How to Get a Motorcycle Licence in Cyprus (A, A1, A2, AM)

Getting a motorcycle licence in Cyprus is a structured process. The rules follow EU standards, so they will feel familiar if you have held a licence elsewhere in Europe. But the local steps, offices, and school requirements have their own quirks. This guide walks you through all of it.

What are the four motorcycle licence categories in Cyprus?

Cyprus follows EU Directive 2006/126/EC. The Department of Road Transport (ΤΟΜ) handles all licences under Cypriot law based on that directive. There are four motorcycle categories, and each one covers a different type of machine.

AM is the entry-level category. It covers mopeds and light quadricycles. These vehicles have a top speed of 45 km/h and an engine no bigger than 50cc. Electric equivalents are also included. This is the licence for scooters you see zipping around Nicosia and Limassol every day.

A1 is a step up. It allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc and up to 11 kW of power. There is also a power-to-weight limit of 0.1 kW/kg. This covers the popular 125cc bikes that many commuters use.

A2 is the middle category. It allows motorcycles up to 35 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.2 kW/kg. This opens up a much wider range of bikes. Most mid-size models fall within these limits.

A is the full, unrestricted category. With an A licence you can ride any motorcycle on the road, no matter the size or power output.

For a broader look at how motorcycle categories fit into the full range of Cypriot licences, see this guide to Cyprus driving licence categories.

One extra note: if you hold a Category B (car) licence that was issued before 19 January 2013, you may already have entitlement to ride AM-category vehicles. Check the codes on your licence and confirm with ΤΟΜ directly.

What are the age and access requirements for each category?

Age is the first gate you need to pass. Here is how the rules break down.

• AM: Minimum age 16. Direct access.
• A1: Minimum age 16. Direct access.
• A2: Minimum age 18. Direct access.
• A (full): Minimum age 24 for direct access. Or age 21 via progressive access, provided you have held A2 for at least two years.

Progressive access is worth understanding properly. If you get your A2 at 18 and hold it for two years, you become eligible for the full A licence at age 20 via the progressive route. But the minimum age floor is 21, so you still have to wait until you turn 21. Get your A2 later in life and the two-year wait is the only real barrier.

Direct access at 24 means you can skip A2 entirely. You sit the theory and practical tests for category A straight away. Many people who come to riding later in life go this route.

There is no automatic step-up. Holding A1 does not count as time toward A2 progression. Each category is treated separately unless you are moving from A2 to A under the progressive access rules.

These age thresholds are set by EU law, so they are unlikely to change. But always confirm current rules with ΤΟΜ before you start the process, as local implementation can be updated.

What documents do you need to apply?

The document list is fairly standard. Gather everything before you visit ΤΟΜ so you do not have to make multiple trips. Based on what the department requires, you will typically need:

• A valid identity document (passport or ID card for EU citizens; passport and residence permit for non-EU residents)
• A valid medical certificate (the specific requirements vary by age and health status, so check with ΤΟΜ or your doctor)
• Any existing driving licence (if you already hold one)
• Completed application forms (available at ΤΟΜ offices)
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of payment of the applicable fees

The medical certificate is a step some applicants overlook. You need it before you can proceed. Your doctor issues it, but it must meet ΤΟΜ standards. Ask ΤΟΜ which form to use before your appointment.

If you already hold a Cypriot driving licence for another category, bring that with you. It will be linked to your new motorcycle entitlement on the same card when issued.

For a full walkthrough of the documents and office steps involved in any Cypriot licence application, the step-by-step driving licence guide is a useful reference.

Cyprus licences are issued in the standard EU credit-card format. They are valid for 15 years, though age-related medical renewal rules may apply to older riders. Confirm the current validity period with ΤΟΜ when you apply.

How do the theory and practical tests work?

Every first-time applicant must pass a theory test before booking a practical test. There are no shortcuts here, even if you have years of riding experience abroad.

The theory test is computer-based. You sit it at a ΤΟΜ testing centre. The questions cover road signs, traffic rules, and safe riding practices. The test is available in Greek and in other languages including English, which is helpful for foreign residents. Your driving school can tell you which language options are currently available at your local centre.

