Driving and Obtaining a License in North Cyprus:
Driving on a Foreign License:
If you're visiting North Cyprus, you can drive with your national driving license for up to 30-90 days, depending on your visa. After this period, you must obtain a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) driving license if you plan to stay longer.
New Regulation for First-Time Applicants:
First-time applicants must apply through a local driving school. You'll receive a provisional license and need to pass a theory test (mostly road signs) before obtaining a five-year driving license.
- Cost: Lessons and license application cost around 6,000 TL.
Steps for Foreign License Holders to Obtain a TRNC License:
- Application: Submit your foreign license at the Driving Licence Renewal Unit.
- Driving School: Attend at least 10 hours of driving lessons (8 hours daytime, 2 hours nighttime) at a local driving school.
- Completion: Once lessons are completed, submit the document provided by the driving school and your receipt from the Renewal Unit.
Exchanging a Foreign License for a Local License:
- Enroll at a driving school, which will provide materials on road signs.
- Pass a theory exam at the police station.
- Receive a temporary document while waiting for your TRNC license.
- Eligibility: You can exchange your foreign license if you hold a residence permit, work visa, or student visa.
- Process:
Driving School Process:
- Theoretical Preparation: Choose a driving school that suits your language preference (Turkish or English). Study materials will be provided by the school.
- Practical Lessons: After completing theory, you’ll proceed to practical lessons. Your instructor will guide you on the number of hours required.
- Exam: The exam consists of two parts: a theory test followed by a driving test. Both tests are conducted in Turkish or English.
Cost of Obtaining a License:
As of June 2024 the recent regulation approved by the TRNC Council of Ministers, the following fees apply for driving licenses in North Cyprus:
- 1,435 TL for the student driving license exam
- 1,434.90 TL for a learner's license
- 1,970 TL for the motor vehicle driving test
- Two years: 1,434.80 TL
- Three years: 1,914.70 TL
- Five years: 2,939.50 TL
- Ten years: 4,879 TL
- One-year license (age-restricted): 959.90 TL
- Temporary driving license: 1,434.90 TL
- Fee for a copy of a lost, damaged, worn-out, or replaced driving license or student license: 700 TL.
Validity of TRNC License:
A TRNC license is primarily recognised in Turkey. It’s important to note that you need two years of experience with your TRNC license before being able to rent a car in Turkey.
Driving Schools in Northern Cyprus:
Nicosia
- Etkin Şoför Okulu
Also provides motorcycle driving lessons
Phone: +905338360830
Website: etkinsoforokulu.com
- Merkan Driving School
Phone: +903922270579
Website: kk-ssek.com
- Yiğit Şoför Okulu
Phone: +905338682544
- Seyhun Bikmaz Sofor Okulu
Phone: +905338873999
Website: facebook.com/seyhunbikmazsoforokulu
- Gerçek Tilki Şöför Okulu
Phone: +905428558313
- Deniz Yağızerler Şoför Okulu
Phone: +905338433557
Kyrenia
- Özbek Şoför Okulu
Has a Russian-speaking administrator
Phone: +903928151036
- Şah-mat
Phone: +905338361815
- Yüksel Driving School
Also teaches motorcycle driving
Phone: +905338622090
Website: yukselsoforokulu.com
- Özgüneş Driving School
Phone: +905428878797
- Gerçek Tilki Driving School
Phone: +905338560567
Famagusta
- Ergin Driving School
Phone: +905428581869
Website: kktcdriving.com
- Tilki Driving School
Phone: +9039236632904
- İrfan Driving School
Phone: +905338610547
- Fatoş Driving School
Phone: +905488649340
Esentepe
- Kurşun Driving School
Phone: +905338620660
Güzelyurt
- Yiğit Driving School
Phone: +9053386825
In North Cyprus, driving is on the left side of the road, a practice that can be a bit disorienting for visitors from countries where driving is on the right. This system requires some adjustment, especially when navigating roundabouts and intersections. Vehicles are typically right-hand drive, which is consistent with the left-side driving rule. It's important to be aware of local road signs and regulations, as they may differ from those in your home country. This familiarity with left-side driving is one reason why many visitors from the UK enjoy traveling to North Cyprus, as it allows for a more comfortable driving experience. Remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and always signal your intentions to ensure a smooth journey.
