Ministry of Transport — Foreign driver's license in Israel: using, converting, and validity periods
Source: Decker, Pex & Levi Law Office (lawoffice.org.il), updated 18/12/2024
Driving in Israel with a Foreign License
The Ministry of Transport (Misrad HaTachbura) allows a holder of a valid foreign driver’s license (with at least 5 years of seniority) to drive in Israel for 12 months from the date of entry.
- Tourists and foreign workers may drive with their foreign license without converting it during this period.
- Visitors who enter and exit Israel repeatedly can drive with their foreign license for an additional year per visit, provided they spent a certain period abroad between visits. If a tourist visits Israel twice with fewer than three consecutive months abroad between visits, they cannot drive with the foreign license on the second visit.
- Olim (new immigrants) and returning citizens who leave Israel and return from abroad may continue to drive with a foreign license only if they were abroad for at least one consecutive year.
- The foreign license must be valid under Israeli law — appropriate for the type of vehicle driven and validly issued in the country of origin.
Converting a Foreign Driver’s License to an Israeli License
An immigrant, foreign resident, or tourist who wishes to drive in Israel for more than one year may convert their foreign license to an Israeli one, subject to a short practical test.
Time Limits for Conversion
| Person | Time limit to convert |
|---|---|
| Tourist / returning Israeli citizen | Up to 5 years from date of entry into Israel |
| New immigrant (oleh) | Up to 5 years from date of aliyah |
| Israeli citizen who obtained a license abroad | Must have lived abroad for at least 6 consecutive months before returning |
Important: Leaving Israel does not reset the conversion time period. If 5 years pass without conversion, the person may not drive in Israel even if the foreign license is still valid. They would then need to obtain a new Israeli license from scratch (theory test + driving lessons + practical test).
Asylum seekers are generally not entitled to an Israeli driver’s license unless they have received temporary resident status.
Validity of the Converted License
| Person | License validity |
|---|---|
| Tourist | 6 months or until visa expiry (whichever is earlier) |
| Oleh / returning resident (toshav chozer) | 10 years |
| Foreign worker | 5 years or until visa expiry (whichever is earlier) |
Israeli residents who left the country for an extended period may apply to renew their Israeli driver’s license while still abroad.
For foreign workers: if a license was previously issued, the employer or employer’s representative may visit the licensing office with a power of attorney (ייפוי כוח) and the worker’s passport to renew the license for five years.
Documents Required for Conversion
To convert a foreign license, you must provide:
- Valid foreign driver’s license — if not in English, a certified Hebrew or English translation by a lawyer or notary is required.
- Valid identity document — Israeli ID card (teudat zehut) or passport.
- Certificate of aliyah (teudat aliyah) — for new immigrants.
- Valid visa — valid for at least three months.
Conversion Process (Step by Step)
- Visit an authorized photo station approved by the Ministry of Transport (list at gov.il).
- Present your identity documents at the station and receive Form RShaL 18 (טופס רש“ל 18) — known as the “green form.”
- Bring the completed form and all documents listed above to the Conversion Department at the Licensing Office (Agaf HaHamrot, Misrad HaRishayon).
- After submission, a date will be set for the shilut (control) test (מבחן שליטה).
What Is the Shilut (Control) Test? (מבחן שליטה)
A short practical driving test lasting approximately 15 minutes. The candidate must demonstrate:
- Control of the vehicle
- Familiarity with Israeli traffic laws
Cost (as of 2024): 144 NIS
- The test may be retaken once.
- If a candidate fails twice, they must complete the full theory (theory test) and standard practical driving test — the same process as any new driver seeking a license.
For legal assistance with driver’s license conversion or other immigration matters, contact the Decker, Pex & Levi Law Office: 03-3724722 / 055-9781688.