How to get a driving license in Northern Cyprus
Having 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 obtain a driving license at the local state traffic department.
The process of learning to drive and obtaining a driving license is similar to 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 to choose a driving school. Check reviews, ask acquaintances, or consult our car chat. Participants often share up-to-date advice about schools and instructors there.
After signing a contract with the driving school, the theory course begins. It is usually conducted in Turkish or English, so those who are not fluent in these languages are advised to learn basic terms in advance. You can also study theory at home in your own language, but the exam is only conducted in Turkish or English.
Practical Lessons
After completing the theory course, the instructor will allow you to start practical driving lessons. The number of lessons depends on the student’s skill level and the chosen license category. Usually, training takes 10 to 20 lessons.
Tip: choose an instructor who speaks a language you understand and explains 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 department. The exam consists of two parts:
- Theoretical Part — tests knowledge of traffic rules and signs.
- Practical Part — tests driving skills on a closed course and in real traffic conditions.
Exam questions are asked in Turkish or English. After completing the theoretical part, an eye test is conducted (the examiner may ask you to identify a distant car number — a simple vision check).
Initially, you will receive temporary driving licenses valid for a few weeks. The full license can usually be collected about a month later.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining a Driving License in Northern Cyprus
In which countries are Northern Cyprus licenses 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 cannot 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 the exam cost?
As of the end of 2025, the average cost of a full course including theory, practice, and the exam is 20,000 TL to 25,000 TL. Administrative fees for issuing the license are additional. Detailed rates can be found in the article “Driving Licenses in Northern Cyprus”.
Where is the driving license obtained?
Initial license registration takes place in Nicosia at the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Department.
Phone: +90 392 228 2714
Check out our car chat — it has over 5,000 participants sharing personal experiences, exam tips, and advice on choosing driving schools.
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…