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How to get a driving licence in Cyprus

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence, category B

Getting your licence in Cyprus

Earliest age for a learner's permit17½
Learner's permit validity, renewable1 year
Minimum driving school training10 hours
Licence fee€40

The driving school tells you the current exam fees.

Before you start driving

2
Learner's permitYes. Pass the preliminary (theory) exam first. The permit is valid for 1 year and can be renewed.
Medical checkOnly from 70, or for some conditions.

Required lessons

1
Driving school (compulsory)Theory and practical training at a licensed driving school before the driving test. After a failed driving test, at least 5 more hours.

Good to know

7
Minimum age17½ for a category B learner's permit. Ask the Road Transport Department when you can take the driving test.
Licence validity15 years. If you're over 55, until you turn 70. From 70, renewal needs a health certificate and lasts 3 years.
Exam languagesAsk the driving school which languages the preliminary (theory) exam is offered in.
If you failBook a new test through your driving school.
Automatic or manualPassing in an automatic limits your licence to automatic cars.
New driversAsk the driving school about rules for new drivers.
Already have a licence from abroad?EU licences stay valid. Licences from countries on the Road Transport Department's official list, such as the UK, must be exchanged after 6 months' residence. Others need the Cypriot tests. See the Abroad tab.

Step by step

  1. Preliminary examThe theory exam, before anything else.
  2. Learner's permitApply at a Road Transport Department office or Citizen Service Centre.
  3. Driving lessonsWith a licensed instructor.
  4. Driving testWith a driver examiner.
  5. LicenceApply with your test certificate and proof of residence.

Tips

  • Cyprus drives on the left, so practise roundabouts and turns with that in mind.
  • Bring 2 photos for the learner's permit and one for the full licence.
  • Learners may not drive on motorways or expressways, except with a driving instructor or during the test.

Official links

Road Transport Department: Obtaining a learner's permit ↗Road Transport Department: Obtaining a normal licence ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

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No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

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An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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