How To Get An Israeli Driver’s License (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you looking to obtain an Israeli driver’s license without prior driving knowledge? Or maybe you need accurate information on how to get an Israeli driver’s license as a visa holder without Israeli ID number?

We’ve got you covered!

Thankfully, getting an Israeli driving license isn’t too complicated. This article will outline 7 easy-to-follow steps for obtaining a license from scratch. The information provided is applicable to all new Israeli drivers, including B1, A5 and other visa holders.

If you already have a foreign driver’s license, check how to convert your foreign license to an Israeli driver’s license.

Steps Breakdown

1. (Non-Residents only) Get MoT ID number
2. Complete an online application and health form
3. Get a license photo and eyesight test
4. Take the theory test
5. Take driving lessons
6. Take driving test
7. Get your license

After completing each step, you’ll receive an SMS message on your mobile phone informing you what to do next.

Read on for more detailed information about how to get an Israeli driving license.

Please note – Step 1 only applies to those who don’t have an Israeli ID number.

Step 1: MoT ID number (“מספר זהות פיקטיבי”)

Skip this step if you already have an Israeli ID number (A5 visa holders, permanent residents, citizens etc.)

Schedule an appointment at the Ministry of Transportation office of your choice, and go there with your passport and a valid long-stay visa (B1, B4, A2, A3, A4). People on tourist visas (B2) cannot apply for an Israeli driver’s license.

At the office, you can first try the self-service kiosk – you might be able to get a “fake ID number” there. You should get a paper with a 9-digit ID number, starting with 89 (89XXXXXXX).

This number will be your identification number for anything related to the Ministry of Transportation (including law enforcement).

Step 2: Online Application

Complete the online application and health statement. It is only available in Hebrew so please have your Israeli partner with you or contact us if you need any help.

The form includes:

1. Personal information – if you don’t have an Israeli ID, remember to use your fake ID number in the ID field (“תעודת זהות”).
2. Choice of license category – Private cars are category B. View the full category list.
3. Declaration and written consent to provide medical information to the licensing authority.
4. Health statement – a Yes / No questionnaire.

Notes regarding the health statement:

• You don’t need to visit a doctor to complete the form.
• If have a health issue included on the form, it will not automatically disqualify you from getting a license.
• The statement is valid for 3 years.
• You may need to attach medical documents to your statement.
• You must notify the licensing authority of changes to your health, such as heart disease, nervous system conditions, skeletal system conditions, changes in vision or hearing.

Step 3: Photo & Eyesight Test

Go to one of the nationwide photo stations, and bring your MoT ID paper or your Israeli ID with you. Most of the photo stations are located inside commercial optometrist shops which have an arrangement with the Ministry of Transportation, so the eye test and photo taking are usually done in the same place.

Notes regarding the eyesight test:

• Make sure the optometrist is authorized to perform the test on behalf of the Ministry of Transport
• Call ahead to check the operation hours for licensing eyesight tests and photo taking
• There are different eyesight tests for different license categories

Cost: For eye test – 50 NIS (unless additional testing is required).

Photo is free.

After completing the eye test you will be notified by SMS on how to proceed. These are the 3 options:

• You can register for the theory exam
• You’re exempt from the theory exam (only relevant for experienced drivers applying for additional licenses)
• You can’t continue with your application and the reasons why 

Step 4: Theory Test

*Important* You cannot register to the Israeli Theory Exam before receiving the text message that allows you to do so (see step 3 above).

Theory test centers are located across Israel and are open 6 days a week. You must register in advance.

The test can be taken in the following languages: Hebrew, Russian, Amharic, English, French, and Spanish. You do not need to choose a language in advance but you must inform the testing center when you arrive.

Book Your Theory Test

Book your theory test online (highly recommended). Alternatively, you can book it through the theory test call center on 1-800-800-907.

Cost: 68 NIS (In Eilat – 58 NIS)

Important notes:

• If you book online – the fields on the website must be filled in Hebrew only.
• Remember to use your MoT ID number for identification if you don’t have an Israeli ID.
• Payment can must be done in advance, by credit card only (either online or over the phone).

Day of the Theory Test

Make sure to bring with you the following documents:

1. Valid passport/Israeli ID card (if you don’t have an Israeli ID, in addition to your passport bring your MoT ID paper).
2. SMS booking confirmation.
3. Confirmation of payment (if you prepaid online).
4. If you have any special learning needs, bring your supporting documents.

