Driving in Iran

Driving in Iran presents numerous challenges compared to driving in Western countries. Road conditions vary widely, from well-maintained highways to rough and potholed roads, especially in rural areas. In cities like Tehran and Qum, traffic congestion is common, particularly during peak hours.

The driving culture in Iran may seem chaotic to Westerners, with drivers often using their horns liberally and showing a higher tolerance for close calls and manoeuvres. Lane discipline is not strictly observed and drivers may frequently change lanes without signalling.

Although traffic laws in Iran are similar to those in Western countries, enforcement can vary with many drivers blatantly flouting road traffic rules and regulations. They will often be seen speeding, driving through red lights, disregarding crossing pedestrians and double parking.

Roundabouts are common in Iran and are designed to function similarly to those in Western countries; however, drivers should be prepared for aggressive merging and yielding. Intersections can also be chaotic with drivers struggling by every means possible to get ahead of other cars and ignoring right-of-way rules. Driving in rural areas can be particularly challenging due to narrower roads, sudden appearance of unexpected obstacles, including potholes, unmarked hazards and even careless pedestrians. It is customary to use the horn as a form of communication, such as to signal passing or alert other drivers to one’s presence rather than using it as a means to display anger and frustration.

Overall, driving in Iran requires patience, vigilance, and adaptability to local customs and conditions. While some aspects may seem outrageous and shocking to drivers from Western countries, understanding the local driving culture and following basic safety precautions can help ensure a safer experience on the road.

Licence Requirements

In order to drive legally in Iran, one must hold a valid driving licence. Driving without a valid licence poses significant legal risks, and — although law enforcement officers are laid back and do not conduct checks frequently — in the event of an accident, failure to produce a valid licence can lead to severe and immediate legal action and penalties including hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential imprisonment. For foreigners planning to drive in Iran, the following four options are available:

Using a Foreign Driver’s Licence

Students can drive in Iran if they hold a foreign driver’s licence for up to 180 days upon entering the country (after this period, one is required to obtain an Iranian driver’s licence if they wish to continue driving), provided they have the following documents:

• Original, valid driver’s licence. The license must be valid for the type of vehicle being driven in Iran (e.g. car, motorcycle).
• Translation of the driver’s licence by the embassy of the issuing country and endorsed with the embassy stamp.
• Copy of the first page of the passport and the entry stamp page.
• Copy of Article 22 of the driving licence issuance regulation endorsed with the stamp of the Traffic Police.

Using an International Driving Permit (IDP)

An IDP is a document that translates the details of a driver’s license into several languages and normally includes Persian. Only foreign nationals with an IDP are allowed to drive for a period of 180 days from the date of entry into the country (after this period, one is required to obtain an Iranian driver’s licence if they wish to continue driving) provided that the IDP is valid and it is accompanied by the driver’s original foreign licence.

Converting a Foreign Driver’s Licence to Iranian Driver’s Licence

Iranian law permits the conversion of foreign driving licences from certain countries. Depending on the country of origin, applicants may need to pass written and/or practical driving tests, however, this requirement may be waived for some countries with reciprocal agreements with Iran. At present, driving licences from the following countries can be converted:

Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

To convert a foreign driving licence from one of the listed countries, one should follow the steps below:

• Obtain a Letter from Immigration Police: Visit the Immigration Police located here to obtain a letter for the Traffic Police. The original passport, including a valid residence permit, and a 3cm x 4cm passport-sized photo are required.
• Attestation of Foreign Driver’s Licence: Obtain an attestation of the foreign driver’s licence from the embassy of the issuing country in Iran.
• Official Translation: Secure an official translation of the foreign driver’s license and the approved request by the embassy from the translation office in Qum located here.
• Pay Fees at Police +10: Pay the necessary fees (approx. $2) at any one of the multiple ‘Police +10’ office located around Qum.
• Proof of Address: Acquire proof of address by going to the Post Office in Pardisan. Provide the counter clerk with one’s postal code to receive a written certificate of address.
• Submit Documents to Traffic Police: Visit the Traffic Police with the following documents:
  • Original passport (with a valid residence permit)
  • Two 3cm x 4cm passport sized photos
  • Payment receipts from Police +10
  • Proof of address from the Post Office

