A car in Cyprus is not a luxury, but rather a necessity. Despite the presence of both city and intercity buses, the locations on the island are quite scattered. We tell you how the process of obtaining rights in Cyprus takes place "from scratch".

THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING A DRIVER'S LICENSE IN CYPRUS

• Independent study of the theory
• Search for an instructor and sign up for the theory exam
• Passing the theoretical exam and obtaining student rights
• Classes with an instructor
• Passing the practical exam

Any citizen who is resident on the island has the right to pass the exam and get a driver's license in Cyprus. In other words, you must have at least one type of residence permit, work or study visa issued at least six months ago.

Theory

There are very few driving schools in Cyprus, and the theory is mostly taught independently from books purchased in the store. If you know Greek, then you don't have to spend money on a book: the website of the Department of Road Transport has a free textbook in an electronic version. You can also take courses, such as this driving school.

Search for an instructor

There is also freedom of choice — licensed instructors are located in various groups in social networks, or in the same driving school at the link above. Russian-speaking instructors are almost impossible to find, so be prepared to communicate in English.

Before the practical exercises, the instructor writes you down for the theory exam, fills out the documents in Greek, and pre-checks your knowledge of the rules.

Theoretical exam

The exam itself is simple and consists of just a few questions for the inspector to choose from. It is conducted in Greek or English, and you are allowed to come with an interpreter. Upon successful completion, you will receive student rights.

Documents for the theoretical exam:

• Completed application form
• Two 45 × 35 photos
• International passport
• Residence permit issued more than 6 months ago
• Copies of your passport and residence permit

Practice with an instructor

You need to decide on the required number of hours based on your abilities, but the minimum according to the law is 7. Those who have no experience at all take 25-30 hours each. Before the practical exam, a student can be admitted only after 21 days — that is, after theory, it will be impossible to unlearn 7 hours a day and take driving tests.

Driving Test

An instructor also registers for the practical exam, although this can be done independently through the website of the Road Department. Before the exam, you will be tested again for knowledge of road signs, and while driving, you will be asked to perform such maneuvers as right and left turns, driving around the ring, parallel parking, U-turns in three steps, and reversing.

Documents for passing the driving test:

• Completed application form
• International passport
• Residence PERMIT
• Student rights
• Payment of 150 euros to the instructor for providing a car for the exam

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLYING FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE IN CYPRUS

Can I get a Cyprus license based on a Russian one?

Yes, if you already have a driver's license of the Russian Federation, you can contact the Department of Road Transport to exchange them. The exchange fee is 50 euros.

Can I drive with a student's license?

You can drive the car of an instructor or friend, but it must have extended insurance and training stickers. At the same time, a driver with more than 5 years of experience and more than 25 years of age must be in the front seat. It is forbidden to go on the motorway even if these conditions are met — only with a licensed instructor.

How much does an instructor's job cost?

Licensed instructors in Cyprus charge between 25 and 30 euros per hour for their services. You can find an instructor without a license a little cheaper.

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