Replacement of driving licenses under simplified procedure

After arriving in Northern Cyprus, you can drive with your national driving license for a while, but then you will need to change it to a local one.

• How long can you drive with your national driving license?
• What is needed to replace the license with a local one?
• How does the process of exchanging the license work?
• How much does it cost to change the license?
• Other questions

How long can you drive with your national driving license?

By law, you can only drive with your national driving license within the limits of your visit to the island on a tourist visa — the number of days in the stamp upon entry to the island. Recently, in the vast majority of cases, this is 30 days, although sometimes they give 60, and in theory, they can give even 90 days.

In fact, you can drive with them until you obtain a TRNC driver's license, as exchanging the license for a local driver's license is possible with a long-term visa (for example, educational) or a residence permit.

What is needed to replace the license with a local one?

The basis of long-term stay on the island. This can be a residence permit, work or educational visas. Also, of course, the presence of your national driver's license is required. With these documents, you need to go to any driving school.

How does the process of exchanging the license work?

• Employees of the driving school will enroll you for a theoretical exam at the police station and at the same time provide you with a brochure with local road signs and markings.
• At the police station, the theoretical exam for exchanging the license is more of a formality, but they will still ask you about various scenarios of traffic situations, signs, and markings.
• After successfully passing the theory, you will be issued a temporary document, and after a month, you will be able to collect the TRNC driver's license. However, recently in the car chat, delays of several months are reported.

How much does it cost to change the license?

According to the latest data as of May 2024, the cost of the driver's license exchange procedure has increased to 18,000 Turkish lira. This price usually includes the state tax as well.

Other questions

In what language are the exams conducted?

Questions will be asked in Turkish or English. According to those who have taken the exam, "even with minimal language knowledge, you can easily explain on fingers."

How much time is given to take the exam after obtaining the TRNC?

After you have obtained the TRNC or a long-term visa (educational or work), you have 30 days to take the TRNC driver's license exam. This period is counted from the date of the beginning of the TRNC or visa validity, not the actual issuance date.

In which countries are Northern Cyprus licenses recognized?

The driver's license issued by the competent authorities of the TRNC is only recognized in Turkey. However, keep in mind that until you have 2 years of experience in the Turkish Republic, you will not be able to rent a car with it.

Read our car chat and ask questions — it has more than 5,000 car enthusiasts in Northern Cyprus.