Getting Your First Driving License

A Mixed Neshamot Guide

Tired of asking your partner to drive you everywhere? Ready to face the Israeli streets on your own? Driving in Israel isn’t exactly a walk in the park — but it’s totally doable, and we’re here to walk you through it.

This guide is for anyone who’s never had a license before and wants to take the plunge (and the wheel!) for the first time. Let’s go step-by-step!

Registering in the System

If you don’t have a Teudat Zehut (TZ) yet, no worries! You can get a temporary 9-digit number starting with 89 at the Ministry of Transportation office. This number works throughout the licensing process.

Once you have that number or your TZ, you can register online to begin. This first step includes submitting a basic health declaration — you can do this part yourself.

Smile! – Photo & Eyesight Test

Once you’ve registered, the system will direct you to book a photo and eyesight test appointment.

• Cost: 50 shekels for both.

• There’s a list of authorized locations where you can do this. Once it's approved, you’ll get a notification to move forward.

  
  

Theory Test (מבחן תאוריה)

Next stop: the theory test!

• Book it online.

• The test has 30 questions; you need 26 correct to pass.

• Cost: 68 shekels

• If you fail, no stress — you can retake it up to 3 times with at least 24 hours between attempts.

• The test is available in multiple languages: English, Hebrew, Spanish, Russian, French, and more. Check our Instagram highlights for helpful links and question banks!

  
  

Driving Lessons

Now for the fun (and sometimes frustrating) part — learning to drive!

• You’ll need to take at least 28 lessons, each lasting 45 minutes.

• Price ranges from 150–200 shekels per lesson depending on your city.

• There are instructors who teach in multiple languages.

  
  

You can take driving lessons before or after the theory test, but remember: there’s a deadline to pass theory once you start. Your teacher will remind you.

Don’t worry if you need more than 28 lessons — driving is a skill, not a race!

Driving Test (מבחן מעשי)

To take the final driving test, you’ll need:

• Minimum 28 completed lessons

• Passed theory test

• Passed internal test (usually with another instructor)

• Paid fees (to your teacher — includes car rental for the test)

Got Your License

Passed your test? Within 24 hours, you’ll get a link to pay the licensing fee. You’ll receive a PDF temporary license you can use until the physical card arrives in the mail.

Heads up: Car insurance and driving permissions might be restricted based on your age or driving experience — ask your instructor about this!

Let’s Go for a Ride

You did it! With your new license in hand, it’s time to explore your neighborhood, your city, or even the entire country.

If you're under 24 or newly licensed, you might need a more experienced driver with you at first — a perfect excuse for a date or a road trip with a Mixed Neshama!

P.S. Already have a license from your home country? Stay tuned for our next Navigating blog on how to convert a foreign license into an Israeli one.

💬 Tell us in the comments about your driving journey in Israel! We’re collecting your best (and worst!) moments for memes and future guides.