🚗 Converting a Foreign Driver's License to an Israeli Driver's License

Before detailing the procedure, you should know that:

📋 For one year from the date of entry into Israel, you can drive with a valid foreign driver's license.

For the purposes of license conversion, date of entry is the last time the license applicant entered Israel after staying abroad for at least 6 consecutive months.

⏳ The conversion process can take several months, so it is recommended that an application be submitted immediately upon arrival in Israel and in any case, no later than 5 years from the date of receipt of the status registered in the Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate).

📊 Requirements for converting the license

The requirements depend on your driving experience in your country of origin prior to coming to Israel:

- Experience of 5 years or more – conversion with no need to take any exams

- Experience of 2 to 5 years – driving test (bechina ma’asit)

- Experience of less than two years – theory test and driving test

✨In all cases, there is an exemption from having to take driving lessons as long as the foreign license is valid.

⚠️ If 5 years have passed from the date you received oleh status or if you did not receive a Teudat Oleh due to a prolonged stay in Israel before receiving your status – you will be required to pass a theory exam and a practical exam, regardless of your driving experience.

🔄Procedure steps:

① Fill out an online application – personal details, health declaration and select a license category. 

⚠️ To convert multiple license categories, a separate form must be filled out for each one. After filling out the form, you will receive confirmation via SMS that it has been received.

② Get an eye exam and a photo (at a recognized optician) - Go to a registered optician for a vision test and a photo. In Beit Shemesh, the official optician is Optica Halperin in Big. You do not need an appointment. 

You will then receive an SMS message that you can take the driving exams.

If you are not required to take the exams, go to Step 4.

③ Exams

- Theory exam - given at authorized exam centers. You must register and pay in advance. You can find an online pool of Q&As to get a sense of what the test may look like here: https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/ Note: You may ask the administrator to switch the test into English on your behalf.

Use this link to find the closest branch to take the test. Find the one you want and click the blue button that says רישום (registration).

- Driving test - through a driving school or driving instructor. A fee and payment to the driving instructor are required.

After passing the exams, you will receive confirmation via SMS; 

④ Make an appointment and arrive at the licensing office. You must go in person and bring the required documents. You will receive a temporary license at the office.

⑤ Pay the fee – by credit card through a variety of payment channels.

🪪 After payment, the permanent license will be sent to you by mail.

🔗 For complete details in your language and to perform the conversion, visit the Ministry of Transportation website:  https://www.gov.il/en/service/convert_driving_license 

📞 Ministry of Transportation hotline: *4515