Cyprus prepares for EU digital driving licences and revised driver rules

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’s Department of Road Transport has begun preparations for a new European framework introducing digital driving licences and changes to renewals, health checks and rules for young drivers.

The Department of Road Transport said implementation will require cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, which is responsible for state digital infrastructure.

Digital licences

The digital driving licence is expected to be the most visible change for drivers. It will be available through the European Digital Identity Wallet and used via mobile phone, with renewals, reissues and validity checks expected to become simpler.

Physical plastic licences will not be abolished. The EU directive provides for physical and digital licences to operate in parallel and to be recognised throughout the European Union.

Drivers who wish to retain a physical licence will be able to do so, although digitisation is expected to reduce the need for the card in daily use.

Licence renewals and health checks

The directive establishes a 15-year administrative validity period for core licence categories, including category B. The Department of Road Transport said Cyprus already applies a 15-year period and has no plans at this stage to reduce it.

Drivers aged over 70 currently renew their licences every three years and must provide a health certificate. Under the new European approach, greater emphasis will be placed on a driver’s health and fitness to drive rather than age alone.

Fitness to drive must be assessed using objective evidence and, where necessary, tests or other examinations. Any licence restriction or withdrawal must be considered individually rather than applied automatically because of age.

The department said the current procedure remains in force for now and that it will examine all options during the harmonisation process. The directive gives member states flexibility over how health checks are conducted, including the possible use of self-assessment in some cases instead of a full medical examination.

Rules for young drivers

The directive also provides for supervised driving from the age of 17 and a minimum two-year probationary period for first-time licence holders.

The Department of Road Transport said it has examined both provisions, but the model to be applied in Cyprus has not yet been determined. Any legislative changes required will be assessed and advanced with the aim of facilitating citizens while safeguarding and strengthening road safety.