Olim Hadashim are granted a five-year window from their Aliyah date to finalize the conversion of their foreign driver’s license to an Israeli one.
It is important to note that, despite the five-year timeframe for license conversion, individuals have only one year from their entry date into Israel (regardless of their Aliyah date) to legally drive using their foreign license. The reset of this timeframe occurs only if an individual has spent 3 full consecutive months outside of the country following their last entry date. Consequently, many Olim choose to undergo the license conversion process within their initial year of Aliyah.
Those who have resided in Israel for more than five years before their Aliyah date are not eligible for license conversion. They are required to follow the standard licensing procedure, with Misrad Harishui assessing whether driving lessons are necessary.
Olim who have held a foreign license for a minimum of 5 years may qualify for the expedited conversion process outlined below. Individuals with less than 5 years of driving experience should adhere to the standard procedure provided further down the page.
EXPEDITED PROCEDURE
To obtain an Israeli driver’s license, the following steps must be completed:
In order to be eligible to convert a driver’s license with the expedited procedure, an Oleh must meet the following criteria as laid out by the Ministry of Transportation:
- Be within 5 years of Aliyah, according to the date found on the Oleh’s Teudat Oleh, Teudat Zakaut or letter of Aliyah Recognition from Misrad Haklitah (for those who have resided in Israel for an extended period of time prior to Aliyah).
- Have proof of 5 years of consecutive driving on a full (unlimited, unrestricted) foreign license that was issued prior to your date of Aliyah (not probationary or temporary). The driver’s license must be valid. The 5 years of consecutive driving history must be for the 5 years immediately preceding your date of Aliyah. Meaning, they will count back from the date of Aliyah and NOT from the day of applying to convert your license.
The 5 years of driving history necessary to convert your license does not include the time driving after your Aliyah.
- The Misrad HaRishui must see proof of the Date of Issue for your license (which proves 5 years of consecutive driving immediately preceding your Aliyah date). This can be proven in 2 ways: (1) on your current license itself and/or your older licenses (if you kept them or have copies) OR (2) an original record from your DMV which states the original Date of Issue of your original license and of your current license and your full driving history.
- The 5 years of consecutive driving history must be for the 5 years immediately preceding your date of Aliyah.
- Failed no more than one conversion test.*
*Olim who have failed the conversion test twice must take a practical driving exam.
To obtain an Israeli driver’s license, the following steps must be completed:
Apply online for your license (it is recommended to open with Google Chrome browser). The application can be switched to English by clicking the globe in the top left corner, but you must enter your name in Hebrew. In the past this process was done manually on a document called Tofes Yarok “Green Form”. It is no longer available, but you may still hear people refer to it as an online Tofes Yarok/ “Green Form”.
For a translated guide of the new application form, click here.
The first page includes your personal details and contact information.
After inserting your details, you will be asked for the “license type” (in Hebrew דרגה).
B – private
C1 – commercial (up to 12,000 kg)
A1 – a motorbike (up to 47.46 horsepower)
A2 – a motorbike (up to 14.916 horsepower)
A3 – electrical bicycle
1 – tractor
Next, you will be asked for your contact info. Make sure your phone can receive text messages (SMS) as this is how Misrad Harishui is going to communicate with you. If you have a ‘Kosher’ phone, there is an option to receive voice messages. You will be sent a verification code. Make sure to click מסרון for a text message or הודעה קולית for a voice message.
The last part is a medical self-declaration. Please, make sure to fill it out correctly. If you are taking any medications that may have side effects possibly influencing your driving skills, include them. Concealing information may only harm you during this process.
If you have indicated “yes” for any question, you will be prompted to upload a letter from your doctor regarding the condition or medication. This must be from your Israeli doctor.
(If you are over the age of 75 or will be turning 75, there is an additional form for your optometrist and your general practitioner to sign. It can be mailed to:
אגף הרישוי, מחלקת עדכון ובקרה, ת.ד. 270, חולון 5810201.
Misrad Harishui does not accept registered mail.)
Once you submit the online form, an SMS (or a voice message) will be sent with further instructions. Upon receiving this message, you can proceed to step 2.
Visit a Licensing Authority approved optician
At this station you will:
– Have your picture taken for your license
– Have a vision test
Click here for a listing of participating opticians around Israel.
When you visit the optician, bring your Teudat Zehut, and glasses or contact lenses (if relevant) with you.
The fee for the eye exam is set by the provider and is usually around 50 NIS.
Remember to ask the Optician for a printout of your exam results. This may prove useful in the future.
Go to Misrad Harishui
Service is available in the branches of Misrad Harishui by appointment ONLY.
Due to the war, certain branches are closed to reception and only offering phone appointments, and others are open for services as usual. License conversion requires an in-person appointment. To see an updated list of branches and which services they are offering, click here.
