How to Get a Driving License in North Cyprus

Whether you’re living in or visiting North Cyprus, getting around often means driving. While public transport exists, many prefer the freedom and flexibility of car driving in North Cyprus, especially for exploring areas with limited bus access or traveling on their own schedule. But how do driving licenses work here? Can you use your home license, or do you need to get a local one?

In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about driving licenses in North Cyprus—from eligibility criteria and required documents to license conversion, testing procedures, and renewals.

Eligibility and Requirements to Obtain a Driving License in North Cyprus

To obtain a driving license in North Cyprus, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation. While the general procedure is standardized, certain steps may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s residency status and license history.

Who Can Apply for a Driving License in North Cyprus?

To be eligible for a North Cyprus driving license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid residency permit. Only residents of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) can apply for a local license.

Tourists can use their foreign or international driving license in North Cyprus for up to 90 days. However, those who plan to stay longer are required to obtain a local license. In most cases, applicants must have resided in North Cyprus for at least six months before applying.

Individuals who already hold a valid foreign driving license may be eligible to convert it to a North Cyprus license. Applicants are required to pass a theory exam on local traffic. While practical driving tests are generally waived, some applicants—particularly those from countries without a bilateral license agreement—may be required to complete a brief orientation course or undergo an assessment session at an authorized driving center. In that sense, North Cyprus driving license requirements can vary based on the country of issuance and the applicant’s driving history.

Required Documents to Apply for a North Cyprus Driving License

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Valid residence permit or visa (e.g., student, work, or long-term stay)
• Original foreign driving license (if applicable), with an official translation
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Completed driving license application form (available online or at the Traffic Department)
• Health certificate confirming medical fitness to drive
• Proof of payment for the application and license fees

After submitting your application, you will be issued a temporary driving license, valid for approximately 60 days or until your official license is processed. Once you have successfully passed all required tests and your application is approved, you will receive your official North Cyprus driving license.

Steps to Obtain a Driving License in North Cyprus

Before submitting your documents to the Traffic Department or relevant authority, there are several important steps you must complete to ensure a smooth and successful application. Whether you're applying for the first time or converting a foreign license, understanding the North Cyprus driving license process can help ensure a smooth application experience.

Enrolling in a Driving School in North Cyprus

All eligible applicants are required to attend one of the licensed driving schools in North Cyprus. Training typically includes at least five days of instruction, consisting of 8 daytime hours and 2 nighttime hours. Practical training ranges from 10 to 30 hours, depending on the applicant’s progress and the curriculum of the driving school.

Most driving schools operate in Turkish and English, and exams are only available in these two languages. While you may find supplementary materials in your native language, all official assessments must be taken in Turkish or English. To ensure quality instruction, it’s advisable to research reputable driving schools, read reviews, and seek recommendations from local residents or online communities.

Theory and Practical Tests in North Cyprus

Theory Test:

The theory exam covers essential traffic laws, road signs, and driving rules in North Cyprus specific to local regulations. The test is administered exclusively at the driving school where you are enrolled. Upon registration, the school will provide official study materials, including a handbook on local road signs and markings.

The exam may be multiple-choice or verbal and is offered in both Turkish and English. Passing typically requires at least 85% correct answers. Successful completion of the theory test is mandatory before proceeding to practical driving lessons or the practical test.

Practical Driving Test:

After passing the theory test and completing the required driving lessons (minimum 10 hours: 8 daytime and 2 nighttime), your instructor will schedule your practical driving test with the Traffic Department.

This test is conducted by an official examiner and assesses your ability to handle real traffic situations. It includes urban driving, parking maneuvers, U-turns, reversing, roundabouts, and general traffic behavior. Common reasons for failure include improper signaling, failure to check mirrors, incorrect parking, and hesitation at intersections.

Cost of a Driving License in North Cyprus (2025)

As of 2025, the total cost of obtaining a driving license in North Cyprus is approximately 18,000 Turkish Liras. This amount covers:

• Driving school fees
• Learner’s permit
• Theory and practical exams
• Final license issuance

License validity fees vary depending on the selected period, from 1 year for 1000 TL to 10 years for 5000 TL.

Key Differences: First-Time License vs. Conversion or Renewal

While the overall structure of obtaining a driving license in North Cyprus may appear similar, the process varies significantly depending on whether you're applying for the first time, converting a foreign license, or renewing an existing TRNC license.

First-Time License

First-time applicants for a driving license in North Cyprus must be legal residents who have lived in the TRNC for at least six months and meet the driving age in North Cyprus, currently 18. They are required to complete both theoretical and practical training at a licensed driving school and pass the corresponding tests.

Upon passing the theory test, the applicant receives a learner’s permit, which is valid until the practical driving exam is successfully completed. After passing the practical test, the license is issued in stages: initially valid for one year, then extended to two years, and eventually to five years. The full process may take several months to complete, factoring in training, exams, and the approval timeline set by the Traffic Department.

