Living in Greece Learn about Greek living essentials: According to relevant regulations, non-European Union and non-European Economic Area driver's licenses can be used to drive in Greece for 185 days (6 months). After this period, a Greek driver's license is required to drive. While driving in Greece, foreign driver's licenses can be exchanged for a Greek driver's license, but this depends on the country. If a driver's license cannot be exchanged for a Greek license, a driving test will be required.
Exchange of Non-EU/EEA Driver's Licenses
For license exchange, the driver must reside in Greece or hold a driver's license from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, or the United States.
If the driver holds an Australian driver's license, they can drive in Greece without exchanging their license as long as it is valid and they possess an International Driving License (IDL) issued by Greece (also known as an International Driving Permit, IDP).
The procedures for exchanging a driver's license can be handled at the Citizen Service Center (KEP) or the Department of Transportation office in the applicant's area of residence.
Driver's License Application
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to learn to drive at a driving school. In most cases, the driving school will handle all paperwork and arrange the examination.
Applicant Requirements:
Ordinary residents of Greece, providing relevant proof;
No equivalent driver's license issued by the European Union or European Economic Area;
Meet the minimum intellectual and physical requirements for the type of license being tested;
Pass the theoretical test and the road test.
Types of Licenses and Age Restrictions
The age restrictions for the most common driver's licenses in Greece are as follows:
AM (motor tricycles with speeds between 25Km/h and 45Km/h): 16 years old
A1 (motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125cc): 18 years old
A2 (motorcycles with a power not exceeding 35KW): 20 years old
B1 (light four-wheeled vehicles): 18 years old
B (cars): 18 years old
C1 (medium-sized vehicles): 18 years old
Required Documents
Application form;
Copy of Greek ID or passport, showing the applicant's date of birth;
Non-Greek nationals must provide a copy of their residence permit: proof of residence or residence permit. The documents must be valid on the date of application and at the time of receiving the Greek driver's license, thus the validity must be at least 95 days (for EU and EEA) or 185 days (for other countries).
Two health examination certificates. One from a general practitioner and another from an ophthalmologist, along with a health certificate payment receipt issued by the National Bank of Greece. The aforementioned doctors must have contracts with the Ministry of Transportation.
Two color passport-sized photos;
Proof of payment issued by the local tax office;
Original and copy of the driver's license previously held by the applicant;
The application must be submitted to the local Department of Transportation or the local Citizen Service Center (KEP).
Driver's License Examination
The theoretical examination consists of various types, primarily image-based, which is the minimum requirement for obtaining a Greek driver's license. All tests are completed on the same day, and results are announced immediately. If the theoretical test is passed, the road test will commence.
The road test duration for AM, A1, A2, B, and BE types is at least 25 minutes, while for other types of licenses, it is at least 45 minutes. The examiner's instructor and two examiners will supervise inside the vehicle. The road test can be conducted on the same day as the theoretical test or at a later date.
If the theoretical or road test is not passed, there is no limit to the number of retakes. Once passed, a driving certificate will be issued immediately until the driver's license is obtained.
New Drivers
Newly licensed drivers must display a red "N" sign on the rear window of their vehicle for 6 months. These signs can be purchased at any auto repair shop.