Get an Iranian Driver’s Licence

In the case where the options above are not available, or the period of using a foreign licence or IDP has expired, one can apply to get an Iranian driver’s licence. To get an Iranian licence, individuals need to follow the following steps:

• Visit the Immigration Police: The applicant must go to the Immigration Police located here to obtain a letter for the Traffic Police. They will need to bring their original passport with a valid residence permit and a 3cm x 4cm passport-sized photo. Digital fingerprints will be taken and printed.
• Background Check at General Security Police: The applicant must take the printed fingerprints to the General Security Police here for background checks. The results are usually ready within two days and must be collected and returned to the Immigration Police.
• Electronic Submission to Tehran: The Immigration Police will send the applicant’s information electronically to Tehran for further checks and authorisation. If no issues arise, a letter authorising the Traffic Police to proceed will be automatically sent to them.
• Register at Traffic Police: Approximately two weeks later, the applicant should visit the Traffic Police here to request a driving licence. The Traffic Police will register the applicant and provide a unique code.
• Register with a Driving School: On the same day, the applicant should go to a chosen driving school and register using the code from the Traffic Police. They must provide the necessary fees and receive instructions to get a medical check from one of the listed doctors before starting lessons.
• Medical Check: The applicant must complete the medical check and return to the driving school to begin lessons, both theory and practical.
• Book the Theory Test: After completing the lessons, the applicant needs to pick up their file from the Traffic Police and bring it to the driving school to book the theory test. The test will be conducted at the Traffic Police.
• Book the Practical Exam: Upon passing the theory test, the applicant should return to the driving school after 10 days to book the practical exam. The driving school will provide details on where the practical exam will be held.
• Final Paperwork and Licence Issuance: After passing the practical exam, the applicant must go back to the driving school to complete additional paperwork. The driving licence will then be posted to the address provided. Note that the driving licence for foreigners is only valid for one year.

Driving Schools

Licence Renewal

The process of renewing a driving licence is similar to first application and may require several visits to government offices. The following steps should be observed:

• Visit the Immigration Police: The applicant must visit the Immigration Police located here with the original passport (including a valid residence permit), Iranian driving licence, and a 3cm x 4cm passport-sized photo. The Immigration Police will print off previously taken fingerprints, which need to be stamped by an officer at another desk before being taken to the General Security Police.
• Background Check at General Security Police: The applicant must take the printed fingerprints to the General Security Police here for background checks. The results are usually ready within two days and must be collected and returned to the Immigration Police.
• Electronic Submission to Tehran: The Immigration Police will send the applicant’s information electronically to Tehran for further checks and authorisation. If no issues arise, an electronic letter will be automatically sent to the Traffic Police authorising them to proceed with the renewal. This normally takes about one week.
• Visit the Traffic Police: The applicant will receive a letter from the Traffic Police to be taken to an authorised physician for a medical examination. They will also inform the applicant of the renewal fees which need to be paid at Police +10.
• Medical Check: Visit one of the listed doctors for a basic medical examination, which assesses vision, hearing, and mobility. The doctor will electronically send the results to the Traffic Police, and the remaining steps can normally be carried out the following day.
• Pay Fees at Police +10: Pay the necessary fees (approx. $2) at any one of the multiple ‘Police +10’ office located around Qum.
• Proof of Address: Acquire proof of address by going to the Post Office in Pardisan. Provide the counter clerk with one’s postal code to receive a written certificate of address.
• Submit Documents to Traffic Police: Visit the Traffic Police for the final submission of documents. A folder should be purchased from the kiosk outside the Police building and the following documents placed inside:
  • Original passport (with a valid residence permit)
  • Original Iranian driving licence
  • Photocopy of Passport and residence permit (copies can be made at the same kiosk where the folder was purchased)
  • Two recent 3cm x 4cm passport sized photos (the same photos as the previous driving licence will not be accepted)
  • Payment receipts from Police +10
  • Proof of address from the Post Office

Upon submitting all the required documents, a receipt will be issued. This receipt serves as a temporary driving permit and should be kept safely until the new licence is delivered by post.