AACI — Converting a foreign driver's license to an Israeli license (general process — road test required)

Source: https://aaci.org.il/driving-in-israel · 2026

Who Qualifies for the Abridged Process (No Written Exam, Road Test Required)

Olim and returning residents who do not qualify for immediate conversion, plus temporary residents and tourists, may convert their foreign license using an abridged process. They are exempt from the written exam, but a short road test is compulsory. Minimum age: 17 years old.

Olim

• Foreign license must have been issued prior to aliyah.
• Have 5 years from aliyah to convert using this process.
• Documents: Foreign driver’s license with issue date + photocopy, teudat zehut, teudat oleh.

Temporary Residents

• Must convert within one year of arrival.
• Documents: Foreign driver’s license with issue date + photocopy, passport, official permit for staying in Israel.

Returning Residents (Never Had an Israeli License)

• Foreign license must have been issued at least 6 months prior to return.
• Applicant must have been abroad for at least 6 months prior to the request.
• Must convert within one year of return.
• Documents: Foreign driver’s license with issue date + photocopy, identification card, proof of time spent outside Israel.

Returning Residents (Had an Israeli License Previously)

• Must make an appointment at Misrad HaRishui for instructions on renewing their license.
• Bring: Old Israeli driver’s license and current teudat zehut.

Tourists

• Must convert after residing in Israel for one year.
• License valid for six months or last date of visa (whichever is earlier); can be renewed immediately upon expiry.
• Documents: Foreign passport, foreign driver’s license (must be translated if not in English), valid 3-month tourist visa.

General Procedure for Obtaining Your Israeli Driver’s License

1. Complete and submit the online form: https://govforms.gov.il/mw/forms/RishumTheory@mot.gov.il#!requestDetails
   • An SMS or voice message will be sent within a few days with further instructions.
2. Get a photograph and, if needed, an eye exam: https://www.gov.il/he/Departments/DynamicCollectors/photo_driving_license_stock?skip=0&limit=10
3. Bring teudat zehut and teudat oleh (if applicable) to the nearest Misrad HaRishui that processes olim. You will be issued a referral (hafnaya) to a driving school to take your road test.
4. Make an appointment at Misrad HaRishui: https://govisit.gov.il/en/authorities/authority/29

The Road Test

• Contact a driving instructor to schedule the road test. The instructor must schedule the test and their car must be used.
• You are required to take a minimum of one lesson; the instructor may require more.
• The test may take place at any Misrad HaRishui branch.
• Important: If you take the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, your license will only permit driving automatics. Taking the test in a standard (manual) vehicle allows you to drive both standard and automatic.
• A driving lesson is usually 40 minutes.
• The road test is a 15-minute control test covering physical car control, local traffic law knowledge, and safe driving practices.
• The instructor brings your forms to the test.

Bring to the Road Test:

• Teudat zehut
• Foreign passport
• Foreign driving license
• Copy of the registration fee receipt

Results will be given by your instructor within a couple of days.

After Passing the Road Test

• If you fail twice, you may be required to take the written theory test (available in many languages, including English).
• Once you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license from your instructor or from Misrad HaRishui.

Important Note

Driving without a valid license invalidates both compulsory and comprehensive insurance.

Driving in Israel with a Foreign License

Olim, temporary residents, returning residents, and tourists may drive in Israel with a foreign or international driver’s license for one year following their date of entry into Israel.

• The vehicle category driven must match the category on the valid license.
• The age requirement must comply with Israeli requirements (minimum age 17 for a private car).