Cyprus updates driving licence law to align with new EU directive

Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities have begun updating legislation governing driving permits to align it with a new EU Driving Licence Directive, media reported on Thursday. The Road Transport Department is assessing how to apply provisions on accompanied driving for 17-year-olds and a two-year probationary period for new drivers.

Digital licences

The directive introduces digital mobile driving licences stored in the EU Digital Identity Wallet. Following a transition period, digital licences will be issued by default across EU member states.

Physical driving licences will remain available on request, particularly for people without smartphones or those who prefer or need a physical document.

The shift to digital licences is intended to simplify administrative procedures and make replacement, renewal and exchange of licences easier for people moving between EU member states.

Rules for new drivers

The directive establishes an EU-wide accompanied driving scheme for 17-year-old car drivers in category B.

It also requires a probationary period of at least two years for novice drivers, who will be subject to stricter rules and sanctions throughout the EU.

Although young drivers account for eight per cent of all car drivers, two in five fatal collisions involve a driver or rider aged under 30, according to statistics.

Fitness checks and disqualifications

The directive provides for more systematic checks of whether licence holders remain physically and mentally fit to drive.

At a minimum, drivers will be required to complete a self-assessment before a licence is issued and at each renewal, or comply with other assessment systems established at national level.

Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications will also mean that drivers committing serious offences face consequences whether they are driving in their home country or elsewhere in the EU.