Obtaining a driver’s license in Northern Cyprus

OBTAINING A DRIVER’S LICENCE. REGULATIONS FROM “A” TO “Z”

A driving licence in Northern Cyprus means freedom, independence and a certain philosophy of life and leisure. Many people come to the sunny island to relax on the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, but there are also many who are interested in the sights, architecture, traditions and history of Northern Cyprus.

When you are visiting the island for the first time, a driving licence from your country is sufficient to drive a car, which is valid for the duration of the tourist visa (up to 3 months) from the date of entry, but if you plan to stay on the island and obtain a residence permit, you will need to obtain a local driving licence.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and have been a resident of the TRNC for at least 6 months.

Once your tourist visa expires, you must replace your licence with a TRNC driving licence. You can do this without having to attend a driving school again. You only need to prepare the following necessary documents:

an application form in English or Turkish (issued at the driving school);
passport;
residence, work or student visa (mandatory);
2 photos 3,5×4,5 cm;
copy + original of a valid driving licence of your country (if available);
a receipt for payment of the state duty.

PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING AN EXISTING LICENCE

It is necessary to pass the internal theoretical test only at the driving school! You come to the driving school, your documents are taken, you are given a book with road signs and markings and you are enrolled for the theory test. The theory test is in English or Turkish. You come on the appointed day and the inspector tests you on your knowledge of road signs. If you pass the exam successfully, in a fortnight you will receive a temporary licence, which will give you the right to drive on the island. After 1-2 months you will be issued a permanent licence in the form of a plastic card for 5 years. If you have a motorcycle/moped/scooter category on your driving licence, it will be automatically added to your driving licence and you do not need to take any additional tests!

THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING YOUR FIRST DRIVING LICENCE:

In principle, the procedure differs only in that you will need to learn the traffic rules and drive the required number of hours, at least 10, with an instructor. Then pass internal theory and driving exams at the driving school itself. If you pass successfully, you get access to the police exams, where you will also need to pass both theory and practical driving. The first driving licence is issued for one year, then you renew it for another year and from the third time you get a permanent licence for 5 years.

TUITION FEES

As of March 2024, the cost of replacing an existing driving licence is 15,000 Turkish Liras; getting a new one with mandatory training is 18,000 Turkish Liras.

Forget about being tied to public transport and travel around the island in your own car!