Once you pass the theory test, you can book the practical test. But before that, you must complete compulsory basic training (CBT) at a licensed driving school. This is not optional. The school will take you through slow-speed control, basic manoeuvres, and road riding. Only after completing this training can you sit the practical test.

The practical test itself is conducted on a test route. An examiner assesses your control of the bike, your road behaviour, and your response to traffic situations. You must use a suitable motorcycle for the category you are testing for.

If you fail, you can rebook. There is no stated limit on attempts, but each attempt costs money and time. Most riders find that proper school preparation makes a real difference.

How do you upgrade from A1 to A2 and from A2 to A?

Upgrading between categories is not automatic. You have to apply and test again, but the process is lighter than starting from zero in some cases.

Moving from A1 to A2: There is no formal progressive access link between these two categories. You apply for A2 as a new category. You will need to pass both the theory and practical tests again. The minimum age for A2 is 18, so you simply apply when you meet that age requirement.

Moving from A2 to A (progressive access): This is the most common upgrade path. The rules are clear:

1. You must have held your A2 licence for at least two years.
2. You must be at least 21 years old.
3. You must pass a practical test for category A.
4. You do not need to sit the theory test again.

That last point saves a lot of stress. You only deal with the practical element. Your school will help you prepare on a larger bike. The test follows the same format as before, but the examiner expects a higher level of control given your experience.

Direct access to A at age 24: If you are 24 or older and have never held an A2, you can go straight for the full A licence. You sit both the theory and practical tests. You still need to complete the compulsory basic training at a school.

The complete Cyprus driving licence guide covers the broader licence system if you want to understand how motorcycle categories sit alongside car and other vehicle licences.

How much does a motorcycle licence cost in Cyprus?

Costs come from a few different places. There are the official ΤΟΜ fees, and there are the school fees you pay separately.

The official fees cover things like the theory test, the practical test, and the licence issue itself. These fees are set by ΤΟΜ and can change. Do not rely on figures you find online or hear from friends. Check current fees directly with the Department of Road Transport before you start.

School fees are separate. Prices vary between schools and between cities. A school in Nicosia may charge differently from one in Paphos. The number of lessons you need also affects the total. Some riders need five sessions; others need fifteen.

For a general picture of what riding lessons cost across Cyprus, this article on driving lesson costs in Cyprus gives useful context, though motorcycle-specific prices may differ.

Budget for both sets of costs before you start. Add in the medical certificate fee if your doctor charges for it. If you are upgrading from A2 to A, the cost is lower because you skip the theory test fee. But you still pay for the practical test and school preparation sessions.

There is no fee waiver for previous licence holders from other countries. If you are converting a foreign licence to a Cypriot one, the rules may differ. Contact ΤΟΜ directly for guidance on licence conversions.

Where can you find a motorcycle driving school in Cyprus?

You must use a licensed driving school. ΤΟΜ does not allow self-study to replace the compulsory basic training requirement. The school must hold a valid licence to train motorcycle riders.

Most larger towns have at least a few schools that offer motorcycle training. Nicosia and Limassol have the widest choice. If you are based in a smaller town, you may need to travel to the nearest city for lessons.

When choosing a school, ask these questions:

• Do they have licensed motorcycle instructors?
• Do they have training bikes suitable for your target category?
• How many sessions are typically included in their package?
• Can they train you in English if needed?

That last point matters a lot for foreign residents. Many schools in Cyprus do offer instruction in English, but not all. Call ahead and confirm.

To find schools near you, browse driving schools in Nicosia or driving schools in Limassol for local options with contact details. Both pages list schools that handle motorcycle training alongside car licences.

Your school will also guide you through the ΤΟΜ booking process. Most schools have dealt with it many times and can help you avoid common mistakes, like booking the practical test before your theory result has been properly registered in the system.

Getting a motorcycle licence in Cyprus takes planning, but the path is clear. Know your target category, meet the age requirement, get your documents ready, train properly at a licensed school, and sit the tests in the right order. Whether you are a first-time rider starting with an AM licence or an A2 holder ready to go unrestricted, the system is designed so that each step builds on the last. Take it one stage at a time and you will get there.