Get Your Driving License In Azerbaijan: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're planning to drive in Azerbaijan, there are a few things you need to know. First, driving is only permitted for those who have reached the minimum age, are in good health, and know the rules of the road. Second, you'll need to carry the appropriate licence and registration documentation with you at all times. For visitors to Azerbaijan, a foreign driving licence is valid for one year, but it must be translated into Azerbaijani and notarised. After this time, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required, which can be obtained online. This permit is recognised in over 150 countries and is essential when driving abroad, as it translates your home country's driving licence into 12 languages. To obtain an Azerbaijani driving licence, foreigners must submit several documents, including a passport, medical certificate, and receipt for the driving licence fee, to the State Traffic Police Department.

Minimum age, health and knowledge requirements

To obtain a driving licence in Azerbaijan, there are minimum age, health, and knowledge requirements that must be met.

Minimum Age

The legal driving age in Azerbaijan varies depending on the type of vehicle. For a bicycle or cart, the minimum age is 14 years, while for A1 category vehicles it is 16 years. To drive A, B, and C category vehicles, one must be 18 years old. The minimum age for BE category vehicles is 19 years, while for CE and D categories it is 21 years. Military servants can drive "CE", "D", and "DE" category vehicles from the age of 19. The minimum age for DE category vehicles for non-military personnel is 24 years.

Health Requirements

To obtain a driving licence in Azerbaijan, applicants must be in good health and not have any physical defects that may impair their driving ability. This is assessed through a medical certificate issued in Azerbaijan, which is one of the required documents for the application process.

Knowledge Requirements

Applicants for a driving licence in Azerbaijan must possess knowledge of the traffic rules and road safety regulations specific to the country. This includes understanding the speed limits, which vary depending on the area, as well as the requirement to drive on the right side of the road. Additionally, applicants should be aware of the zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, as well as the mandatory use of seat belts and child restraints.

To obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Azerbaijan, applicants must be 18 years or older and possess a valid driver's licence from their country of origin. The IDP is a translation of the national driving licence and is recognised in over 150 countries, allowing motorists to drive vehicles abroad.

Required documents for first-time applicants

To obtain a driving licence in Azerbaijan, there are several requirements that must be met, including age, health, and knowledge of road rules. The legal driving age varies depending on the vehicle category, with different minimum ages for bicycles, carts, and motor vehicles.

For first-time applicants, the following documents are required:

• A valid passport translated into Azerbaijani and notarised.
• An Azerbaijani registration card.
• A medical certificate issued in Azerbaijan, confirming that the applicant meets the required health standards for driving.
• Receipt for the driving licence fee, which can be paid at post offices and banks.

Foreign nationals wishing to drive in Azerbaijan must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national driving licence. The IDP is a translation of the national driving licence, recognised in over 150 countries, and facilitates driving in a foreign country. It is important to note that the IDP does not replace the need for a valid national driving licence and is not a substitute for common traffic rule compliance.

The process of obtaining an Azerbaijani driving licence involves submitting the required documents to the Registration-Examination section of the State Traffic Police Department. Applicants then undergo a theoretical test based on traffic rules, followed by a practical driving examination. Successful completion of both assessments leads to the issuance of the driving licence, typically in an electronic format.

Where to submit the application

To obtain a driving licence in Azerbaijan, foreigners who are applying for the first time must submit the required documents to the Registration-Examination section of the State Traffic Police Department. The State Traffic Police Department can be contacted by telephone on (012) 342 32 82, by fax on (012) 498 02 17, or by email.

The following documents must be submitted:

• A passport translated into Azerbaijani and notarised
• An Azerbaijani registration card
• A medical certificate issued in Azerbaijan
• Receipt for the driving licence fee, which can be paid at post offices and banks

Once these documents have been submitted, the applicant can then take the theory and practical tests. The theory test is based on traffic rules, and the practical examination tests the applicant's driving skills.

It is also possible to submit an application for a new driving licence or to exchange a foreign driving licence electronically via the portal of the Registration-Examination section of the State Traffic Police Department, which is part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Tests to pass

To obtain a driving licence in Azerbaijan, applicants must pass a series of tests to demonstrate their knowledge of traffic rules and driving skills. Here is an overview of the tests to be completed:

Theory Test

The first test that applicants must pass is the theory test, which focuses on traffic rules and regulations. This test covers a range of topics, including road safety, traffic signs, driving laws, and driving etiquette. It is designed to assess the applicant's understanding of the rules of the road and their ability to make safe and responsible decisions while driving. The theory test is a prerequisite for progressing to the practical examination.

Practical Driving Test

After successfully passing the theory test, applicants can proceed to the practical driving test, which evaluates their driving skills and abilities. This test typically involves driving on various routes, including urban and rural areas, to assess the applicant's ability to handle different driving situations. Examiners observe the applicant's driving technique, including their ability to follow traffic rules and manoeuvre the vehicle, and react to different road conditions.

Medical Examination

In addition to the theoretical and practical tests, applicants for a driving licence in Azerbaijan must undergo a medical examination. This check-up ensures that individuals meet the required health standards for driving. It includes an assessment of the applicant's physical and mental health, vision, and overall fitness to operate a motor vehicle. The medical certificate is issued by authorised healthcare providers in Azerbaijan.

Additional Requirements for Foreigners

Foreigners applying for a driving licence in Azerbaijan have additional requirements. They must submit a translated and notarised copy of their passport, as well as a valid foreign driving licence translated into Azerbaijani. Foreign applicants are also subject to the same medical examination and theoretical and practical driving tests as Azerbaijani citizens.

It is important to note that the requirements and tests for obtaining a driving licence in Azerbaijan may be subject to change, and it is always advisable to refer to the official sources and authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Validity and renewal

The validity of a driving licence in Azerbaijan depends on the citizenship status of the holder. For Azerbaijani citizens, a driving licence is valid for ten years, whereas for foreigners, it is only valid for one year. Foreigners must also ensure that their driving licence is translated into Azerbaijani and that the translation is notarised. The licence and its translation must always be carried together.

After the one-year validity period, foreigners must apply for a new driving licence at the State Traffic Department. This can be done by submitting an application form, which is available online in Azerbaijani. The following documents are required to obtain an Azerbaijani driving licence:

• Foreign driving licence, translated into Azerbaijani and notarised
• Passport, translated into Azerbaijani and notarised
• Receipt of payment for the driving licence fee

In addition to submitting the necessary documents, applicants must also take a theory test and a driving test at the State Traffic Police Department. These tests are based on common traffic rules. It is important to note that foreigners are also required to undergo a medical check-up, which can be arranged through the State Traffic Police Department.

For individuals who have lost their licence, or whose licence has expired, been issued with mistakes, or become illegible, the State Traffic Police Department can facilitate the re-issuance of the driving licence.

Frequently asked questions