The rapid increase in the number of cars and drivers in Turkey has caused several traffic problems. There are far more cars than the country can reasonably accommodate, and this excess is most evident in major cities, the country’s population and economic centers. Congestion can bring traffic to a standstill and make progress extremely slow. Many city residents spend large portions of their day stuck in traffic.
High vehicle counts are not the only problem. There are also many inexperienced or careless drivers who use their horns unnecessarily, fail to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, speed excessively in urban areas, or generally ignore traffic rules. In response to these issues and to reduce accidents, the government has introduced new regulations and penalties intended to deter deliberate violations by drivers.
One of the recent services introduced is the SMS-based license plate inquiry. Traffic violations captured by surveillance cameras (mobese) are recorded and can reduce a driver’s score out of 100; serious or intentional violations may also result in monetary fines. The SMS plate inquiry is now available nationwide and has proven especially useful for people considering buying a used car, allowing them to quickly confirm a vehicle’s status and history via text message.
In addition to new laws, authorities have tightened requirements for driver education and licensing. The updated regulations for driving schools expanded the curriculum and require more comprehensive training: potential road situations are taught in detail under separate lesson topics. Driving lessons now include additional practical requirements and stricter evaluations. Driving schools play a central role in preparing safe drivers, so trainers and instructors are now subject to assessment to verify teaching quality and trainee success.
Under the new rules, driving schools are expected to grant licenses only to those who genuinely meet the standards. Prospective drivers must pass a written exam with a minimum score and then demonstrate competence during practical lessons. Successfully completing the driving school’s training program is a prerequisite for obtaining a license.
After training, applicants must submit specific documents. A national identity card (nüfus cüzdanı) is required; if unavailable or lost, a passport can serve the same purpose. Additional items include a driver’s license file provided by the drivers’ chamber, two biometric passport-sized photos (5×6 cm with a white background), and a medical fitness report. The medical report can be obtained free of charge from public hospitals or—faster, for a fee—from private health centers. A certificate indicating blood type is also required. Certain official identifications such as an attorney’s ID are accepted in limited situations, but all required documents and payment receipts must be presented together during application.
Applicants must also pay specific fees: a license fee, the cost of security paper, and related administrative charges. Payments are typically made to designated banks or local government payment offices; proof of payment (receipt or payment slip) must be included with the application.
Once you hold a driver’s license, you can use the SMS plate inquiry to obtain vehicle information for any car you intend to buy. The service sends comprehensive vehicle details via text message, giving potential buyers quick access to registrations, status, and other relevant data before making a purchase decision. This makes it a practical tool for private buyers and dealers alike.
How to Use SMS License Plate Inquiry
Many licensed drivers in Turkey consider buying a new or used car. To verify a vehicle’s background easily, use the SMS plate inquiry service. From your mobile phone—regardless of operator (Turkcell, Türk Telekom, Vodafone, etc.)—open the messaging app, type the plate number you want to query into the message body, and send it to 5664. The service will reply with the available information about the vehicle, helping you make a more informed purchase decision.