To schedule an appointment, click here.
Check out our guide on Scheduling Appointments for Government Offices for assistance.
Misrad Harishui Required Documents:
- Teudat Zehut
- Teudat Oleh / Teudat Zakaut
- Valid foreign driver’s license and a copy (front and back) of your license
- Proof of having a full foreign license for 5 years immediately preceding the date of your Aliyah (this could be the issue date on your license or a transcript of your driving history from your local DMV)
- Medical form for those aged 75 or older signed by a physician and an optician
Bring the required documents, and a copy of each document, listed above to a Misrad Harishui in your district, where you will apply for a temporary driver’s license. Your temporary license is NOT valid until you pay the fee (see step 4. Pay the Licensing Fee, below).
For a list of Misrad Harishui offices, see the list at the top of the following page: Misrad Harishui Offices. You can also go to www.mot.gov.il or phone 1-222-5678 or *5678.
You will receive a temporary license which will be valid for 6 months. Within 2-3 months of issuing your temporary license a permanent driver’s license card will be mailed to your address as it appears on your Teudat Zehut. If you need to change your address on your driver’s license, you’ll need to do so with the Population Authority before you pay for your driver’s license.
Your temporary license IS NOT valid until proof of payment is presented on the license via one of the following payment methods.
Pay Online
Pay via Automated Licensing Machines
Pay over the phone – *5678
Pay in cash at the Post Office.
Your permanent license, valid up to the age of 70, will be sent to the address listed on your Teudat Zehut. (First license is often issued for 5 years). If you need to change your address on your driver’s license, you’ll need to do so with the Population Authority before you pay for your driver’s license.
It may take up to 3 months to receive your permanent license by mail. If after 3 months you have still not received your license in the mail, call the Misrad Harishui License Delivery department at 08-994-9700.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
To obtain an Israeli driver’s license, the following steps must be completed. As part of the process:
- If you have a full foreign driver’s license for less than 2 years prior to your date of Aliyah, you will be required to take a written theory test and a Mivchan Shlita (a short conversion driving test).
*If you have had a license for less than 2 years, please see “New Driver Status” below. - If you have a full foreign driver’s license for more than 2 years but less than 5 years prior to your date of Aliyah, you will only need to take a Mivchan Shlita (a short conversion driving test).
Apply online for your license (it is recommended to open with Google Chrome browser). The application can be switched to English by clicking the globe in the top left corner, but you must enter your name in Hebrew. In the past this process was done manually on a document called Tofes Yarok “Green Form”. It is no longer available, but you may still hear people refer to it as an online Tofes Yarok/ “Green Form”.
For a translated guide of the new application form, click here.
The first page includes your personal details and contact information.
After inserting your details, you will be asked for the “license type” (in Hebrew דרגה).
B – private
C1 – commercial (up to 12,000 kg)
A1 – a motorbike (up to 47.46 horsepower)
A2 – a motorbike (up to 14.916 horsepower)
A3 – electrical bicycle
1 – tractor
Next, you will be asked for your contact info. Make sure your phone can receive text messages (SMS) as this is how Misrad Harishui is going to communicate with you. If you have a ‘Kosher’ phone, there is an option to receive voice messages. You will be sent a verification code. Make sure to click מסרון for a text message or הודעה קולית for a voice message.
The last part is a medical self-declaration. Please, make sure to fill it out correctly. If you are taking any medications that may have side effects possibly influencing your driving skills, include them. Concealing information may only harm you during this process.
If you have indicated “yes” for any question, you will be prompted to upload a letter from your doctor regarding the condition or medication. This must be from your Israeli doctor.
(If you are over the age of 75 or will be turning 75, there is an additional form for your optometrist and your general practitioner to sign. It can be mailed to:
אגף הרישוי, מחלקת עדכון ובקרה, ת.ד. 270, חולון 5810201.
Misrad Harishui does not accept registered mail.)
Once you submit the online form, an SMS (or a voice message) will be sent with further instructions. Upon receiving this message, you can proceed to step 2.
Visit a Licensing Authority approved optician
At this station you will:
– Have your picture taken for your license
– Have a vision test
Click here for a listing of participating opticians around Israel.
When you visit the optician, bring your Teudat Zehut, and glasses or contact lenses (if relevant) with you.
The fee for the eye exam is set by the provider and is usually around 50 NIS.
Remember to ask the Optician for a printout of your exam results. This may prove useful in the future.
If you have between 2-5 years of driving history, skip to step 4, Visit Misrad Harishui.
If you have under 2 years of driving history, continue with step 3, Theory test.
If you have between 2-5 years of driving history, skip to step 4, Visit Misrad Harishui.
If you have under 2 years of driving history, continue with this step.
