Exchanging driving licenses in Northern Cyprus — how to take the exam and how much it costs

After arriving in Northern Cyprus, you can drive for a certain period using your national driving license, but eventually, it must be exchanged for a local license.

The process of exchanging a license in the TRNC is not complicated, but it requires compliance with certain conditions and deadlines. Below we have compiled everything you need to know — from the validity period of national licenses to the cost and exchange procedure.

• How long can you drive with a national license?
• What do you need to exchange your license for a local one?
• How does the license exchange process work?
• How much does it cost to exchange a license?
• Other questions

How long can you drive with a national license?

By law, you can drive with your national license only within the framework of a tourist stay — for the number of days indicated in the entry stamp upon arrival on the island. Usually, this is 30 days, but sometimes 60 or even 90 days are allowed.

In practice, you can drive with it until you obtain a residence permit (TRNC ID), since exchanging your license for a local one is only possible with a long-term visa (study, work) or a residence permit.

What do you need to exchange your license for a local one?

To exchange a national license for a local one, you must confirm legal residence in the TRNC. This can be:

• A residence permit;
• A student visa;
• A work visa.

You also need a valid national driving license from your country. With these documents, you should contact any driving school, where they will help you with the paperwork and direct you to the exam.

How does the license exchange process work?

• The driving school staff will register you for the theoretical exam at the police station and provide a booklet with local rules, signs, and road markings.
• The exam is conducted at the police station and consists of a short interview with questions about traffic situations and signs.
• After passing successfully, you will receive a temporary document, and the plastic driving license can be collected after a month.

How much does it cost to exchange a license?

Information about the fees for obtaining or exchanging a driving license can be found in our special article.

Other questions

In what language is the exam conducted?

The exam is conducted in Turkish or English. According to participants, minimal language knowledge is sufficient — you can communicate using gestures if needed.

How much time do you have to take the exam after receiving a residence permit?

After obtaining a residence permit or long-term visa, you have 30 days to pass the exam. The countdown starts from the date the residence permit or visa becomes valid.

In which countries are TRNC licenses recognized?

A driving license issued by the TRNC authorities is officially recognized only in Turkey. However, it is important to remember: if your driving experience in the TRNC is less than two years, you cannot rent a car in Turkey.

Check out our car chat — there are over 5,000 participants sharing experiences, recommending reliable driving schools, and providing current exchange fees.