Driving rules to change in Cyprus

New European rules provide for accompanied driving for 17-year-olds, a probationary period for novice drivers and more systematic checks of a person's physical and mental ability to drive. Cyprus will have to implement these changes in the coming years.

Currently in Cyprus, learner's category B licences can be obtained from the age of 17 years and 6 months, while the practical test for obtaining a full driving licence can be taken after reaching the age of 18.

Under the new EU rules, category B licences will be available from the age of 17. However, until reaching the age of 18, drivers will only be allowed to drive when accompanied by a specially authorised adult.

This provision is due to take effect in EU countries from 26 November 2028. Most of the other provisions of the new directive will enter into force on 26 November 2029.

A probationary period of at least two years will be introduced for novice drivers. During this period, EU countries will have to apply stricter rules and sanctions, particularly for driving under the influence of alcohol. Measures will also apply to driving under the influence of drugs, the use of seat belts and child restraint systems.

The changes will also affect checks on drivers' health. The new rules provide for a more systematic assessment of a person's physical and mental ability to drive. For categories A and B, countries may use a self-assessment health questionnaire instead of a mandatory medical examination, or establish a national system to identify significant changes in a driver's condition.

If such a system identifies a possible health problem affecting driving safety, the driver will be required to undergo a medical examination.

In Cyprus, a medical certificate is currently required when renewing a full driving licence after the age of 70. Licences issued after that age are valid for three years.

The new European rules also provide for stronger mutual recognition of decisions to revoke or restrict driving licences. This means that a driver who commits a serious offence in another EU country will not be able to avoid the consequences simply because their licence was issued in a different country.

This applies, in particular, to serious speeding offences, driving under the influence and crashes resulting in death or serious injury due to dangerous driving.

In addition, the training and testing of future drivers will place greater emphasis on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and users of micromobility devices.

On 29 July 2026, the European Commission presented a strategy for the practical implementation of the new rules. It is intended to help EU countries prepare for the changes and ensure their coordinated application.

The changes are part of a European programme to reduce road deaths. According to preliminary European Commission data, around 19,400 people died on EU roads in 2025 — 3% fewer than a year earlier.

At the same time, Cyprus saw its road mortality rate increase from 42 to 46 deaths per million inhabitants between 2024 and 2025.

The EU aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in road crashes by 50% by 2030 and move towards zero road deaths by 2050.