To drive a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) for hire or reward or in the course of a trade or business requires a Cyprus Professional Licence.
A professional licence requires training to obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) under EU Directives.
A CPC consists of different parts and continuing training. The ages for driving different categories of vehicle can also vary depending on the training received. Until a driver has a full CPC he will be restricted to driving within National boundaries.
In order to maintain their Driver CPC, all category C and D licence holders (including C, C1, C1E and D, D1, DE, D1E) will be required to undertake 35 hours Periodic Training every 5 years to be able to renew their licence. Click on the link for information on the mandatory training courses in Greek and English. The page will open in a new window.
It is a complicated subject and there are several exceptions and ‘Grandfather Rights’ etc. They are contained in the EU directives. The links for those are at the bottom of the page.
I have given a brief outline on this subject below.
Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) is the name now given for what used to be called Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV).
In Cyprus the licence category is ‘Φ’ until harmonization.
| Description | LGV | Minimum age | |
| Class 1 (Artic) | C+E | 18 years | |
| Class 2 & 3 (Rigid) | C | 18 years | |
| <7.5 Ton lorry | C1 | 18 years | |
| <7.5 Ton lorry with trailer | C1+E | 18 years |
Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) is now the name given to what used to be called Public Service Vehicles (PSV).
In Cyprus the licence catagory is ‘Λ1’ for small passenger vehicles used for tourists, for example Landrover Tours.
The Λ2 catagory is for other PCV’s until harmonization.
| Description | PCV | Minimum age | |
| Mini Bus | D1 | 21 years | |
| Small Coach | D1 | 21 years | |
| Coach | D | 21 years | |
| Small Coach with trailer | D1+E | 21 years | |
| Coach with trailer | D+E | 21 years |
The Cyprus ‘T’ Catagory is used for Taxis.
| Description | Category | Minimum age | |
| Taxi The number of taxi licences issued are restricted | B | 21 years + Two years with a full driving licence |
Any transaction that you require in relation to professional licences will have to be made in person at the Department of Transport (DoRT). Speak with the Officer who deals specifically with these applications. It will take more than one trip.
Providing:
a) The licence was issued by an EU member state,
b) It is valid,
c) You have reached the minimum ages.
d) The details of your Licence have been translated into Greek by the Ministry of Information.
If your Licence is in English a translation may not be required. Check with your local DoRT Office.
A theory examination covering:
Application has to be made in person at the Department of Transport (DoRT).
Various Documents and photographs are required to obtain a Cyprus professional licence, including a completed T.O.M. 211(12/02) application form only available in Greek.
The rules governing LGV and PCV licences in Cyprus as with all of the EU now comply with EU directives.
Directive 2003/59/EC gives information regarding professional licences.
This gives full details of the training requirements and skills needed for a certificate of professional competence (CPC).
Directive 2006/126/EEC gives driving licence categories and ages.