Which Licence Class Do You Need for a Car?

Short answer: you need a Class B driving licence to drive a car. Every passenger car sold in Turkey, electric models included, falls under Class B. Power output, engine displacement, and whether the car is electric do not change the class.

Below is exactly what Class B covers, when you would need a higher class, and the full list of licence classes.

What Does a Class B Licence Cover?

With a Class B licence you may drive:

• Motor vehicles with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 3,500 kg and no more than 8 seats besides the driver's (8+1)
• Trailers attached to those vehicles with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 750 kg
• For trailers over 750 kg, Class B still suffices if the combined weight stays under 3,500 kg; above that you need Class BE
• Quadricycles covered by Class B1 (Class B includes B1)

In practice this covers every passenger car, SUV, and estate in the showroom, plus most light commercial vehicles. A 7-seat SUV or a 9-seat minivan can be driven on Class B; a 10-seat minibus requires Class D1.

Motorhome note: for motorhomes, the deciding factor is maximum laden weight, not seat count. Motorhomes under 3,500 kg can be driven on Class B; above that, Class C1 is required.

All Licence Classes

Which Licence Do You Need for an Electric Car?

Class B is enough. There is no separate class or additional certificate for electric cars; a 300 hp Togg T10X and a Tesla Model Y with more than 200 kW can both be driven on Class B. Power output affects the ÖTV bracket and the annual MTV road tax, not the licence class. For electric model prices see Electric Cars, and for the annual tax calculation see our MTV Calculator.

The Automatic Transmission Restriction (Code 78)

Candidates who take the practical test in an automatic car get code 78 printed on their licence. It means the holder may only drive automatics; driving a manual is a traffic offence.

Removing the restriction requires retaking the practical test in a manual car. Given that automatics now make up over 96% of the Turkish market, this rarely causes problems, but keep it in mind if you plan to buy a used manual or rent a car abroad.

Requirements for a Class B Licence

• Age: at least 18
• Education: at least middle school (8 years of compulsory education)
• Health: a fitness-to-drive report from a family doctor or authorised health institution
• Criminal record: no convictions for certain offences
• Course: enrolment at an MTSK driving school accredited by the Ministry of National Education

The process runs through theory lessons, the electronic exam (e-Sınav), practical training, and the practical test. Once you pass, you pay the fee and document charge and complete the application on e-Devlet; the licence is posted to your address.

For Disabled Drivers

Drivers who require an adapted vehicle have code H and sub-codes describing the adaptations printed on their licence. The class is still B; what changes is which adaptations the car must have. For ÖTV exemption and suitable models see our Disabled Vehicle Price Guide and ÖTV-Exempt Vehicles pages.

Driving Abroad and the International Licence

A Turkish Class B licence issued after 2016 (the card-format one) is recognised across European Union countries. Some non-EU countries may ask for an international driving permit, which you can obtain from the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association (TTOK). The international permit is not valid on its own — it must be carried together with the original licence.

Conclusion

The class you need for a car is B, and it covers virtually every passenger model on the market, electric ones included. You only need a higher class for vehicles over 3,500 kg, vehicles with more than 8+1 seats, or when towing a heavy trailer.

If your licence is ready, the next step is choosing the car: our First-Time Car Buyer's Guide walks through everything from budgeting to insurance, and our Which Car Should I Buy tool lists models that fit your budget.