Many learners expect a computer test with multiple-choice questions. In Cyprus it works differently. The theory exam is oral: an examiner shows you road signs and you say what each one means. This guide explains how the exam works in 2026, how to get ready, and what happens after you pass.
If you are just starting out, our complete Cyprus licence guide shows every step from the first application to the full licence.
What the exam is
The Road Transport Department (RTD) calls it the preliminary examination. You need to pass it before you can get a learner's licence.
There is no screen and no answer sheet. An examiner sits with you, points to pictures of road signs, and asks what they mean. You answer out loud. Some learners are also asked about road markings and police hand signals, so learn those too.
The RTD does not publish a fixed number of questions or a pass mark. The examiner chooses the signs. That is why you need to know every sign, not just a sample.
Language options
You can take the exam in Greek or English. If you speak neither language well, call the RTD before your visit and ask what they can offer.
Where to take it
The exam takes place at the RTD district offices in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta district (Deryneia). Some offices let you turn up on the day and others give you an appointment. Call the RTD call centre on 22807000 before you go so you do not waste a trip.
The fee
The official fee for the preliminary exam certificate is €10. You pay it at the office.
What to bring
- Your identity card. If you are not Cypriot, bring your passport and residence document.
- The €10 fee.
- Your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.
Many people apply for the learner's licence on the same visit. For that, also bring:
- the application form TOM 7Δ,
- two recent photos, 45 x 35 mm,
- proof that you live in Cyprus, such as utility bills or a rental agreement.
Our documents checklist covers the paperwork in detail.
How long it takes
The exam itself is short. One learner in Limassol described it as about two minutes. Plan for longer at the office, because you may wait in a queue before and after.
What happens after you pass
You get a certificate of successful preliminary examination. With it you can apply for your learner's licence at an RTD office, a Citizen Service Centre or a post office service point (KEPO). The learner's licence costs €20.
Under the Driving Licence Law, a learner's licence is now valid for two years and can be renewed. While you hold it:
- You drive with a supervisor next to you. If you are 18 or over, the supervisor must be over 25 and have held a full licence for at least 5 years. If you are under 18, the supervisor must be over 30.
- No other passengers can ride with you, except in a driving school car with an instructor.
- The car shows a learner sign on the front and the back.
- You cannot drive on motorways, except during lessons with a licensed instructor or during the test.
You can sit the practical test once you are 18 and have held the learner's licence for at least 21 days. The RTD advises booking the practical test straight away, because waiting times are long. From 14 September 2026 you also need at least 10 lessons at a licensed driving school before the practical test. Read our practical test guide for the next stage.
How to prepare
Learn every sign by name. Recognising a sign is not enough. You need to say its meaning clearly, in a short sentence. "No overtaking." "Give way." "End of speed limit."
Practise out loud. The real exam is spoken, so your practice should be spoken too. Look at a sign, say the meaning, then check. Saying it out loud helps the words come quickly when you are nervous.
Use the CySigns tools:
- The Cyprus road signs library lists every sign with its meaning, grouped by type. Read through one group a day.
- The road signs test shows you real Cyprus signs and tells you instantly which ones you get wrong.
- Cards mode in the road signs test works like the real exam. You see a sign, say the meaning out loud, then tap to reveal the answer and mark whether you knew it.
Focus on the signs you confuse. Similar signs cause most mistakes. Keep a short list of the ones you mix up and review it every day.
Do not forget markings and police signals. Learn what the main road lines mean and what a police officer's arm signals tell you to do.
Common mistakes
- Describing the sign instead of its meaning. "A red circle with a car" is not an answer. Say what it tells you to do: "No entry for motor vehicles."
- Mixing up look-alike signs. STOP and give way. No entry and no vehicles. Warning triangles that look alike. The end-of-restriction signs.
- Leaving out the number. If a sign shows a number, such as a speed or a weight, include it in your answer.
- Only practising multiple choice. Picking an answer from four options is easier than naming a sign from memory. Practise without options too.
- Freezing. If you are not sure, give your best answer in a calm, clear sentence and move on.
- Missing paperwork. Check the documents list the night before so you can apply for the learner's licence on the same visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cyprus theory test on a computer?
No. It is an oral exam. An examiner shows you road signs and you say what they mean.
How many questions are there, and what is the pass mark?
The RTD does not publish a fixed number of questions or a pass mark. The examiner chooses which signs to ask about, so prepare to name any Cyprus road sign.
Can I take the theory exam in Russian or another language?
The exam is held in Greek or English. If you need another language, ask the RTD before your visit.
What if I do not pass?
You can try again. Ask the office when you can come back, keep practising the signs you missed, and return when you can name them all quickly.
Do I need a driving school for the theory exam?
The mandatory driving school lessons apply before the practical test. Many learners still study the signs with an instructor, but you can prepare on your own with the road signs library and the road signs test.
How long is the learner's licence valid?
Under the Driving Licence Law it is valid for two years and can be renewed. Book your practical test early so you do not run out of time.