In Cyprus, a car is not a luxury but an essential means of transportation. Public transport on the island is limited, so most locals rely on cars for everyday trips—not only commuting to work but even for short drives to the supermarket a few hundred meters away. It’s common for Cypriot families to own at least two cars, sometimes three, depending on the number of drivers in the household.
For newcomers and expats, the situation is different. At first, many try to rely on the scarce bus routes, bicycles, or e-scooters. However, after a month or two most expats realize that having a car in Cyprus is a necessity, especially for families with children who need to be taken to schools, kindergartens, and activities.
That’s when the main question arises: Do you need a local driving license to drive in Cyprus, and how can you get one? Let’s go step by step.
Who Can Drive in Cyprus with a Foreign License?
- EU citizens: can use their EU driving license in Cyprus without restrictions.
- Non-EU citizens: can drive with their foreign license for the first 6 months after arrival. After that, they must apply for a Cypriot driving license.
There are two options:
- Exchange your foreign license – possible only if your country has an agreement with Cyprus.
- Take the theory and practical driving tests – required if your license cannot be exchanged.
Countries Eligible for Driving License Exchange in Cyprus
If you are from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, UAE, USA, or Zimbabwe, you can exchange your license without retaking exams.
Drivers from other countries must go through the full training and examination process in Cyprus.
Important: Only foreigners who have lived in Cyprus for at least 6 months (with a valid residence permit such as work or student visa) are eligible to apply.
Step 1: Getting a Learner’s Permit in Cyprus
The first step is obtaining a learner’s driving license. Prepare for the Theory Test. You need to purchase a book with Cyprus road signs (available in English or Greek at kiosks/peripteros across the island for €5–7). Study signs, road markings, and hand signals.
Required Documents for the Theory Exam:
- Completed application form
- Passport or ID (plus a copy)
- Residence permit (Pink Slip) and copy
- Utility bills (electricity/water) for the last 6 months
- Bank statement for 6 months
- Social insurance statement for 6 months
- Two photos (45×35 mm)
For housewives: additional marriage certificate with apostille (English translation) + husband’s insurance statement.
How the Theory Test Works:
- Go to one of the 5 Road Transport Department offices (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Dherynia).
- Pay the exam fee (€10).
- The test is conducted in person: the examiner randomly points to traffic signs, and you must explain their meaning. Clear answers = fewer questions.
If you pass, you’ll receive a confirmation paper allowing you to apply for a learner’s license.
Collecting Your Learner’s Permit
You can apply at the Road Transport Office or a Citizen Service Center (KEP).
- Fee: €20
- Processing time: 2–3 days
- Validity: 1 year, within Cyprus only
With a learner’s license, you can:
- Drive with your instructor’s car
- Drive your own car with proper insurance, “E” learner stickers, and a supervising driver (25+ years old with 5+ years of driving experience)
Step 2: The Practical Driving Test in Cyprus
After 21 days with a learner’s permit, you can book the practical driving exam.
- You must first pass a short theory check again on the exam day.
- Then you’ll proceed to the practical part (30–40 minutes).
What Examiners Check:
- Proper use of mirrors and indicators
- Roundabout driving
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Maneuvers (parallel parking, 3-point turn, reversing from a main to a side road)
At the end, you receive the result at the Road Transport Department. If you fail, you can retake the exam after 30 days.
Step 3: Getting Your Plastic Driving License in Cyprus
Once you pass, apply for the official license at a Citizen Service Center (KEP).
Documents Needed:
- Application form T.O.M. 7D
- Passport or ID + copy
- Residence permit (Pink Slip) + copy
- Utility bills for 6 months
- Bank and social insurance statements for 6 months
- Two photos (can be taken at KEP)
Fee: €40 (drivers over 65 are exempt).
You’ll first receive a temporary license valid across Cyprus. The plastic license is issued in 2–3 weeks, valid for 15 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving License in Cyprus?
On average, the total cost is about €600, including:
- Photos: €20
- Theory exam: €10
- Learner’s permit: €20
- Driving lessons: 10 × €30 (€300)
- Practical exam registration: €60
- Instructor’s car rental for exam: €150
- Plastic license fee: €40
The final amount depends on how many lessons you need and whether you pass on the first attempt.
Final Thoughts
Getting a driving license in Cyprus may take around 6 months, especially in busy cities like Limassol or Nicosia. While the process may seem long, once you have your license, you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring the island by car—something almost essential for life in Cyprus.
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