Which Drivers Are Legally Required to Hold an Israeli License?
Foreign citizens, Olim and returning residents (toshavim chozrim) living in Israel for less than one year are legally permitted to drive or purchase a car with a valid foreign license. Once one year has passed since they entered the country, they must obtain an Israeli license. Leaving Israel for short trips abroad does not refresh this allowance unless the trip was at least six months long.
Obtaining an Israeli License
There are now four different routes to obtaining a full Israeli driver’s license. Factors such as how long you have been driving for and how long you resided in Israel will determine which method you are required to follow.
- Expedited conversion
- Standard conversion
- Conversion beyond your time allowance
- First-time license
Expedited Conversion
Eligibility
All the following conditions must be met:
- You are an Oleh or an A-category visa holder within 5 years of entry to Israel
- You have proof of 5 consecutive years of driving on a full-validity driver’s license. For an Oleh, the 5 years must be accrued prior to the date of Aliyah indicated on the teudat Oleh. For a visa holder, the 5 years must be prior to the date of first entry visa to Israel.
- You hold a valid foreign driver’s license
- You are less than 70 years old*
- You only failed a practical conversion test once in the past**
Procedure
Step 1: Temporary ID number (foreigners only):
Those who have no Israeli ID number need to get a temporary ID number from Misrad Harishui. Present Misrad HaRishui with your foreign passport, foreign license, your visa and a daf knisot v’yetziot (from Misrad Hapnim). Tell them you wish to obtain an Israeli license. You will receive a paper that includes your passport number and a temporary ID number (beginning with 89).
Please note: An appointment is not required to receive a temporary ID number.
Step 2: Tofes Yarok:
You are required to complete the tofes yarok online. An elucidated version of the form appears here. After submitting your request, a text message will be sent to you letting you know it was processed. The tofes yarok will automatically be updated in the Misrad Harishui’s system.
The tofes yarok is valid for 3 years from its issue date.
Please note: If you answered “yes” to any of the medical questions, upload a letter from your doctor stating you are “fit to drive/כשיר לנהוג”. If you do not receive a response within two weeks, contact Chaim V’Chessed for further assistance.
Step 3: Eye Examination
Visit a licensed optician approved by the Misrad Harishui. Present the optometrist with your teudat zehut (or foreign passport and temporary ID number). They will photograph you and check your eyesight. The eye exam costs approximately 50 shekel.
For a list of optometrists throughout Israel who are approved by Misrad Harishui, click here. Chaim V’Chessed has confirmed the following three Jerusalem-area locations
- Optica Halpern, Malha Mall: 02-630-6402
- Zoom Optic, Hadar Mall, Talpiot (floor -2): 054-331-3367
- Optica Ro’im Shesh-Shesh, King George 21: 02-622-2416
Before visiting any location, call to confirm that the optometrist is in.
Step 4: Apply for a temporary license
Go to Misrad Harishui to apply for a temporary driver’s license (appointments necessary, see end of article for details)
Bring along the following, plus a copy of each item:
- Teudat zehut or foreign passport plus temporary number
- Teudat oleh, if applicable
- Valid foreign driver’s license, plus a copy of the front and back
- Copy of your visa, if applicable
- Proof of having a full-validity foreign license for at least 5 years (for Olim, proof of driving for 5 years prior to date of Aliyah; for visa-holders, 5 years prior to entry to Israel) – either the issue date on your license, copies of old driver’s licenses or a transcript of your driving history issued by your hometown DMV
- Daf knisot v’yetziot from Misrad Hapnim
You should receive your temporary license on the spot, valid once you’ve completed step 5.
Step 5: Validating and Paying for your License
Bring your temporary license to the post office and pay the fee in cash. (Most post offices will not accept checks or credit cards.) If you have a teudat zehut, you can also pay online, on an automated licensing machine (see here for the one nearest you) or by calling *5678.
The fee is determined based on the length of validity, approximately 40 NIS per year. Your temporary license only becomes valid once you pay. Your permanent license will be sent to the address on file in Misrad Hapnim within about 4-6 weeks.
