How to Obtain a Driver’s License in Northern Cyprus
A car in Northern Cyprus is not a luxury but a necessity. If you reside in the country legally and not on a tourist visa, you can apply for a driver’s license through the local state traffic authority.
The process of learning to drive and obtaining a driver’s license is not much different from other countries: theory, practice, and final exams administered by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the TRNC (Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti Bayındırlık ve Ulaştırma Bakanlığı).
Theoretical Training
The first step is choosing a driving school. Read reviews, ask acquaintances, or ask in our car chat. People often share up-to-date advice about schools and instructors there.
After signing a contract with a driving school, the theory course begins. It is usually conducted in Turkish or English, so those who do not speak these languages well are advised to study basic terminology in advance. You can study theory independently at home in your own language, but the exam is taken only in Turkish or English.
Practical Lessons
After completing the theory course, the instructor will allow you to begin driving practice. The number of practice hours depends on the student’s level of preparation and the selected license category. Typically, training takes between 10 and 20 lessons.
Tip: choose an instructor who speaks a language you understand and explains things calmly — this significantly increases your chances of passing the exam on the first attempt.
Taking the Exam
When the instructor considers you ready, they will register you for the exam at the state traffic authority. The exam consists of two parts:
- Theoretical part — testing knowledge of traffic rules and road signs.
- Practical part — assessing driving skills on a closed площадка and in real traffic conditions.
The exam questions are asked in Turkish or English. After completing the theoretical stage, a vision test is conducted (the examiner may ask you to read the license plate number of a car standing at a distance — this is a simple eyesight check).
You will first receive a temporary driver’s license, which is valid for several weeks. The main license can be collected in about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obtaining a License in Northern Cyprus
In which countries is a Northern Cyprus driver’s license recognized?
Licenses issued by the competent authorities of the TRNC are officially recognized in Turkey. However, if your driving experience is less than two years, you will not be able to rent a car in Turkey. In other countries, Northern Cyprus licenses have no legal force, but you can obtain an international driving permit based on them.
How much does training and taking the exam cost?
As of the end of 2025, the average cost of a full course including theory, practice, and the exam ranges from 20,000 TL to 25,000 TL. Administrative fees for issuing the license are added to this amount. You can find detailed tariffs in the article “Driver’s Licenses in Northern Cyprus”.
Where are driver’s licenses issued?
The initial issuance of a driver’s license takes place in Nicosia, at the Department of Vehicle Registration and Licensing.
Phone: +90 392 228 2714
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