Converting a Foreign Driving License in Israel (2026)

Test1.co.il editorial teamUpdated:
Short answerA valid foreign license lets you drive in Israel for up to one year from entry. Olim, returning residents and foreign residents can convert it within 5 years: with 5+ years of experience no tests are needed; olim with 2–5 years take a practical test only, and with under 2 years a theory test too.

Who can convert a foreign driving license?

New immigrants (olim), returning residents, foreign residents with a valid residence visa and diplomats can convert a valid foreign license – in every case the application must be filed within 5 years.

  • Olim: within 5 years of the status date on your Teudat Oleh.
  • Returning residents: Israeli residents who stayed abroad for at least 6 consecutive months after getting the foreign license – within 5 years of returning.
  • Foreign residents holding a valid residence permit, such as foreign workers – within 5 years of entry, and only for categories A2, A1, A, B, C1 and tractor.
  • Diplomats, international-organization staff and foreign expert workers may be exempted from some or all tests (A2, A1, A, B).

You get the matching Israeli category if you meet its minimum age. Holders of a permit under Section 2(a)(5) of the Entry into Israel Law cannot get an Israeli license.

How long can you drive on a foreign license?

A valid foreign license lets you drive in Israel for up to one year (12 months) from entry; after that you need an Israeli license. Visitors may drive heavy trucks or buses (C, C+E, D1, D) for only 3 months. A short trip abroad does not necessarily restart the year. Conversion can take several months, so start right after arrival and at least 60 days before the year ends.

Do you need a driving test?

It depends on your experience with the foreign license before entering Israel. For olim, the Ministry of Transport sets it out like this:

ExperienceTheory testPractical test
5 years or moreNoNo
2–5 yearsNoYes
Under 2 yearsYesYes – and you count as a “new driver”
  • Olim are exempt from driving lessons as long as the foreign license is valid.
  • Fail the practical test twice and you must also pass the theory test; after that, practical attempts are unlimited.
  • Olim who apply after 5 years, or who received a printed confirmation instead of a Teudat Oleh, need both tests even with long experience.
  • There is no list of exempt countries – only a conversion treaty with the issuing country changes the rules. US licenses follow the standard process.

Step by step

Apply online, do the photo and vision test, take tests only if required, then visit a licensing office and pay the fee.

  1. Online application on the Ministry of Transport website, with a health declaration – one form per license category.
  2. Photo and vision test at an authorized photo station, with your ID card or passport. The photo is free; the vision test is paid.
  3. Tests, only if required. The theory test is offered in English and six other languages – practice it in English on our site. The practical test is booked through a driving school or instructor.
  4. Licensing office appointment in person with your documents – any branch except Beit She'an, Safed, Yokneam, Daliyat al-Karmel, Kiryat Arba, Ariel, Ofakim and Rahat. You leave with a temporary license.
  5. Pay the fee (foreign residents and diplomats at Israel Post); the permanent license is mailed to you.

Foreign residents and diplomats without an Israeli ID number first get an identifier starting with 89 at a licensing office (no appointment needed).

Documents

Everyone brings ID and the original valid foreign license; a license not in English needs a translation by a notary in Israel who speaks its language.

  • Olim: signed Teudat Oleh. Returning residents: entry/exit record from the Ministry of Interior. Foreign residents: passport with a valid visa and entry/exit record for the last 5 years. Diplomats: valid diplomatic card.
  • For the 5-year exemption: confirmation from the issuing authority of the date your permanent license was issued (a copy is accepted) – not needed if that date appears on the license.
  • Aged 75+: a medical form signed by an authorized physician.

Only originals are accepted, and an International Driving Permit cannot be converted – only the national license.

Fees in 2026

The photo is free, the vision test is paid at the station, a conversion driving test costs ₪80, and the license fee depends on its validity – for example ₪110 for 2 years, ₪269 for 5 years or ₪517 for 10 years. If a theory test is required, the official fee is ₪57, while the exam centers charge ₪76.

Special cases

Ask the licensing office in advance if your license has expired, is automatic-only, or covers trucks or buses.

  • Expired license: only a valid national license can be converted – renew it in the issuing country first.
  • Automatic-only license: we found no explicit Ministry guidance; an Israeli automatic license covers automatic cars only.
  • Trucks and buses (C, C+E, D1, D): medical checks and driving tests are required; foreign residents cannot convert these categories.

Sources

Last checked: 22.10.2026.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I drive in Israel with a foreign license?
Up to one year from entering Israel, as long as the license is valid. Visitors may drive heavy trucks or buses (C, C+E, D1, D) for only 3 months.
Do new immigrants need a driving test to convert their license?
Only with less than 5 years of experience: 2–5 years means a practical test, under 2 years means theory and practical tests. Olim are exempt from driving lessons while the foreign license is valid.
How do I convert a US driver's license in Israel?
The same way as any foreign license: online application, photo and vision test, tests if your experience requires them, and a licensing office appointment. An English license needs no translation.
What is the deadline for converting a foreign license?
Within 5 years of aliyah (olim), of returning (returning residents) or of entry (foreign residents). Olim who apply later must pass theory and practical tests.
Can foreign workers convert their license?
Yes, with a valid residence visa and within 5 years of entry, for categories A2, A1, A, B, C1 and tractor. Holders of a Section 2(a)(5) permit cannot get a license.
How much does license conversion cost in 2026?
The photo is free and the vision test is paid at the station. A conversion driving test costs ₪80, and the license fee depends on validity – for example ₪269 for 5 years.