Cyprus Driving Licence Fees and Costs (2026)

Getting a driving licence in Cyprus involves several separate payments. Some people are surprised when they realise the government fees and the driving school fees are two completely different things. This guide breaks down every cost you are likely to face, so you can plan your budget before you start.

What are the official government fees for a new driving licence in Cyprus in 2026?

When you apply for a Cyprus driving licence for the first time, you pay fees at different stages of the process. You do not pay one single amount at the start. Instead, the costs are split between your application, your tests, and the final issue of the licence document itself.

The Department of Road Transport (Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών, ΤΟΜ) is the official body that handles all of this. Every fee goes directly to TOM. No fee goes to your driving school - those are separate.

Here is what the typical first-time applicant pays for a Category B (car) licence:

• An application fee when you first register with TOM
• A theory test fee before you sit the computer-based test
• A practical test fee before you take the road test
• A licence issuance fee when TOM prints and issues your card

You will also need a medical certificate from a registered doctor. That doctor visit is a private cost, not a TOM fee. Prices vary by clinic, so ask your doctor in advance.

Because TOM fees are subject to change, always check current fees with the Department of Road Transport before you pay anything. The complete Cyprus driving licence guide has more detail on the full process from start to finish.

Cyprus issues licences in line with EU Directive 2006/126/EC. This means the card format and categories match what you would find across the EU. A Category B licence covers standard passenger cars.

How much does it cost to renew a Cyprus driving licence?

Renewal costs are lower than first-time application costs. You are not retaking tests, so those fees do not apply. You mainly pay a renewal fee and, in some cases, a medical certificate fee.

A standard Category B Cyprus driving licence is valid for 15 years or until the holder turns 70, whichever comes first. So if you got your licence at age 30, you renew it at age 45. If you got it at age 58, it expires when you turn 70, not 15 years later.

Once you pass the age of 70, the rules change. You must renew more often and you must provide a medical certificate each time you renew. This confirms you are still fit to drive. The certificate must come from a registered doctor.

For drivers under 70, the renewal process is simpler. The main cost is the licence issuance fee - what TOM charges to print and issue the new card. Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport to get the exact figure for this year.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Renew before your licence expires. Driving on an expired licence is an offence.
• If your address or personal details have changed, update them at the same time.
• You will need a recent passport-size photo for the new card.

The step-by-step driving licence guide walks through renewal paperwork in detail.

What do you pay for the theory and practical driving test at TOM?

The two tests - theory and practical - each carry their own fee. You pay before you sit each one. If you fail and need to resit, you pay again. That is worth knowing before you book, because resit costs can add up.

The theory test is computer-based. You take it at an authorised TOM centre. It is available in both Greek and English, which is helpful for expats and foreign nationals. The questions cover road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving behaviour. You book through TOM and pay the test fee at that point.

The practical driving test is done on public roads with a TOM-approved examiner. Your driving school instructor will tell you when you are ready to book. You pay the practical test fee when you register for the test date.

If you fail either test, you pay the fee again for the resit. There is no cap on the number of attempts, but each one costs money and takes time. Good preparation matters. The Cyprus driving test guide covers what examiners look for and how to prepare.

Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport for the exact theory and practical test amounts. These are set by TOM and do not change based on which driving school you use.

One thing people sometimes forget: booking a resit does not happen instantly. There can be waiting times for test slots, especially in busy periods. Budget extra time as well as extra money if you are not ready first time.

How much does it cost to replace a lost or stolen Cyprus driving licence?

If your Cyprus driving licence is lost, stolen, or badly damaged, you can apply to TOM for a replacement. You pay a replacement fee. This is different from a renewal - you are not extending the validity period, you are just getting a new copy of the existing one.

To apply for a replacement, you will generally need:

• A completed application form from TOM
• A copy of your ID or passport
• A police report (in the case of theft or loss)
• A recent passport-size photo
• Payment of the replacement fee

The police report is important. If your licence was stolen, report it to the police first and get a copy of the report before you go to TOM. If it was simply lost, TOM may still ask for a written declaration.

Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport before you apply, as the replacement fee can differ from the standard issuance fee. Processing times also vary. Ask TOM how long it will take, especially if you need to drive regularly for work.

While waiting for your replacement, you cannot legally drive without a valid licence. If you have an older vehicle registration document that lists you as the driver, that does not substitute for the licence itself.

Fees for exchanging an EU or foreign driving licence in Cyprus

If you move to Cyprus and already hold a driving licence from another country, you may be able to exchange it for a Cyprus one. Whether you pay test fees depends on where your licence was issued.

EU and EEA citizens can exchange their home-country licence for a Cyprus licence without retaking any tests. TOM verifies the original licence and issues a Cyprus one. You still pay an issuance fee. You also still need a medical certificate as part of the application.

Non-EU citizens have a different situation. If your home country has a reciprocal agreement with Cyprus, you may qualify for a direct exchange without tests. If there is no such agreement, you must go through the full process - theory test, practical test, and all related fees.

Check with TOM whether your country has a reciprocal agreement before you assume you can skip the tests. The list of countries with agreements can change.

For more on this, see the guide on exchanging an EU driving licence in Cyprus and the separate article on how to get a Cyprus driving licence as a foreigner.

The exchange process requires:

• Your original foreign licence
• A certified translation if the licence is not in Greek, English, or another easily verified language
• Proof of Cyprus residency
• A medical certificate
• A completed TOM application form
• Payment of the applicable fee

Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport, as exchange fees can differ from new-licence fees.

What is the total cost of getting a driving licence including lessons?

This is the question most people really want answered. The honest answer is: it depends on how many lessons you need and whether you pass first time.

The government fees - application, theory test, practical test, and issuance - are fixed by TOM. But driving school fees are not. Schools in Cyprus are privately operated. Each school sets its own prices for lessons and packages. Some sell lessons individually. Others sell block packages of 10 or 20 hours.

For a rough picture, your total cost has three parts:

1. TOM government fees (application, tests, issuance, medical certificate from a doctor)
2. Driving school lessons (set by the school, not the government)
3. Any resit fees if you fail a test

The driving school portion is usually the biggest cost. Most learners in Cyprus need between 20 and 40 hours of lessons before they are ready for the practical test, though this varies. For a detailed breakdown of what schools charge, see this guide to driving lesson costs in Cyprus.

The medical certificate from a registered doctor is another out-of-pocket cost. Clinics and GPs charge different rates. Some expats use private clinics, which tend to cost more than a public health centre visit.

Add a buffer to your budget for unexpected resits. Many people pass both tests first time, but not everyone does. A failed practical test means another fee and another wait for a slot.

Where and how do you pay Cyprus driving licence fees?

All government fees for driving licences are paid to the Department of Road Transport. TOM has offices in the main towns across Cyprus - Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta (the government-controlled area).

Payment is made at the TOM office when you submit your application or book your test. In some cases, online payment options may be available through the official government portal. Check with TOM directly, as digital services have been expanding in recent years.

You do not pay driving licence fees at your driving school. The school collects its own lesson fees separately. Keep the two things clearly separate in your mind - and in your budget.

When you visit TOM, bring:

• Your valid ID or passport
• Any required supporting documents (medical certificate, photos, existing licence if applicable)
• Payment in the accepted form (cash, card - confirm with TOM ahead of your visit)

TOM offices can be busy, especially during peak registration periods in autumn when many new learners start. Going early in the morning or mid-week tends to mean shorter waits.

If you are unsure which office to visit or how to book, the step-by-step driving licence guide explains the process office by office.

Getting your payments right from the start saves you time and repeat visits. Always keep receipts for every fee you pay. TOM may ask for proof of payment at a later stage in the process.

Budgeting for a Cyprus driving licence is straightforward once you separate the TOM fees from the driving school costs. The government fees are fixed and paid at set points in the process. The school costs depend on how many lessons you take and which school you choose. Get current fee figures from TOM directly, check your driving school's pricing upfront, and set aside a small reserve in case you need a resit. With a clear picture of the costs, there are no surprises on the day.