If required, you will be given the instructions, by SMS or Voicemail, on how to take the theory test. Here you can find an online pool of Q&As to get a sense of what the test may look like. Use this link to find the closest branch to take the test. Find the one you want and click the blue button that says רישום (registration).
In addition, here are a few more resources to help prepare you for your theory test:
https://anglo-list.com/israel-road-signs/
Note: You may request of the administrator to switch the test into English on your behalf.
Go to Misrad Harishui
Service is available in the branches of Misrad Harishui by appointment ONLY.
To schedule an appointment, click here.
License conversion requires an in-person appointment. To see a list of branches and which services they are offering, click here.
Check out our guide on Scheduling Appointments for Government Offices for assistance.
Misrad Harishui Required Documents:
- Teudat Zehut
- Teudat Oleh / Teudat Zakaut
- Valid foreign driver’s license and a copy (front and back) of your license
- Proof of having a full foreign license for up to 5 years immediately preceding the date of your Aliyah (this could be the issue date on your license or a transcript of your driving history from your local DMV)
Bring the required documents, and a copy of each document, listed above to a Misrad Harishui in your district, where you will apply for approval to convert your foreign Driver’s License. At Misrad Harishui you will present your documents, and Misrad Harishui will approve your request to begin the Driver’s License conversion process.
For a list of Misrad Harishui offices, see the list at the top of the following page: Misrad Harishui Offices. You can also go to www.mot.gov.il or phone 1-222-5678 or *5678.
At this point you can move on to step 5: Schedule Your Lesson.
Schedule Your Lesson(s) and a Practical Test
- Contact a driving instructor. You may ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Even though you are not required to take lessons, the law states you must use a driving instructor’s car for the testing process. You are required to pay the instructor for the use of his car during the test.
- Schedule either one or two driving lessons, as well as a practical driving test. (The lessons are optional but recommended, and are in your best interest to make sure you feel comfortable driving in Israel prior to testing).
- You will receive an Agrat Mivchan (a form indicating you must pay a fee for the test), to bring to the post office.
- The instructor will schedule your test and notify you of the date and time/details.
Cost:
The fee for use of the instructor’s car during the test is NIS 229, this must be paid to the instructor directly.
The cost of lessons varies and more than one quote is advised. A 40 minute session on a manual car may be 160 NIS and slightly higher on an automatic car; specify which type of car you drive. A test on an automatic car will only allow you to drive legally on automatic cars.
The fee for the test (Agrat Mivchan) is NIS 152.
You can pay the test fee in one of the following ways:
Bring your Agrat Mivchan to the post office. All payment options available.
Cost: NIS 152. Make sure you obtain a receipt.
Bring your Teudat Zehut and proof of payment and give it to your driving instructor.
In most cases, the driving tests are not private. Be prepared to have at least one other person in the car with you, also taking their test.
Misrad HaRishui will text you with your test results within a few hours. If you have passed the test, you will receive your paper temporary Driver’s License to your email. You can go to the nearest Automated Licensing Machine and print out your temporary paper license if you don’t have access to a printer.
Your temporary license IS NOT valid until proof of payment is presented on the license via one of the following payment methods:
Cost: The test costs 229 NIS. This payment goes to the instructor and is for the use of the instructor’s car during the test.
Olim can take the conversion test up to two times before they reach their five-year limit on converting a foreign license. If they fail the conversion test two times, they will need to take the full driving test (the one given to new drivers) in order to transfer their license. If the Oleh reaches five years post-Aliyah without successfully converting their license, they will need to take a written theory test (in English) as well as the full driving test.
Your temporary license IS NOT valid until proof of payment is presented on the license via one of the following payment methods:
Pay Online
Pay via Automated Licensing Machines
Pay over the phone – *5678
Pay in cash at the Post Office
Your permanent license, valid until your 70th birthday, will be sent to the address listed on your Teudat Zehut.
Once a citizen is over the age of 70, s/he will need to renew their license every five years; over the age of 80, the license will need to be renewed every two years.
It may take up to 3 months to receive your permanent license by mail. If after 3 months you have still not received it, please call the Misrad Harishui License Delivery department at 08-994-9700.
Additional Information and FAQ
An Oleh is entitled to drive on a foreign driver’s license up to one year from the last entry date, following three full consecutive months abroad.
How do you determine the date?
For the entitlement to drive on a foreign license in Israel – (1 year from) Entry date.
For the eligibility to convert your license – (5 years from) Aliyah date.
Driving Culture
There are many differences between driving in Israel and in North America. Click here for a short summary of Driving in Israel for North Americans and to read up on some of the differences. We would like to give credit to and thank Ruth Lockshin for this informative article on Driving in Israel. Please note that the information is subject to change.
