Owning a Car in Turkey

Don't take your car from the UK. You will be much better off buying a 'new' car when you arrive in Turkey and it is much safer to drive a car with the steering wheel on the left-hand side. This is particularly the case if you will be driving in towns or country areas without the benefit of a passenger to help you check for oncoming vehicles when overtaking. You will also find that it is much easier to get spare parts for Turkish cars. Even if you think your present car is sold throughout Europe you will find that there are many parts that are different on the UK model because its steering wheel is on the right-hand side. It is also widely reported that a local car makes you less visible in the community and thus less likely to be burgled. Cars in Turkey are generally cheaper than in England and so selling your car in the UK and buying another one when you arrive could be financially advantageous.

If you insist on taking your British car you will be able to use it on Turkish roads only for a maximum of six months. A further six months' extension may be granted if you apply to the customs authorities before the expiry of the initial six-month period. The car can only lawfully be used on Turkish roads when it complies fully with the requirements necessary for use on English roads, including rules relating to testing and taxing it. Insurance will only be available from British insurance companies and you will have to disclose to the company that you are using the vehicle abroad.
If you intend to keep a British car in Turkey for more than six months you will need to insure and tax it in Turkey. Additionally you will have to obtain a Turkish visitor's plate, for which you require the following:
•  a work permit
•  a residence permit
•  a letter from your employer confirming your employment in Turkey
•  a letter of guarantee from a bank in Turkey
•  a valid driving licence
The minim urn age for a class A licence is 18. For car hire insurance purposes the rules for other classes are as follows:
•  Classes B, D, E and F - age 22 and over, must have one year's valid national or international licence.
•  Classes G and H - age 25 and over, must have 2 years' valid national or international licence.
•  Classes L, X and M - age 27 years and over, must have 3 years' national or international licence.