What is the procedure for obtaining a driver’s license in North Cyprus?
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 at the local road traffic authority.
The process of learning to drive in Northern Cyprus and obtaining a driver's license is not much different from any other country. Learning theory at a driving school, practice, and then exams at the local government road traffic authority.
Theoretical preparation
First, you need to choose a driving school. Read reviews, ask in the car chat - gather as much information as possible about both the educational institution and the specific instructor.
After signing a contract with the driving school, you will start practical lessons. They will be conducted in Turkish or English, so be prepared for this. You can study the theoretical part at home in your language, but you will not be able to take the exam in it.
Practical lessons
After some time of theoretical training, the instructor at the driving school will allow you to start practical driving lessons. The exact number of driving hours can be clarified at the driving school.
Exam taking
An employee of the driving school will register you for the exam at the road traffic authority if the instructor deems you sufficiently prepared. The exam consists of two stages - first, the examiner checks your theoretical knowledge, and then, if the answers are satisfactory, you will be allowed to take the driving test. Questions will be asked in Turkish or English.
Initially, you will be issued temporary licenses, which can be exchanged for the main document within about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions about getting a driver's license in Northern Cyprus
In which countries are Northern Cyprus driver's licenses recognized?
A driver's license issued by the competent authorities of the TRNC is only recognized in Turkey. However, keep in mind that you will not be able to rent a car in the Turkish Republic until you have 2 years of driving experience on them.
How much does it cost to get a driver's license in Northern Cyprus?
As of May 2024, the cost of training at a driving school with subsequent exam passing is around 15-20 thousand lira.
Where can you get a driver's license in Northern Cyprus?
In the case of the first-time passing for a driver's license, you need to obtain a driver's license in Nicosia, at the Araç Kayıt, Muayene ve Ruhsatlandırma Şubesi. The location of the registration department is on the map below.
Read our car chat and ask questions - it has over 5 thousand car enthusiasts in Northern Cyprus.
Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…
