Buy Property to Immigrate to Cyprus Learn about Living in Cyprus Guide: A Chinese driver's license is not valid in EU countries. China drives on the left; Cyprus drives on the right. However, in practice, most Chinese can easily rent a car in Cyprus using their original driver's license (with an English translation) and passport. If the driver's license does not have an English or Greek translation, it must be translated at the Chinese embassy in Cyprus or the Cyprus Press and Information Office.
The validity period for an international driver's license in Cyprus is six months from the date of entry into Cyprus. After six months, one must take the local driving test in Cyprus. If you have been in Cyprus for two months, the remaining validity of the driver's license will be four months.
If you plan to exchange for a local Cyprus driver's license, the applicant must prove that they have resided in Cyprus for at least six months. The application requires a test, and the driver's license obtained upon passing is valid for 15 years. The applicant must personally submit the following materials to the transportation department.
Materials required for applying for a driver's license:
Completed T.O.M.7B form (filled in Greek text, with an English version available for reference);
2 passport-sized photos (40*35);
Residence permit;
Proof of residence in Cyprus for more than six months (utility bills can be submitted);
Copy of the passport's first page;
Certain fees;
Original driver's license from the home country and 2 copies of the driver's license; the previous license must be surrendered and no longer used;
The fee for the driver's license is: 40 euros (up to 65 years old); free for those over 65 years old;
The process for taking the driving test is as follows:
First, you will receive a learner's driving license, which allows you to drive with a licensed person accompanying you. You need two personal photos, and then go to the traffic department to obtain the materials and go to another office to get a green paper, which is the learner's driving license.
After obtaining the learner's driving license, apply for the road sign test. Upon successful application, schedule the test time. The examiner will point out various signs on paper, and you need to explain their meanings. (Before this test, various immigration documents must be presented, and there will be certain fees involved)
After passing, apply for the road test, which will be scheduled approximately 15 days later. A fee of around 100 euros is required to apply for the road test. On the day of the test, a draw will determine which examiner you will have. Before the road test, you will take the sign test again.
During the road test, the examiner will inform you whether you have passed.
If you do not pass, you can apply for a retest, which is generally scheduled for one month later, with a fee of around 100 euros. The instructor charges about 25 euros per lesson. The number of lessons depends on the student's level, with no strict requirements.
