally no, but serious violations might be considered.

**Q: Can I convert a motorcycle license? **A: Yes, same process applies for A-category licenses.

**Q: What if I'm from a country that drives on the left (UK, Australia, etc.)? **A: Same conversion process. You may want extra practice since Israel drives on the right.

**Q: How long does the entire process take? **A: Expedited conversion: 2-4 weeks. With road test: 1-3 months depending on test availability.

Contact Information & Resources

Ministry of Transport Licensing Bureau:

ï           Website: www.gov.il/transport (English available)

ï           Phone: *5678 (Sundays-Thursdays 7:00-20:00; Fridays 7:00-13:00)

ï           **Online appointments: https://govisit.gov.il/en

Nefesh B'Nefesh (for Olim):

ï           Helpline: *3680 (from Israel)

ï           **Email: **[email protected]

ï           **Website: www.nbn.org.il

Useful resources:

ï           List of approved opticians: Ministry of Transport website

ï           Misrad Harishui branch locations: Ministry of Transport website

ï           Medical questionnaire: Online at Ministry portal

ï           Israeli road signs guide: Available online in English

Final Tips for Success

 Start early **- Begin the process at least 3-6 months before your one-year mark **Keep copies

• Photocopy everything, multiple times **Learn road signs **- Israeli signs may differ from your home country **Practice **- Even experienced drivers should practice Israeli roads **Ask questions **- Don't hesitate to call helplines or ask at Misrad Harishui **Be patient **- Israeli bureaucracy can be slow; stay calm and persistent **Bring snacks **- Lines can be long; come prepared **Check updates **- Rules change; verify current requirements before going

Bottom Line

Converting your foreign driver's license to an Israeli one is a necessary step for most Olim and long-term residents. While you have up to 5 years from Aliyah to complete the conversion, you can only drive legally with your foreign license for one year, so most people complete the process within their first year in Israel.

If you can prove 5 consecutive years of driving experience before Aliyah, you're eligible for expedited conversion with no tests required - just paperwork, medical clearance, and an eye exam.

The process has been streamlined with online applications, making it more accessible than in the past. With proper preparation and documentation, most people can complete their conversion smoothly.

Start the process early, gather all documents, and you'll be driving legally on Israeli roads with your Israeli license in no time!

This guide is current as of October 2025. Always verify requirements with the Ministry of Transport as regulations may change.

Updated on: 02/02/2026