Did you know that new immigrants are allowed to drive in Israel on a valid foreign license for 1 year from their date of entry into Israel. Until this time there is no need to obtain an Israeli driver’s license.

To be able to continue driving in Israel after a year a foreign license must be converted to an Israeli one. An oleh has a maximum of 3 years in which to convert their license, so after the first year until the end of the third year of Aliyah an oleh may not drive on their foreign license. If an oleh does not convert their license within this time (3 years), they will need to take up to 28 lessons, the theory test and the practical driving test.

The test for olim within their first year in Israel may include a lesson or two to become acquainted with the car you are tested in. (Which cannot be your own vehicle and must be one belonging to your instructor)

Useful “Driving licence” vocab :-

  • Ministry of vehicle licensing – Misrad HaRishui
  • Driver’s license – Rishayon nehiga
  • Driving Instructor – Mor’e nehiga
  • Driving examiner – Bochen nehiga
  • Car Licence – Rishayon lerechev
  • Change of ownership – Ha’varat ba’alut
  • Compulsory certificate of Insurance – Teudat bituach chova