Procedure for Obtaining a Driver's License for Men and Women under Turkmenistan's Legislation

Legal Basis

The process of obtaining a driver’s license is regulated by the following legal documents:

• Law of Turkmenistan "On Road Traffic" (with the latest amendments);

• Code of Administrative Offenses of Turkmenistan;

• Orders and sanitary regulations of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan;

• Constitutional provisions guaranteeing human rights in Turkmenistan.

In accordance with these documents, there is no discrimination or special requirements based on gender in the process of obtaining a driver’s license.

Requirements for Obtaining a Driver’s License

Any citizen of Turkmenistan (man or woman) wishing to obtain a driver’s license must meet the following general requirements:

1. Age Requirements:

• Category B (passenger vehicles) — minimum 18 years old;

• Tractors and agricultural machinery — starting from 16 years old;

• Heavy vehicles and special machinery (categories C, D, E) — 21 years and older.

2. Medical Certificate:

Applicants must undergo a medical examination and obtain a certificate confirming that they:

• Have normal vision, hearing, and motor functions;

• Do not suffer from mental illness or substance/alcohol addiction;

• Do not have chronic illnesses that prevent them from driving.

3. Training and Examination:

• Completion of theoretical and practical training at a licensed driving school;

• Successful completion of two-stage exams at the State Traffic Inspectorate (DAI):

  • Theoretical test (written or computer-based);

  • Practical driving test.

Equal Rights for Men and Women

According to Article 29 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan:

"The rights and freedoms of citizens of Turkmenistan are equal regardless of gender, nationality, origin, or social status."

This principle is fully upheld in the process of obtaining a driver's license. Women face no additional restrictions or legal obstacles. They have the same right to operate vehicles as men.

Required Documents

To apply for a driver’s license, the following documents must be submitted:

• Application form;

• Passport (identity document);

• Medical certificate;

• Certificate from the driving school (proof of course completion);

• Proof of payment of the state fee;

• Photo (meeting standard format).

Examination and Results

After successfully passing the exams administered by the State Traffic Inspectorate, the applicant is issued a personal driver’s license in the form of a plastic card.

If the theoretical exam is failed — it can be retaken after one month.
If the practical test is failed — retesting is allowed after additional preparation.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

There are occasional societal misconceptions suggesting that women should not or cannot drive. However, Turkmenistan’s laws clearly protect the equal rights of women to obtain and use a driver’s license. Official government guidelines confirm this equality.

Online Registration for Driving Courses via e.gov.tm

In Turkmenistan, citizens can register for driving school courses online through the government services portal e.gov.tm. This service allows users to:

• Select the desired license category;

• Fill in necessary information;

• Pay course fees online.

Registration is available under the "Unified Driving Schools" section on the portal.

Available Categories and Tuition Fees:

• Copy of passport;

• Medical certificate;

• Photographs.

The platform allows users to upload documents electronically, greatly simplifying the registration process.

Obtaining a driver’s license in Turkmenistan is a transparent and accessible process for all citizens, regardless of gender. Meeting the legal, medical, and educational requirements ensures that any person can gain the right to legally operate a vehicle.

Men and women have equal rights, and the road is open to all.