What to Check Before Hiring a Driver Service
Before hiring a driver service in Istanbul, check four things: the company's licences, the passenger insurance on the vehicle, who actually employs the driver, and what the written rate covers. Each takes minutes to verify, and each decides who answers for it if something goes wrong. Ask any supplier these questions, including us.
Which Licences Should the Company Hold?
| DOCUMENT | WHAT IT SHOWS | HOW TO CHECK |
|---|---|---|
| TÜRSAB licence | A registered travel agency, answerable to consumer rules | Search the number on the TÜRSAB query page |
| D2 certificate | Permission from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to carry paying passengers by road on pre-booked trips | Ask for a copy |
| Passenger seat insurance | Cover for the people in the vehicle, which basic traffic insurance does not provide | Ask for proof for the assigned vehicle |
Who Employs the Driver?
This is the question most often skipped. Many operators find a driver for the day through a contact, so the person who arrives has no contract with the company you paid. Ask whether drivers are employees, and ask for their professional documents: in Türkiye, an SRC certificate for carrying passengers and a psychotechnical report.
For a visiting executive, also ask how the driver is vetted and who you call if they do not arrive.
What Should the Written Rate State?
- The vehicle class and the booked hours
- Whether fuel, tolls, parking and waiting are included
- Whether VAT is included
- How extra time is handled and priced
- The cancellation terms
- The name on the invoice
What Should Make You Hesitate?
- A price given only by voice, with nothing in writing
- A website with no company name or address
- A licence number that does not match the name on the invoice
- Reluctance to name the driver or give the plate before the day
- Payment requested in cash to the driver with no invoice
How Do We Answer These Questions?
Our answers are on our licences page and our documents page. If your supplier file needs anything else, send your form to the desk.
Questions About This Guide
Is a Hotel Car Automatically Licensed?
Not automatically. A hotel may use an outside operator. Ask who the operator is and whether they hold the documents listed above.
Do We Need a Contract for One Booking?
A written confirmation with the terms attached is usually enough. For regular use, an account agreement is simpler.