MOT Testing
A system of MOT inspections, similar to that in the UK, applies to all vehicles in North Cyprus. The inspections are carried out at police stations and the requirements are much less stringent than that of EU countries. Cars from new are required to be inspected every 3 years. Motor cycles and quad bikes are to be inspected annually.
MOT testing dates are published annually and detail a programme of dates by registration numbers when vehicles are required to be inspected.
Please Note:
Each registration letter may be allocated as little as a one week window for vehicles to be inspected. Failure to arrange the MOT within the specified period will result in monetary fines.
Revised MOT dates for 2024, are shown below.
An emission test is required to be carried out within a 7 day period before the police MOT inspection. These tests are carried out by approved garages and cost approximately 150tl . No appointment is usually necessary. In Turkish, it is called Ekzos emisyon testi.
Vehicle MOT Procedures in North Cyprus
Both MOT and road tax can now be paid online. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth process. Access the online payment portal here: https://bub.gov.ct.tr/.
Procedure for Obtaining an MOT Certificate
- Arrange an Emissions Test
Obtain the emissions test certificate before proceeding.
- Documents Needed
Prepare the following documents: - Vehicle log book
- Driving licence
- Insurance documents
- Current road tax certificate
- Emissions test certificate
- Old MOT and emissions test certificates
- Pay the Fee
The fee changes so please log on to find out the price. Ensure to obtain a receipt. Note: A fine will be added if payment is one day late.
- Prepare Your Vehicle
If your engine is dirty, arrange for it to be cleaned. The inspection will compare the engine number with the log book, so make sure the engine block number is visible.
- Take Your Vehicle to the Police MOT Testing Centre
During the allocated time, present all vehicle documents and the tax office receipt.
- MOT Certificate Issuance
If the vehicle passes the inspection, you will receive an MOT certificate valid for the appropriate number of years.
Visiting the Police for Vehicle Inspection
With the tax payment receipt, emissions test result, and previous inspection document, go to the inspection department at the police station. The inspector will assess the technical condition of your vehicle. They may point out deficiencies or issue a Motorlu Araç Muayene Geçme Belgesi (Certificate of Vehicle Soundness).
Requirements for Vehicle Condition During Inspection
- Ensure that the vehicle is technically sound, focusing on:
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Functionality of low and high beams
- Tires must not be worn out; replace bald tires with those that have a clear tread pattern.
- Carry two warning triangles, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and mud flaps if they are part of the vehicle's design.
Vehicle Road Tax Information
In the TRNC, road tax is due annually on the anniversary of your vehicle registration. The amount varies based on the weight category and fuel type (petrol or diesel). To renew, you will need the old tax disc and the current MOT certificate, along with the relevant fee. This can now be paid online from the web address above.
Selling/Buying a Second Hand Vehicle
When buying a used car from a private source, the procedure for the logbook update has changed as of JULY 2020. The TR2 Form which was used before is no longer needed. As indeed there is no requirement for a Muhktar’s letter. The new procedure is, the buyer and the seller, together with the relevant car documents and passports plus copies, must attend the tax office and make the vehicle title change together. If the seller is not in the country, the buyer will need to get a Notary’s letter informing the Tax Office that this person is not in the country. This is the only way you can re-register a vehicle from now on.
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While the information within this website site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that any information provided in this website will be correct, complete, and/or up-to-date.
All materials are provided for general information purpose only and do not constitute any legal or other professional advice on any subject matter. Landmark does not accept any responsibility for any losses which may arise from reliance on any information contained on this site.
