What It Is
A learner/student (provisional) driving licence in Cyprus lets you begin learning to drive before you qualify for a full licence. It is a paper licence valid only within the Republic of Cyprus.
Who Can Apply
To apply for a Cyprus learner/student licence, you must:
- Be a resident of Cyprus and be able to prove you’ve lived in the country for at least six months.
- Meet the minimum age requirements for the vehicle category you intend to learn on (for example, 17.5 years for cars and light motorcycles).
How to Apply
- Go in person to the Department of Road Transport (DoRT) office with all required documents.
- Pass a basic eyesight and theory test covering traffic signs and the Highway Code — this is a short verbal exam given in English or Greek.
- Pay the applicable fees: the theory test costs around €10, and the provisional licence costs €20.
Documents Required
When applying, be prepared to provide:
- A completed application form (T.O.M. 7).
- Two recent passport-style photos (40 × 35 mm).
- Your residence permit and evidence of six months’ residency (e.g., utility bill).
- Your passport or ID and a copy.
- The theory test pass slip and licence fee.
Licence Rules & Restrictions
- Validity: The provisional licence is valid for one year and may be renewed (the earliest renewal date is one month before it expires).
- Supervision:
- An experienced driver or an Authorised Driving Instructor must accompany learner drivers.
- Learner drivers aged 18 or older, for cars and larger vehicles, the accompanying driver must be at least 25 years old with five years of driving experience, or an Authorised Driving Instructor.
- Learner drivers aged 17.5 must be accompanied by an experienced driver aged 30 and upwards who has held a full driving licence for the class of vehicle for no less than five years, or an Authorised Driving Instructor
- E-plates: Learner drivers must display “E” plates at the front and rear of the vehicle while driving.
- Highway restrictions: Learner licence holders are not permitted to drive on highways unless they are accompanied by an Authorised Driving Instructor or are taking a driving test.
Special Notes
- EU provisional licences — Licences from other EU countries are generally accepted in Cyprus and can be used to drive and book tests, provided you meet Cyprus’s age and supervision rules.
- Recent rule changes (2026): New regulations now restrict learner riders (e.g., motorcycle categories AM, A1, A2, A) from riding on public roads unless under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor or during official training/examinations