Non-EU citizens need to obtain an International Driving Permit or a Cypriot driving licence to drive in Cyprus. EU citizens can use their own national driving licence.
More detailed answer to your question
If you want to drive in Cyprus, you will need to have a valid driving licence. However, depending on your nationality, the type of licence you require may differ. Here is a detailed breakdown of the driving licences required for different individuals in Cyprus:
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EU citizens: If you hold a valid driving licence issued by an EU country, you can use it to drive in Cyprus without any additional permit or licence. This includes both paper and card licences.
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Non-EU citizens: If you are from a non-EU country, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Cypriot driving licence in order to drive legally in Cyprus. The IDP is a recognised translation of your foreign driving licence and is valid for one year.
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UK citizens post-Brexit: Following the UK’s departure from the EU, UK citizens now require an IDP to drive in Cyprus.
It’s worth noting that if you are staying in Cyprus for a longer period of time, you may be required to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Cypriot one. This can typically be done by visiting a local Cypriot driving licence issuing authority and providing the necessary documents.
According to the official website of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, the required documentation for exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Cypriot one is as follows:
- A valid foreign driving licence
- A copy of your passport, ID card or residence permit
- A medical certificate
- Two passport photos
- The fee for issuing the Cypriot driving licence
In terms of driving rules and regulations, Cyprus follows the standard rules of the road found in most European countries. Some notable differences to keep in mind include:
- Cyprus drives on the left-hand side of the road
- The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers in the car, both front and back
- Children under 5 years of age must be secured in a child safety seat
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%
- The speed limit within urban areas is 50 km/h, while on highways it is typically 100 km/h
To end on a thought-provoking note, here is a quote from the Greek philosopher Plato that highlights the importance of responsible and ethical driving: “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.”
Now, let’s take a look at a table summarising the different driving licence requirements in Cyprus:
| Nationality | Driving Licence Required |
|---|---|
| EU citizens | EU driving licence or national driving licence |
| Non-EU citizens | International Driving Permit or Cypriot driving licence |
| UK citizens post-Brexit | International Driving Permit or Cypriot driving licence |
Overall, it’s essential to ensure that you have the correct driving licence and necessary documents before driving in Cyprus to avoid any legal issues or penalties.
Video response to “What driving Licence do I need to drive in Cyprus?”
This video discusses driving in Cyprus, which follows the left-hand side of the road like England, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, and India. Renting a car requires an international driving license which is relatively easy to obtain. European licenses are applicable, but non-European countries’ drivers must have an international driving license. The speed limit on highways and motorways is 100 km/h, with penalties enforced for a 25 km/h over-speed. Although gas prices in Cyprus are low, drivers must not partake in eating or drinking while driving or drive under the influence of alcohol.
See further online responses
European driving license European driving licenses are officially recognized by Cyprus law and do not require replacement (Law 94 (1)/2001). In most EU countries, as in the UK, a driver’s license is valid until the driver reaches the age of 70, but the driver’s license must be renewed every 10-15 years.
Drivers can drive with a current valid:
- EU driving licence – until it expires.
- UK licence – Valid while visiting Cyprus. (Visit without a visa is a maximum of 90 days). If resident in Cyprus it must be exchanged as below.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) together with a current valid domestic driving licence – usually until the IDP expires.
You will most likely be interested in this
Do I need an international drivers license to drive in Cyprus?
Response: Drivers can drive with a current valid:
(Visit without a visa is a maximum of 90 days). If resident in Cyprus it must be exchanged as below. An International Driving Permit (IDP) together with a current valid domestic driving licence – usually until the IDP expires.
Can tourists drive in Cyprus?
The reply will be: In Cyprus, motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like they do in the UK. Can I drive my car in Cyprus? Yes, so long as you have all your essential documents, including a valid UK licence, V5 document and sufficient insurance for your trip.
Which countries driving license is valid in Cyprus?
As a response to this: Cyprus recognises licences issued by the countries listed below: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and Zimbabwe.
Can I drive in Cyprus with US license?
Response to this: Foreigners arriving in Cyprus can drive vehicles using a valid international driving license or national driving license, provided that this license is valid for the class of the vehicle they wish to drive.
Do I need a driving licence in Cyprus?
When driving in Cyprus, you must always bring your national driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit. With an IDP/IDL, you don’t need to apply for a Cyprus driving licence or take a driving test. How do I get an international driver’s license in Cyprus? Getting an international driver’s license in Cyprus is simple.
Can I exchange my national driving licence for a Cyprus licence?
Article 20 of the Driving License Laws of 2001 and 2004, recognizes driver’s licences or learner’s licences issued by a competent authority of the country included in the table below: You must exchange your National driving licence for a Cyprus licence if you are a resident and have lived in Cyprus for six months.
How do I get a Cypriot driving licence?
Only people who have lived in Cyprus as residents for at least six months may apply for a Cypriot driving licence. A completed TOM 7B application form available at the DoRT (in Greek) Proof of at least six months of residence (such as utility bills) Passport (original and a photocopy of the personal details page)
How fast can you Drive in Cyprus?
Standard speed limits in Cyprus are 100 km/h on the main highways, between 65 to 80 km/h on other roads and sometimes lower on more rural roads, particularly in the mountainous villages. Like anywhere else in the world, make sure to keep an eye on your driving speed as there are speed cameras around. 12. Bring an AUX Cord & Cigarette Charger
Do I need a licence to drive in Cyprus?
Response to this: Yes. You can legally drive in Cyprus with a full and valid UK driving licence. You don’t need an International Driving Permit, although it could provide extra peace of mind if you have one. Do I need a green card to drive in Cyprus?
How do I get a Cypriot driving licence?
Only people who have lived in Cyprus as residents for at least six months may apply for a Cypriot driving licence. A completed TOM 7B application form available at the DoRT (in Greek) Proof of at least six months of residence (such as utility bills) Passport (original and a photocopy of the personal details page)
How fast can you Drive in Cyprus?
Answer will be: Standard speed limits in Cyprus are 100 km/h on the main highways, between 65 to 80 km/h on other roads and sometimes lower on more rural roads, particularly in the mountainous villages. Like anywhere else in the world, make sure to keep an eye on your driving speed as there are speed cameras around. 12. Bring an AUX Cord & Cigarette Charger
Do UK drivers need a green card to drive in Cyprus?
As an answer to this: UK motorists are no longer required to carry a green card to drive in Cyprus, but you should check that your policy will cover you in all countries you plan to visit before setting off. What side of the road do they drive on in Cyprus?