If you do not receive it by then, you can try calling the License Delivery Department at 08-994-9700. However, if you are a visa holder, you will have to go down again to the Misrad Harishui to request a your plastic license.
*If you are over 70 years old, you will need to undergo an eye exam and doctor’s exam.
**If you have failed the driving test more than once, you will need to take a practical driving test.
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to follow the standard license conversion protocol (below).
Standard Conversion
Eligibility
All the following conditions must be met:
- You are an Oleh or an A-category visa holder within 5 years of entry to Israel
- You are older than 16 years and 9 months of age
- You hold a full-validity foreign license
- You have proof of between 2-5 years of driving experience before your arrival in Israel
Procedure
Step 1: Temporary ID number (foreigners only):
Those who have no Israeli ID number need to get a temporary ID number from Misrad Harishui. Present Misrad HaRishui with your foreign passport, foreign license, your visa and a daf knisot v’yetziot (from Misrad Hapnim). Tell them you wish to obtain an Israeli license. You will receive a paper that includes your passport number and a temporary ID number (beginning with 89).
Please note: an appointment is not required to receive a temporary ID number.
Step 2: Tofes Yarok
You are required to complete the tofes yarok online. An elucidated version appears here. After submitting your request, a text message will be sent to you letting you know it was processed. The tofes yarok will automatically be updated in the Misrad Harishui’s system.
The tofes yarok is valid for 3 years from its issue date.
Please note: If you answered “yes” to any of the medical questions, upload a letter from your doctor stating you are “fit to drive/כשיר לנהוג”. If you do not receive a response within two weeks, contact Chaim V’Chessed for further assistance.
Step 3: Eye Examination
Visit a licensed optician approved by the Misrad Harishui. Present the optometrist with your teudat zehut (or foreign passport plus temporary ID number). They will photograph you and check your eyesight. The eye exam costs approximately 50 shekel.
For a list of optometrists throughout Israel who are approved for Misrad Harishui vision tests, click here. See above for confirmed locations in Jerusalem.
Before visiting any location, call to confirm that the optometrist is in.
Step 4: Driving Lesson(s)
You are required to take a minimum of one lesson with a certified driving instructor before taking your driving test. Contact an instructor to set up a lesson and specify whether you drive an automatic or manual shift car.
At the lesson, present your teudat zehut (or foreign passport, temporary ID number and copy of your visa) and the certificate stating you passed the written test, if applicable. After your lesson, the teacher may suggest that you need further instruction. If possible, follow his suggestion and practice with an instructor until he feels you are ready!
Step 5: Pay the Fees and Take the Driving Test
Have your driving instructor schedule an appointment for a driving test (mivchan shlita or mivchan ma’asi). You will take the test in the instructor’s car. You will also receive one last lesson immediately before the test.
There are two fees that must be paid prior to the test: one for the test (agrat mivchan, payable online) and one for use of the instructor’s car during the test. The instructor will give you the necessary forms and information in advance.
If you do not pass the test, continue taking driving lessons until your instructor decides you are ready to retake it.
After taking the test, you should be notified by phone whether you passed the driving test or not.
The conversion test can be taken up to two times. If one fails the test twice, they will need to take a full driving test.
Step 6: Pick Up Your License and Pay a Fee
If you are a visa holder, return to the Misrad Harishui with your passport to receive your temporary license.
Olim will either receive their temporary license by email or can print it out from an Automated Licensing Machine.
Visa holders can validate their temporary license at a post office. Present the temporary license, teudat zehut or foreign passport, and the shekel amount specified on your temporary license in cash. The post office will stamp your paper to indicate that you paid.
If you have a teudat zehut, you can also pay online, on an automated licensing machine (see above) or by calling *5678.
Keep the license and your ID with you while driving until your permanent license arrives. It will be mailed to the home address that is listed in your Misrad Hapnim file. As per a recent change in policy, both foreigners who carry A-category visas as well as Israeli citizens receive a plastic card.
Conversion Beyond Your Time Allowance
If you are an Oleh or an A-category visa holder who has been in Israel more than five years, or have been in Israel for under five years but have less than two years of driving history, you will need to follow the protocol for Standard Conversion above with the following additions:
Written Theory Test
Before beginning driving lessons, you will need to take and pass a written theory test.
