The Cyprus driving licence is the official document issued in Cyprus to authorise its holder to operate various types of motor vehicle on public roads.
Licences are issued by the Department of Transport which forms part of the Ministry of Communications and Works. Mopeds (less than 50cc) can be driven on a learner's licence from the age of 12 and cars from the age of 14. High capacity motorcycles and certain heavier vehicles can only be driven over the age of 21.
As of 2008, the cost is €59.80 (up to 60 years of age), € 25.63 (60 to 65 years of age) and for those over 65 it is free. Drivers over 70 years of age require a fitness to drive certificate from a medical doctor.
A Cyprus licence is valid in all EU member states. They are printed on paper, show the holder's photograph and have the standard EU vehicle categories.
Offenses such as speeding and drink driving are strictly policed and penalty points can be imposed on driving licences when caught. In certain serious cases or in repeat offenses accumulating enough points a driving licence is revoked on a temporary or permanent basis.
Driving licenses only apply for use of vehicles on public roads. Any vehicle can be driven on one's own land (or another person's, with the owner's permission) without a licence.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus drivers licenses can be obtained by TRNC citizens and citizens of other nations if they have a residency permit. Without either citizenship or a residency permit, TRNC licences cannot be obtained. TRNC car and motorcycle licenses can be obtained at the age of 18, following a theory and practical exam on public roads.
Despite the TRNC being an internationally unrecognized state, TRNC licenses are valid for use worldwide for the time frame set by the relevant country, as are all other licences. Since the opening of the border checkpoints in Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus accepts TRNC issued licenses as valid for use on their roads for 12 months. The Republic Cyprus licenses are also valid for use in the TRNC for 12 months, and are treated in the same manner as any other internationally issued licences would be.
Unlike the Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus), the TRNC issues their licenses in the form of a license card, rather than on paper. Turkish and English are the languages used on the license card.
TRNC Licenses are valid for 12 months upon arrival to the United Kingdom. When this 12 month time frame has elapsed, the license holder must obtain a UK licence to continue driving. Because the Turkish Republic of northern Cyprus is not a member of the EC or the EEA, TRNC licence holders cannot exchange their licences for that of the UK, so both the practical and theory examination must be taken to obtain a UK licence. The same principle is applied for all EC and EEA member states.
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