Israel Driving Licence : Getting a driver’s license in Israel can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about getting a new driving licence, renewing your license, replacing a lost one, changing your address, taking the driver’s exam, traffic fines and rules in Israel.
Getting a New Israel Driving Licence
To get a new driving licence in Israel, you need to:
Age Requirements
- Be at least 17 years old to get a learner’s permit.
- Be at least 17.5 years old to take the theory test.
- Be at least 18 years old to take the practical driving test and get a full licence.
Documentation Needed
- Identity card or passport
- Health form signed by a doctor
- Eye exam certificate
- First aid course certificate
Steps to Getting a Licence
- Get a learner’s permit – Pass the computerized theory test at a licensing office. This allows you to drive with an instructor.
- Take driving lessons – Get at least 28 lessons from a certified driving instructor. Lessons are booked through driving schools.
- Pass the theory test – Computerized touch-screen test with questions on road signs and rules. Offered in different languages.
- Take the practical test – On-road driving test with a licensing examiner testing your skills. Vehicle needs insurance and testing certificate.
- Get your photo taken – Once you pass the driving test, you get your license printed with your photo on it.
Renewing a Driving Licence in Israel
To renew your driving license in Israel:
- Licenses must be renewed every 10 years up to age 65, then every 5 years after age 65, and every 2 years after age 71.
- Renewal can be done up to 6 months before expiration.
- Required documents: identity card, eye exam certificate, health certificate.
- Complete an application and vision screening at the licensing office. New photo taken.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- For those 71 and over, need to pass a computerized touch screen test covering road signs and rules.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Driving Licence
If your driving license is lost or stolen, you must replace it within 7 days. Here’s how:
- Report it to the police and get a copy of the police report.
- Bring police report, ID card, passport photos and eye certificate to the licensing office.
- Fill out an application and get a new license printed.
- Fee charged for the replacement license.
Changing Your Address on Your Driving Licence
If you change your residence address, you must update it on your license within 30 days.
- Bring your license, ID card, passport photos and eye certificate to the licensing office.
- Fill out a change of address application.
- Get an updated license with your new address printed for a fee.
Taking the Driver’s Exam in Israel
To take the driving exam, you’ll need:
On the theory exam:
- Show your ID document
- The exam is computerized touch-screen at licensing offices
- Questions cover road signs, rules, safety, penalties
- Offered in different languages
- You can take the test repeatedly if you don’t pass
On the practical road test:
- Provide a vehicle that is insured and has a test certificate
- An examiner will assess your driving skills over 25-30 minutes
- You’ll be asked to perform maneuvers like parking, turning, lane changes
- Don’t worry if you don’t pass the first time, you can retake it
Traffic Fines and Rules in Israel
Here are some key traffic fines and rules in Israel:
Fines for:
- Speeding – depends on how much over the limit, up to ₪1000
- Running a red light – ₪1000
- Using a mobile phone while driving – ₪500
- Not wearing a seatbelt – ₪250
- Driving through a solid white line – ₪250
Other important rules:
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Obey speed limits – 50km/h in cities, 90km/h on highways
- Children under 3 must be in a child safety seat
- It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Tips to avoid fines:
- Obey all traffic signals and signs
- Follow speed limits and don’t tailgate
- Yield to pedestrians and don’t block crosswalks
- Don’t use your phone or text while driving
- Make complete stops at stop signs and lights
- Watch for school zones and slow down fines double in those areas
FAQs on Israel Driving Licence
1. Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Israel?
No, most foreign licenses are valid for driving in Israel for up to 12 months. An IDP is not required but can be useful if your license isn’t in English.
2. How long is an Israeli driving license valid for?
Israeli licenses are valid for 10 years for those under 65. Over 65 it’s 5 years between 65-70, and 2 years after age 71.
3. What age do you need to be to get a license in Israel?
You can get a learner’s permit at age 17, take the theory test at 17.5 years, and the road test for a full license at age 18.
4. Do I need to take driving lessons to get an Israeli license?
Yes, you’ll need to complete 28 hours of lessons with a certified driving instructor before taking the road test.
5. What documents do I need to bring to get an Israeli license?
You’ll need your ID card or passport, health certificate, eye exam certificate, first aid course certificate and passport photos.
6. What kind of questions are on the theory test?
The computerized touch-screen test covers questions on road signs, traffic laws, safety, penalties and rules of the road.
7. Can I take the driving test in English?
Yes, the theory and practical driving tests can be taken in English and several other languages like French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic.
8. How much does it cost to get an Israeli driving license?
It costs around 600-700 NIS for the whole licensing process including fees for learner’s permit, theory and road tests, and new license printing.
9. What happens if I get traffic fines – will it affect my license?
If you accumulate more than 500 NIS in fines in a year, your license can be suspended. Severe fines like DUI may also lead to suspension.
10. Do I need to convert my foreign license to an Israeli one?
No, you can legally drive on your foreign license for up to a year. After that, you’ll need to get an Israeli license by passing the tests.