Conversion of a Foreign Driving License

Applicants holding a valid foreign driving license and a residence permit or visa in North Cyprus are eligible to convert their license. As of 2025, a mandatory preparatory training course has been introduced to ensure all applicants understand the traffic laws and road signs specific to North Cyprus.

Even foreign license holders must sometimes complete basic driving lessons in North Cyprus before being approved for a local license. While the practical test may be waived depending on the country where the original license was issued, all applicants must still pass the theory test.

After passing the test and completing the required training, applicants receive a learner’s permit valid for six months. Provided there are no traffic violations during this period, a full driving license is granted, typically valid for five years.

The overall cost for converting a license is generally lower than obtaining a first-time license, although it still includes fees for training and exams. The conversion process generally takes a minimum of six months.

Renewal of a North Cyprus Driving License

Applicants who already hold a valid TRNC driving license can renew their license without undergoing further training or testing, unless the license has been expired for an extended period or special medical conditions apply. The renewed license is typically issued for five years.

The renewal process is usually fast and straightforward, especially if all documentation is up to date. Applicants over the age of 65 may be required to submit a medical certificate as part of the renewal. Other than the standard renewal fee and potential medical documentation, there are generally no additional requirements.

International Driving Permits and Foreign License Conversions in North Cyprus

Driving in North Cyprus as a foreigner is possible, but there are important rules and timelines to keep in mind depending on your visa status and the country of origin of your license. Tourists are allowed to drive in North Cyprus using their valid national driving license, provided it is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP must be presented along with the original license and is particularly important for licenses not issued in English or Turkish. Although short-term tourists can usually drive with an EU license, the validity of an EU license in North Cyprus depends on residency duration and the presence of an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The validity period for tourists driving with a foreign license is typically up to 90 days, depending on their visa type. This applies to most foreign nationals, including EU citizens. However, it’s important to note that there is no automatic recognition or exchange of EU licenses in North Cyprus. Some national licenses—such as those issued in the UK or EU—may be accepted on their own for short visits, while others, such as those from the United States, must be accompanied by an international driving permit in Northern Cyprus to drive legally. Tourists staying fewer than 90 days are not required to convert their licenses, but they must always carry an IDP if their original license is not in English or Turkish.

It is essential to understand that the International Driving Permit serves only as a translation of your home license. It is not valid on its own and must always be accompanied by the original license.

How Long Can You Use a Foreign License in North Cyprus Before Conversion Is Required?

If you are residing and driving as a foreigner in North Cyprus, the permitted duration for using a foreign license is longer than it is for tourists. Foreign residents—including those from EU countries—can legally drive with their home country’s valid license for up to six months after obtaining residency in North Cyprus. After this six-month period, converting to a TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) driving license becomes mandatory in order to continue driving legally.

Renewal and Replacement of TRNC Driver’s Licenses

Renewing a North Cyprus (TRNC) driving license is a straightforward process, but it must be completed within the designated timeframes based on the applicant’s age. Failing to renew on time may result in additional steps such as retaking the theory and practical exams.

TRNC Driving License Renewal Intervals by Age

• Ages 18–50: Renewal required every 10 years
• Ages 50–65: Renewal required every 5 years
• Age 65 and above: Renewal required every 2 years (with a mandatory eye test)

These intervals are designed to ensure that drivers remain fit to operate a vehicle safely, particularly in older age groups.

Required Documents for North Cyprus Driving License Renewal

The document checklist for renewing a TRNC driving license may differ slightly from those required for first-time applications or conversions. The necessary documents include:

Completed driving license renewal application form (available online or at the Traffic Department)

• Current valid TRNC driving license
• Original passport and a photocopy
• Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background
• Eye test certificate (mandatory for applicants aged 65 and above)

The renewal process is generally efficient, especially when all required documents are submitted on time. Applicants are advised not to wait until the license expires, as holding an expired TRNC driving license could mean having to repeat certain examinations before a new one is issued.

Replacement of a Lost or Damaged TRNC Driving License

If your North Cyprus driving license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement through the same Traffic Department. The procedure is similar to the renewal process, though specific documents may differ. In most cases, you will need a completed application form for license replacement, your passport (original and copy), two recent passport-size photos and if applicable, a police report documenting the loss or theft.

Once your application is submitted, a temporary driving permit is usually issued immediately, allowing you to continue driving legally while your official license is processed. The issuance of the replacement license typically takes a few weeks.

Navigating the North Cyprus driving license process may seem daunting at first, but with the right information and preparation, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you’re a new resident, a long-term visitor, or simply converting your existing license, following these steps will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Once you’ve obtained your North Cyprus driving license, you’ll have the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Safe travels, and enjoy all North Cyprus has to offer!

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