Destinations / Turkmenistan
Driving in Turkmenistan as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Turkmenistan drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your licence, though tourists usually travel on guided tours with arranged transport.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Turkmenistan expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 02 (police), 03 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in TMT. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol policy. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Checkpoints between regions. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Turkmenistan
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at state-subsidised, very low prices; stations are attended and overwhelmingly cash-only, with cards rarely accepted. Fill up before crossing the Karakum Desert, where stations are scarce.
After a crash
Call 03 for ambulance and the traffic police (102) for any crash; reporting is mandatory, you must not move the vehicles until police document the scene, and foreigners should expect detailed paperwork. Retain the official report for insurance.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · driverabroad.com · saigatours.com · rferl.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Turkmenistan?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Turkmenistan drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your licence, though tourists usually travel on guided tours with arranged transport.
Which translation format is used for Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Turkmenistan ask for a translation?
Independent rental is uncommon; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Turkmenistan?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.