Issuing a professional driving license for a public vehicle or a heavy vehicle

Criminal record check
After the criminal record check authorization is received, the licensing authority will contact Israel Police and request the applicant’s up-to-date criminal record and driving record. 
If there is a criminal record or an open proceeding or a traffic violation, the licensing authority will consider whether to grant the request for a professional driving license and notify the applicant of the decision by mail or cellphone.
After the issuance of the professional driving license is authorized, the applicant must perform an eye exam:

1. The eye exam is performed by an optometrist accredited by the licensing authority to examine the applicant’s visual acuity for driving a vehicle and based on the category of license being requested. Pay the fee for the eye exam at the photo station.

2. If there is no up-to-date photo in the system, please visit a photo station with your ID or passport.

The applicant will receive an invitation to register for the screening and medical eligibility process with a physician accredited by the licensing authority or a notice of refusal.

• The accredited physician is responsible for the summons for the tests, the tests themselves, and the decision.
• The screening process includes: a physiological checkup, cognitive tests to test mental fitness, and an interview with a psychologist. Bring a medical summary certificate from your treating physician.
• After confirmation by the certified physician, the applicant will receive the licensing authority’s go-ahead for the theoretical accreditation.
   

Theoretical accreditation
Perform the theoretical accreditation (150 hours) at one of the transport colleges supervised by the Ministry of Labor.
At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate attesting to completion of a professional vehicle course. 
Please note: classes are given in Hebrew.
Practical accreditation
Perform the practical training and take the exam at the end.

Pay the fee for the driving license via one of the following options:

• Online 
• At self-service kiosks
• At Israel Post locations

The driving permit will only enter into force, and you may only drive, after the fee is paid.
 

The permanent (plastic) driving license will be sent to the up-to-date address on file at the Population Authority within 30 business days. It is valid for 10 years.
To clarify the status of the permanent driving license (plastic), call: 08-9949700.

Please note:

• Individuals who issued licenses of category C1 and do not have other license categories will receive their permanent licenses at the address on record with the Population Authority.
• Holders of existing license categories for tractors, motorcycles, private vehicles, or category C and above will receive the updated category at the licensing offices only.

For your information: 
You can drive vehicles of categories up to C1 until you receive your permanent license by mail, with the following conditions:

• Applicants must be age 18 and up
• The payment for a C1 category in the driving license was paid
• There are no other categories in the license

Please note: the category of the driving license is not updated automatically. After reaching the age of 18, visit one of the licensing offices - by advance appointment - to add the category.