The learner licence (in Greek μαθητική άδεια, or άδεια οδήγησης μαθητευομένου) lets you practise driving on public roads before your practical test. The Road Transport Department (RTD) calls it a learner's permit, and many people call it a provisional licence. This guide explains how to get one, what it costs, the rules while you hold it and how long it lasts.
Last checked: 19 October 2026, against the Driving Licence Law (94(I)/2001, consolidated with amendments to 2025) on CyLaw, the RTD learner licence page and fee notice, the out-of-court fines table, decree ΚΔΠ 273/2026 and the gov.cy test booking service.
Learner licence at a glance
| Car (B) | |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17½ |
| Theory exam fee | €10 |
| Learner licence fee | €20 |
| Valid for | 2 years, renewable |
| Earliest practical test | At 18, after holding the licence for 21 days |
| Lessons before the test | At least 10 at a licensed driving school |
For a moped (AM) the minimum age is 17, and for an A1 motorcycle 17½. Motorcycle learners have stricter rules, explained below.
Step 1: pass the theory exam
Before the learner licence, you pass a short theory exam called the pre-examination (προεξέταση). It is oral: an examiner shows you road signs and you say what each one means, in Greek or English.
How to get an appointment. The exam is held at the RTD district offices in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta district (Deryneia). Some offices test you on the day you turn up and others give you an appointment, so call the RTD call centre on 22807000 before you go. The fee is €10.
You get a certificate of successful pre-examination, which you need for the next step. Our guide to how the theory exam works explains the day in detail, and the free road signs test helps you prepare. The official source for the signs is the Cyprus Highway Code, and we have a free printable PDF of all the signs.
Step 2: apply for the learner licence
Where: in person, or through an authorised representative, at an RTD district office, a Citizen Service Centre (ΚΕΠ) or a Citizen Service Point at a post office.
Documents:
- the application form ΤΟΜ 7Δ (TOM 7D),
- two recent photos, 45 x 35 mm,
- your ID card,
- the certificate of successful pre-examination,
- proof that you normally live in Cyprus, which means at least 185 days in a calendar year, or study at a higher-education institution in Cyprus for at least six months,
- a health certificate, if you are 70 or older or have a physical disability.
Fee: €20. Foreign applicants should check the RTD page for the extra documents they need. Our documents checklist goes through each one.
How long is the learner licence valid?
Two years, and you can renew it (renewal also costs €20). The Driving Licence Law sets the two years. Some RTD pages still say one year, the old rule, so check the date on your licence.
Do not let it run out while you wait for a test date. Practical test waits can be several months, so book early (see step 4).
Rules for driving a car on a learner licence
- An accompanying driver sits next to you at all times. If you are under 18, they must be over 30. If you are 18 or older, they must be over 25. Either way, they must have held a licence for the same category for at least 5 years.
- The handbrake must be within reach of the person beside you.
- No other passengers. Only you and your accompanying driver may be in the car. Driving-school cars and the test itself are exceptions.
- The learner sign (a red letter on a white plate) goes on both the front and the back of the car. Driving without it is a €50 out-of-court fine.
- No motorways, except with a licensed driving instructor during a lesson or on the test.
- Lower alcohol limit: 9 μg per 100 ml of breath, compared with 22 μg for most drivers. Even one drink can take you over.
- The car must be insured. Tell your insurer that a learner will drive it.
Penalties in court: driving without an accompanying driver can mean a fine of up to €3,000 or up to six months in prison, and carrying a passenger up to €2,000 or three months.
Fines and penalty points for learners work the same way as for everyone else. Our guide to checking and paying fines and penalty points explains how.
Learner rules for motorcycles
A motorcycle learner cannot ride with a friend or relative. You may ride on public roads only:
- during training, with a licensed instructor following you on another vehicle,
- on the test.
You may not carry a passenger, and you must wear an approved helmet, a jacket or vest with reflective strips, long trousers, boots or closed shoes, knee and elbow guards and gloves. Our guide to motorcycle licence categories covers the ages and categories.
Step 3: take your driving lessons
Since 14 September 2026, you need at least 10 lessons of 45 minutes at a licensed driving school before you can take the practical test in a car (5 for A1 and A2, 7 for A). The school gives you a training certificate to bring on test day. Read more in our guide to mandatory driving lessons.
Find a school near you in the driving schools directory, or send one request and let local schools contact you:
Need driving lessons?
Get matched with a school that teaches in your language
Step 4: book the practical test
The RTD asks learners to book the practical test right after the learner licence is issued, because waiting lists are long.
- Register on the RTD online system.
- Book a date and time through the gov.cy service "Διευθέτηση εξέτασης για απόκτηση άδειας οδήγησης".
- Pay the €20 test fee online.
You can take the test once you are 18 and have held the learner licence for at least 21 days. Our practical test guide explains what the examiner checks. If you want everything in one place, CySigns Pro includes the Practical Test Pack: booking, documents, manoeuvres and a test-day checklist in English, Greek and Russian.
After you pass
Apply for your full licence at an RTD district office with form ΤΟΜ 7Δ, a photo, your ID, the certificate of competence from the test and proof of residence. The fee is €40. For your first three years as a driver, the lower alcohol limit still applies.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a learner licence in Cyprus?
Pass the oral theory exam at an RTD district office, then apply at the RTD, a Citizen Service Centre or a post office Citizen Service Point with form ΤΟΜ 7Δ, two photos, your ID, the exam certificate and proof of residence. The exam costs €10 and the licence €20.
How do I book an appointment for the learner licence theory exam?
Call the RTD call centre on 22807000. Some district offices test you on the day you arrive and others give you an appointment.
How long is a learner licence valid in Cyprus?
Two years, and you can renew it.
Who can accompany a learner driver in Cyprus?
A driver over 25, or over 30 if the learner is under 18, who has held a licence for the same category for at least 5 years. No other passengers are allowed.
Can a learner drive on the motorway in Cyprus?
No, except with a licensed driving instructor during a lesson or on the practical test.
How soon can I take the practical test after getting a learner licence?
After at least 21 days, once you are 18 and have done at least 10 lessons at a licensed driving school.
Can I ride a motorcycle with a learner licence in Cyprus?
Only in training with a licensed instructor following you, or on the test. You cannot ride alone, with a friend or with a passenger.
