Travel by Car

Car travel gives you freedom to go where you want when you want, but it has disadvantages too: expense, and sometimes having to drive when you'd rather take public transport.

Will you be able to drive in Turkey? If you're an experienced, confident driver who can use a standard transmission ("stick shift"), drive on the right-hand side of the road (as in continental Europe and North America), and are willing to adapt to a foreign country's driving habits, then you'll probably enjoy the freedom of driving in Turkey.

A car is useful mostly for touring a specific region. For long-distance travel, public transport is usually more comfortable and cheaper. In other words, don't plan to drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia; fly, or ride the bus to get there, then rent a car in Cappadocia to tour the region. Do the same if you're going to Antalya or any of the other resorts.

Unless your driver's license is from some exotic place, it will normally be accepted in Turkey. If in doubt, get an International Driving Permit through your local auto club. Now, read the pages on safe driving, documents and equipment, and car rental.

For funny stories of car travel in eastern Turkey, see my Bright Sun, Strong Tea excerpts entitled "Eastern Sacrifice" and "Some People Never Learn."

For tips on how to increase your safety while traveling by road, see ASIRT, the Association for Safe International Road Travel.

Source : http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/trans/Car/index.html