Driving licence
Most driving licences are valid for visitors to Cyprus. For information on driving licences, check the driving licence section of this site.
If you hold a UK driving licence, you are likely to be required to obtain a code from the DVLA, which gives the hire company access to your driving record. It can be obtained here. The code is valid for 21 days.
Drivers Ages
Most hiring companies will hire cars to drivers between the ages of 25 and 75 years without any problem.
If you are younger than 25, you have to have held a full licence for 3 years.
If you are over 70, there is not usually a problem, but some companies may not agree to hire you a car until they have met you personally to assess any possible incapacity.
Exclusions
Some hire companies in the Republic of Cyprus (South of the Island) will not allow you to take the vehicle over into the Northern (TRNC – Turkish) side. If you wish to cross the border, make sure that the company specifically allows this.
Most companies exclude off-road use.
Fuel
Hire cars usually operate the system of handing the vehicle over to you with an empty fuel tank, so you return it empty. This can lead to problems if you are not careful. This practice is slowly changing to the system of returning the vehicle with the tank full.
Red Plates
Hire cars display a red registration plate.
Be aware that the drivers of these vehicles will often not be conversant with local conditions.