Rules of the Israeli Theory Test

The Theory Test checks your knowledge and understanding of traffic laws, vehicle operation, behavior and safety on the road.

• The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.
• You need to answer 26 questions correctly to pass. You will get the test results immediately after taking the test.
• The theory test lasts 40 minutes.
• The theory test is done on a computer. If you need any special accommodation, read more here.
• If you pass, the results are valid for 3 years.
• If you fail, you can retake the exam starting from the following day (subject to booking an exam and paying the fee again), or you can appeal the test results (within 7 days).

To prepare for the test, you can check out the complete pool of questions and answers (published by the Ministry of Transportation), that includes all possible 1,200 questions and allows you to test yourself.

In addition, there are plenty of online practicing resources. Feel free to ask about your options on our Facebook Community.

Step 5: Start Driving Lessons

Firstly, you need to register at a registered driving school. This is done through a driving instructor of your choice. After you register, make sure you receive an SMS confirmation as you’ll need this when you take the practical test.

You will need to take at least 28 practical driving lessons with a qualified teacher. Your driving instructor will teach you how to operate the vehicle, maneuvers, traffic laws, and driving culture.

You can start driving lessons before completing the theory test, but it is recommended to finish with the theory test before starting the driving lessons.

Cost: each 45 minute lesson costs between 130-200 NIS. Prices vary depending on your location in Israel.

Did you know? You can switch your driving instructor and school at any point. If you are unhappy with your instructor, just reach out to a new instructor and they will tell you how to proceed.

Step 6: Practical Driving Test

Before the Test

Once your driving instructor deems you are ready to take the driving test, they will book the driving test on your behalf. The driving test can be booked only when reaching these minimum requirements:

1. Completed a minimum of 28 practical driving lessons.
2. Passed the theory test.
3. Passed an internal driving test – a test simulation, usually preformed by a different instructor from the same driving school.
4. Paying the fees:
   • 145 NIS test fee – to be paid online or at the Israel Post.
   • 229 NIS for using the car in the test – paid directly to your driving instructor.

Once your test is booked, you will receive a text message with your assigned date.

The Day of the Test

On the day of the test, you must arrive for the test together with your driving instructor, at least 10 minutes before the test time.

You must bring:

• Israeli ID card or passport.
• MoT ID paper (when applicable).
• Glasses or contact lenses, if necessary.
• Receipt of payment of the test fee.

For a private car, the test lasts a minimum of 25 minutes and can be longer.

It is likely that you will not be the only person being tested. There can be a maximum of 2 people being tested in one car. You can request for your instructor to be in the car with you to observe the test (if there is room in the car).

After the Test

You will receive the results of your test via SMS within 24 hours.

In case you fail the test, you will be able to retake the test once your driving instructor registers you again (payment of fees will be required again).

You can appeal the results of your practical driving test within 7 working days.

Step 7: Get Your License

Passed your driving test? Congratulations! You are entitled to get your Israeli driver’s permit (“paper license”) within 72 hours of finishing the driving test. Once you get the permit, you must pay the permit fee.

Pay attention! You cannot legally drive in Israel before paying the driving permit fee.

Under 24 Years Old

If you’re under 24 years old, you will be assigned the status of “young new driver”, and some special regulations and precautions will be applied to you. Read more.

You will have to complete the new young drivers’ accompaniment program in which you have to drive accompanied by an experienced driver.

After 6 months, you will get your plastic card driver’s license in the post.

Over 24 Years Old

If you’re over 24 years old, you will be assigned the status of “new driver”, and some special regulations and precautions will be applied to you. Read more.

You will get your plastic card driver’s license in the post after paying the permit fee.

Israeli Driver’s License Validity for Visa Holders

Due to recent changes in the policies of validity of driver’s licenses in Israel, the validity of a driver’s license of visa holders is still unclear.

The Israeli Association for International Couples have received testimonies about licenses that state their validity date corresponds with the visa expiry date, or that their licenses that are valid for a long time past the visa expiry date.

We will update this article once we have official, confirmed information.

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This post was written with the help of one of our great volunteers, Emma. Thank you!

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Safe Driving!