One of the first practical tasks many new Olim put off longer than they should is converting their foreign driver’s licence to an Israeli one. Israel has reciprocal licence conversion agreements with a long list of countries, which means the process can be significantly faster and simpler than most people expect. The key variable is which country issued your licence. This guide explains the two tracks, what documents you need, and how to get your Israeli licence as quickly as possible after Aliyah.
The Two Tracks: Reciprocal Agreement Countries vs. Non-Agreement Countries
Israel has licence conversion agreements with many countries. If your licence was issued in one of those countries, you can convert it without taking a full Israeli theory test or practical driving test. If your country is not on the list, the process involves more steps: you will need to take a theory test and in most cases a practical driving test with an Israeli driving school.
Countries with reciprocal agreements include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, and others. The list is updated periodically. Check directly with Misrad HaRishui (the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety) or the Nefesh B’Nefesh website for the current full list before assuming your country is included.
The Process for Reciprocal Agreement Countries
For holders of licences from reciprocal agreement countries, the process is relatively straightforward. You convert your foreign licence through Misrad HaRishui, and no theory or practical test is required. Here is how it works step by step.
First, arrange an eye test with a licensed optometrist in Israel. This is a standard vision check and takes about ten minutes. The optometrist fills out an official form (Form 17) confirming your vision meets Israeli driving standards.
Second, a health declaration is also required. For standard car licences, a self-declaration form is sufficient. For professional licences such as truck or bus categories, a more detailed medical examination is needed.
Third, gather your documents: your original foreign driver’s licence, a certified translation if the licence is not in English, Hebrew, Arabic, or French, your Teudat Oleh, your Teudat Zehut, a completed application form, passport photos, and the completed eye test form. Payment of the conversion fee is made at the office.
Fourth, visit a Misrad HaRishui branch or an authorised testing and licensing centre (known as a Mashab). You submit your documents, pay the fee, and surrender your foreign licence. In return you receive a temporary paper licence while your permanent Israeli licence card is produced and mailed to you, usually within a few weeks.
The Process for Non-Agreement Countries
If your licence was issued in a country without a reciprocal agreement, the process requires more steps. You will need to enrol in an Israeli driving school for a set number of theory lessons, pass the computer-based theory exam at a testing centre, and then take a practical driving test with an official examiner. Some categories allow you to reduce the number of practical lessons required if you already hold a valid foreign licence, but you cannot skip the tests themselves.
The theory exam is available in multiple languages including Russian, Arabic, English, and French. If your Hebrew is not yet strong enough to sit the exam in Hebrew, ask the licensing office about language options when you register.
Timing: When to Convert After Aliyah
You can legally drive in Israel on your foreign licence for the first 90 days after Aliyah. After that, you are required to hold an Israeli licence to drive legally. Converting within the first few weeks after arrival is sensible. There is no requirement to wait until you have your Teudat Zehut in hand before starting the process, though you will need it to complete the application.
One important note: the 90-day window applies specifically to new Olim. Tourists can drive on a foreign licence for up to a year, but once you have Aliyah status, the shorter window applies.
Costs
The conversion fee at Misrad HaRishui is a few hundred shekels. An eye test at an optometrist typically costs NIS 50 to 100. Translation costs, if needed, depend on the provider. For those who need to take theory lessons and practical tests, total costs tend to run NIS 1,500 to 3,000, though this varies by school and the number of lessons required.
What Happens to Your Foreign Licence
Under the reciprocal agreement track, you typically surrender your original foreign licence to Israeli authorities. Some licences are returned with a hole punched through them to invalidate them for driving. If you need your foreign licence for any reason after conversion, ask the clerk about the policy for your specific country’s licence before handing it over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries have a driver’s licence reciprocal agreement with Israel?
The main countries with reciprocal agreements include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Greece, Japan, and South Korea. Additional countries have been added over time, so confirm the current list directly with Misrad HaRishui or at nbn.org.il before assuming your country is included.
Do I need to take a driving test to convert my licence in Israel?
If your licence was issued in a country with a reciprocal agreement with Israel, you do not need to take a theory or practical test. You only need an eye test, a health declaration form, and your original licence. If your country does not have an agreement, you will need to pass both the Israeli theory exam and a practical driving test before receiving your Israeli licence.
How long can I drive in Israel on my foreign licence after Aliyah?
New Olim can drive on a valid foreign licence for 90 days from the date of Aliyah. After that, you need an Israeli licence to drive legally. Convert as early as practical after arrival. Once you have submitted your documents and received a temporary paper licence, that document is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card.
What documents do I need to convert my licence?
You will need your original foreign driver’s licence, a certified translation if the licence is not in a language Israeli authorities can read (English is accepted without translation), your Teudat Oleh, your Teudat Zehut, a completed application form available at the Misrad HaRishui branch, passport-sized photos, and a completed eye test form (Form 17) from a licensed optometrist. Bring photocopies of all documents as well.
Where do I go to convert my licence?
The conversion is done at a Misrad HaRishui branch or at an authorised testing and licensing centre (Mashab). Most major Israeli cities have at least one office. Appointments can be booked online through the Ministry of Transport website. Book in advance rather than walking in, as wait times at busy offices can be long.
Can I use my foreign licence to rent a car in Israel before converting?
Yes. Within the first 90 days after Aliyah, your foreign licence is valid for driving in Israel including rental cars. Rental companies accept a valid foreign licence from most countries. An international driving permit is not strictly required in Israel, though having it alongside your national licence does not hurt.