ALL NON-EU RESIDENTS MUST OBTAIN A CYPRIOT DRIVING LICENSE AFTER 6 MONTHS
A COMMITMENT TO ROAD SAFETY
The Republic of Cyprus advocates driving regulations that maintain some of the highest standards throughout Europe. These driving regulations are all governed by European Union directives, as well as local national laws. With this in mind, the island’s commitment to road safety and compliance with international standards has been highlighted by the recent introduction of island-wide TRAFFIC CAMERAS.
TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Traffic authorities in Cyprus utilise the use of both static and mobile TRAFFIC CAMERAS. These record speeding and stop light contraventions. Drivers then usually receive a fine, and in some cases, penalty points are added to a driver’s license.
DRIVING AGES
As the law stands, the legal driving age for cars on Cypriot roads is 18 years old. All drivers over the age of 70 are required to obtain a medical certificate confirming general fitness. Drivers over the age of 70 also have to provide evidence of satisfactory eyesight before they are allowed to drive on Cypriot roads.
LICENSE EXCHANGE
All non-European Union residents of Cyprus, regardless of nationality, are required to exchange their home country driving licence for a Cypriot driving licence. This usually occurs after a pre-determined time of residency. Fees are applicable for all drivers under the age of 65. Drivers who are over the age of 65 can exchange their licenses free of charge.
PLEASE NOTE!
Cyprus driving rules and procedures can change!
Always verify with the Cyprus Driving License Department at the Department of Road Transport or a local District Police Station before starting a new process
CRITERIA FOR EXCHANGE
In terms of use and exchange, all non-Cypriot driving licenses fall into three main categories
Category 1: Driving licenses issued by a European Union member state.
Driving licenses of European Union countries are fully recognised in Cyprus and do not require replacement. They can still be voluntarily exchanged for a Cypriot driving license once they expire or if they are lost or stolen. However, proof of the previously held license will need to be provided, and this can only be obtained from the Department of Transport of the issuing country.
Category 2: Driving licenses issued by non-European Union member states that have acceded to the International Conventions on Road Safety and have interchange agreements with Cyprus.
A driving license issued by one of the countries listed below must be replaced with a Cypriot license after six months from the date of entry into Cyprus. Holders of an international driving license, however, are exempt.
- Norway
- Lichtenstein
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Zimbabwe
- United States of America
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zeeland
- South Africa
- Russia
- Georgia
- Ukraine
- South Korea
- Serbia
- United Arab Emirates
Category 3: Driving licenses issued by non-European Union countries that do not have an interchange agreement.
Drivers from these countries are allowed to drive in Cyprus, provided that their home country’s driving license remains valid. The permissible driving period varies, and it is dependent on the country of origin. With this in mind, a driving license is considered invalid after the expiry of its permitted driving period in Cyprus. Drivers from these countries who want to continue to drive after the permissible period, are obliged to exchange their home country license for a Cypriot one. Holders of international driving licenses, however, are not required to exchange their home country’s driving license for a Cypriot one.
EXCHANGING FOREIGN DRIVING LICENSES
THE EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENSES ISSUED BY STATES THAT HAVE AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
THE EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENSES ISSUED BY STATES THAT HAVE AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
The process of exchange is relatively straightforward for drivers who find themselves in categories 1 and 2. This is only applicable as long as the license to be exchanged is still valid. An application can be made using the ‘Citizen Service Centre,’ also known as ‘Politis’, or at one of the regional offices of the Ministry of Transport.
The documents that are required are as follows
- A completed TOM 7 Application Form
- Two passport-size photographs
- A copy of the applicant’s Cyprus residence permit
- Proof of the last six months of residency
- A Passport or ID document
- The applicant’s home country driving license
If the driver’s home country license is written in a language other than Greek or English, the Press and Information Office or the embassy of the country that issued the license must translate it.
THE EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENSES ISSUED BY STATES THAT DO NOT HAVE AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
The process of exchange is not a straightforward process for drivers who find themselves in category 3. These drivers are advised to contact the embassy or consulate of the issuing country in Cyprus for more detailed information regarding the correct procedure. After an application has been submitted, a temporary paper driving licence is issued. This is valid until a Cypriot photo card driving licence is processed. The process of exchange normally takes up to 2 weeks. The process for expired licenses usually takes longer as verification from the country of the expired license’s origin will be required.
APPLYING FOR A NEW CYPRUS DRIVING LICENSE
All Cyprus citizens and residents may apply for a Cyprus driving license.
Key prerequisites that are typical for new drivers and residents
Minimum age: Provisional driving licenses (category A) can be obtained by people aged 17 years and above. These people will be able to ride motorbikes up to 125cc. A full driving license can be obtained for people aged 18 years and above. These people will be able to drive most road vehicles (category B). For certain other categories, age requirements may vary.
Medical fitness: In some cases, a medical certificate may be required to prove fitness to drive.
Residence: In many cases, you must be a resident in Cyprus (proof of address may be required) to obtain a local license.
Local knowledge: An adherence to the Cyprus driving law and local road signs must be displayed before obtaining a new license. In addition to this, a full knowledge of all local requirements, along with any Cyprus-specific rules, must be displayed.
Types of license and categories:
- Category A: Motorcycles
- Category B: Cars
- Category C: Trucks
