Shock for driver candidates: Those below this IQ level will not be able to get a driver's license

While various flexibilities have been provided in the conditions for obtaining a driver's license in recent years, the practice of not issuing licenses to individuals with an IQ level below 79 has been in place since 2015. This regulation is included within the scope of the Regulation on Health Conditions and Examinations Required for Driver Candidates and Drivers.

While the Ministry of Interior continues its regulations regarding traffic rules and penalties, a news item circulating on social media brought up the claim that people with an IQ below 79 will not be issued a driver's license. However, this practice is not a new change, but a rule that has been in effect for 10 years.

HEALTH CONDITIONS AND OBTAINING A DRIVER'S LICENSE

The changes published in the Official Gazette dated December 29, 2025, once again emphasize the importance of health examinations in obtaining a driver's license. During the health examination of drivers or driver candidates, many health conditions such as hearing loss, balance problems, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular diseases are evaluated. In addition, mental health problems such as intellectual disability, dementia, and severe mental illnesses can also prevent one from obtaining a driver's license.

If a condition that prevents driving is detected as a result of the examination, the driver candidate's health report is sent to the relevant specialist physicians. As a result of the evaluation made by the specialists, the eligibility for obtaining a driver's license is determined. In this process, the initial examination report and the report prepared by the specialist physicians are evaluated together.

News Source: 12punto