Driving without your Driver’s License
Mid 2018 the Ministry of Transportation has approved legislation allowing drivers to drive without their physical Israel Driver’s License on them, provided they carry their Teudat Zehut.
For more info, see here and here.
Here are some resources to help prepare to drive safely in Israel, all in English
https://www.meteoria.co.il/en
http://testil.com/entest/
https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/dynamiccollectors/theoryexamhe_data?skip=0&limit=10
A driver is defined as a new driver – נהג חדש – in the first two years after receiving their driver’s license. A ‘young new driver’ – נהג חדש צעיר – is a new driver who has not yet turned 24 years old. During the period in which the driver is defined as a young new driver, special regulations apply including the mandatory presence of an accompanying driver, and the limitation of the number of passengers in the car.
A new driver who is 24 years or older is exempt from an accompanying driver.
At the end of the period in which a person is defined as a new driver, the license will be renewed for a 5-year period in which the driver will need to undergo a refresher course.
The Ministry of Transportation has clear guidelines for Israelis who do not hold a foreign license (or whose foreign license expired) which states that when travelling abroad you must hold a valid International Driver’s License.
This is mainly required by Car Rental companies, but regardless this is the law. This is being clarified as a reaction to changing reality in various countries around the world which are now requiring an International License for security reasons.
You can obtain an International Driver’s License at any of the locations in the following link:
International Driver’s License Locations
The International Driver’s License can only be obtained if you already hold a permanent Israeli Driver’s License card, is valid for one year and costs under 20 nis.
If you have a valid US license you DO NOT need to have an international license.
For information on Parking Cards for Disabled Individuals, click here.
Afula
Ashdod
Ashkelon
Be’er Sheva
Beit Shemesh
Dimona
Eilat
Haifa – 2 Edison Street
Holon
Jerusalem – Binyan Clal
Jerusalem – Talpiot
Netanya
Petach Tikva
Ramat Gan
Tveria
Important Note: Ramat Gan and Dimona only does license conversions during morning hours (8:00-13:00).
You can find a list of all Misrad Harishui Branches here.
Please note: only the locations stated above deal with conversions from foreign licenses.
For information on Renewing your Driver’s License, click here.
For information on Renewing your Car Registration, click here.
Q: Did I need my full driver’s license for five years before making Aliyah?
A: In order to convert using the expedited process, yes. It must have been valid for five consecutive years immediately preceding your Aliyah date in order to convert according to the new regulations. If you do not have five years driving history you can still convert your license, using the standard procedure. You will have 5 years from your Aliyah date to convert your license.
Q: Do I still need a physical Tofes Yarok?
A: No, Misrad Harishui has instituted a new online service. You can now obtain your Tofes Yarok online, here.
If you do not meet the criteria for converting under the new regulations then you are still required to do all necessary exams.
Q: Do I need to get a doctor’s exam?
A: The new Online Tofes Yarok is based on a self health declaration. Only in cases that you have answered “yes” to any of the medical questions will you be prompted to upload a doctors letter regarding your condition.
Q: How long will my new license be valid for?
A: Until your 70th birthday.
Ages 70-80 – 5 years.
Age 80 & above – 2 years.
Q: Has the timeline for converting my license after Aliyah changed from three years to five years?
A: Yes.
Q: How much will this new license conversion cost?
A: As a license is valid until age 70, the cost will depend on the age of the driver.
Q: What happens if I’ve already failed a few conversion tests (מבחן שליטה) in the past?
A: If you have already failed the conversion test twice, you must do a full practical driving exam to convert your license.
Q: Can all Misrad Harishui offices convert licenses under the new procedure?
A: No, there are certain offices that provide this service. Please look above for a list of which offices convert licenses under the new procedure.
Q: Is there a distinction between manual and automatic licenses?
A: Misrad Harishui will issue a general license that covers both options. If you have taken a practical driving test in order to convert your license and were tested on an automatic car, your license will be limited to only driving automatic cars.
Q: Can I combine my driving history from 2 separate states to form a 5 year driving history?
A: Yes, they must overlap with no gaps proving a full 5 years of driving history.
Q: If I am eligible to convert my license under the expedited procedure, do I need an eye exam?
A: Yes.
Q: What documents can be used to prove my driving history?
A: You must hold a current valid driver’s license. In addition you can present physical old licenses that cover a 5 year span. If you don’t have those, you MUST present a DMV driving history record with your Original Issue Date, Current License Issue Date and Expiration Date of your current license. Some states allow you to order the DMV record online others provide only in person service. It is highly recommended to get this document pre-Aliyah.
Questions? [email protected]
Last updated on November 27, 2024
How can we help your Aliyah?
Call us.
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- Post-Aliyah Answers Helpline (Israel): *3680
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