Studying for the test:
To study for the theory test online, you can use the website isradrive.com in English or avarti.co.il in Hebrew. There are also books on the subject available in bookstores or libraries.
Taking the test:
To take the test, you must register online and pay in advance at theorytest.org.il. The testing location is located at Yad Harutsim 18 (in the Achim Israel Mall), Talpiot.
Hours are Sun/Mon/Wed 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Tues/Thurs 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, and Friday, 8:30 am-12:30 pm. At your appointment, you can request to take the test in English.
If you pass, you’ll receive a certificate. Ask the clerk to specify in writing that you are converting your license as opposed to getting one for the first time.
Driving Test
You may be required to take the regular, more difficult driving test instead of the simpler conversion test.
First-Time Israeli License
To obtain a first-time license in Israel, follow the protocol for Standard Conversion above with the following additions:
- Written theory test (see above).
- A minimum of 28 driving lessons (40 minutes each) with a certified instructor prior to taking the practical driving test.
Electric Bikes and Scooters
Drivers of electric bikes and scooters must be age 16 or older and hold either a full or A3-level driver’s license. To obtain an A3 license, you are currently required only to pass a practical driving test as well as a special theory test, which you can register and study for online. The theory test may be taken by individuals age 15½ or older after they obtain a tofes yarok (see above).
Driver’s License Over Age 70
Apart from the procedures detailed above, all drivers over the age of 70 must undergo both a medical exam and eye test before receiving their license, whether a first-time license, first-time conversion or license renewal. After the exam, each doctor must complete his part of this medical questionnaire. The applicant must also sign the form himself. The completed and signed form should be mailed, along with copies of your teudat zehut/foreign passport and visa and foreign driver’s license to:
5810201 אגף הרישוי, מחלקת עדכון ובקרה, ת.ד. 270, חולון.
Be sure to make a copy of the form before mailing!
The documents must be sent by regular mail; the licensing center does not accept registered mail.
Please note: Processing time is extremely lengthy. If you have not yet received a response and your license is about to expire (within about one month), you can request a temporary license at the nearest Misrad Harishui. It will be valid for 6 months.
For further assistance, contact Chaim V’Chessed.
License Renewal
Starting October 1, 2021, Israeli citizens will be issued driver’s licenses valid until the age of 70, except in the following cases:
Two Year Validity
- First-time license holder
- Drivers 80 years old and up
Five Year Validity
- Following completion of the 2-year New Driver period
- Drivers 70 years old and up
Israeli driver’s licenses usually expire on your date of birth. Those with a teudat zehut will receive a new temporary paper license with a payment voucher in the mail about one month before this date. This can be paid online, by phone (*5678), at a self-service stand or at a branch of Misrad Harishui. Foreign residents will have to make an appointment for the nearest Misrad Harishui to renew their license. Bring along your passport and valid visa and expiring Israeli license.
Please note: one must have a valid visa in order to renew the license. However, it does not have to be valid for the duration of the new license.
One can renew a driver’s license only one month prior to expiration (ie, any day during the month prior to the month of expiry).
License Renewal for Driver’s Over 70
In order to renew their licenses, driver’s over age 70 are required to complete the Medical Questionnaire (see Drivers Over 70, above) and mail it to Cholon along with the required documents. For further information on the process, contact Chaim V’Chessed.
Misrad Harishui – Licensing Office
Central hotline: *5678
rishuy.mot.gov.il
Advance appointments necessary. To make an appointment: *5678 or myvisit.com
Jerusalem Central
Yaffo 97
Sunday – Thursday 8:00 am-1:00 pm;
Sunday 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
Talpiot, Jerusalem
Please note new address:
HaUman 10
Sunday – Thursday 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Tuesday 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
Licensing Division, Update and Control Department
(for driver’s over 70 who are required to mail in medical questionnaires)
אגף הרישוי, מחלקת עדכון ובקרה
ת.ד. 270
חולון
מיקוד 5810201