Driving schools of Northern Cyprus — training, contacts, prices

We have already explained how to exchange your national driver's license for a TRNC driving license in Northern Cyprus. This can be done through local driving schools, which not only provide training but also assist with the documentation process. This material will be useful both for those obtaining a license from scratch and for those exchanging a foreign one.

• Functions of Driving Schools in Northern Cyprus
• Theoretical Training
• Practical Driving
• List of Driving Schools in Northern Cyprus
• Tuition Fees
• Additional Services and Exams
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

Functions of Driving Schools in Northern Cyprus

Driving schools provide theoretical and practical training for safe vehicle operation, help register for exams, and provide support when exchanging national licenses for local ones.

Useful to know: the minimum age to obtain a license is 18 years; some schools conduct classes in Turkish, but some offer Russian/English support. The list of required documents and exact requirements vary by school; generally, they request a passport, photos, and a document confirming local status (residency permit/annual stamp). Please check with your chosen school.

Theoretical Training

• Study of TRNC traffic rules: signs, markings, basic fines, and speed limits
• Safety rules and behavior in complex road situations
• Basic first aid skills for road accidents

Practical Driving

• Training on the driving circuit and in city conditions
• Practicing parking, U-turns, reversing, and maneuvers
• Preparation for the practical exam with an instructor

An additional function of driving schools is assistance with registration at the State Inspection for both initial license acquisition and the exchange of foreign licenses.

List of Driving Schools in Northern Cyprus

Most schools teach in Turkish, but some schools offer consultations in Russian and/or English.

Nicosia

• Etkin Şoför Okulu
  Also provides motorcycle driving lessons
  +90 533 836 0830 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Merkan Driving School
  +90 392 227 0579
  Website · Location
• Yiğit Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 868 2544
  Location
• Seyhun Bikmaz Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 887 3999 · WhatsApp
  Facebook · Location
• Gerçek Tilki Şoför Okulu
  +90 542 855 8313 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Deniz Yağızerler Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 843 3557
  Location
• Tilki Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 880 3637 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Kandaz Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 852 6571
  Location

Girne (Kyrenia)

• Özbek Şoför Okulu
  Russian-speaking administrator
  +90 392 815 1036
  Location
• Şah-mat
  +90 533 836 1815 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Yüksel Şoför Okulu
  Also provides motorcycle driving lessons
  +90 533 862 2090
  Website · Location
• Özgüneş Sürücü Kursu
  +90 542 887 8797 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Gerçek Tilki Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 856 0567 · WhatsApp
  Location 1 · Location 2

Famagusta

• Ergin Şoför Okulu
  +90 542 858 1869 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Tilki Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 856 9696
  Location
• İrfan Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 861 0547
  Location
• Fatoş Şoför Okulu
  +90 548 864 9340 · WhatsApp
  Location
• Gül Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 884 5556
  Location
• Akdeniz Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 831 0185
  Location
• Zet Car Şoför Okulu
  +90 539 116 3434 · WhatsApp
  Location

Esentepe

• Kurşun Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 862 0660
  Location

Güzelyurt

• Yiğit Şoför Okulu
  +90 533 868 2525
  Location

Gönyeli

• ERGÜNEŞ ŞÖFÖR OKULU
  +90 533 836 0779
  Location

Driving School Fees in Northern Cyprus

Below are the prices from the Girne Şoför Okulları Birliği price list for 2026.

Important Information About Categories

License categories in Northern Cyprus differ from categories in former Soviet countries. See the category comparison in this article.

Additional Services and Exams

How to do it

1. Choose a driving school in your city and check which price list they follow (in 2026, rates may vary by district).
2. Specify what you need: training "from scratch" (car/motorcycle/bus/truck), a combined package, or a foreign license exchange.
3. Clarify the package content: number of lessons, whether exam fees, exam insurance, and the 1-year license fee are included.

Glossary

• Change License — the procedure for replacing a driving license from another country with a local Northern Cyprus driving license through a driving school and exam.
• Öğrenci ehliyeti / Acemi ehliyeti («L») — a learner permit obtained after the first stage and before/during practical training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a foreign license?

Yes, but only for a limited time after entry. Then you must exchange it for a local license. Detailed instructions: here.

How much does car training cost in 2026?

For 2026: car (10 lessons) — 30,000 TL, car (20 lessons) — 40,000 TL.

How much does one driving lesson cost?

For 2026, it is stated as 1,000 TL per lesson.

How much does it cost to exchange a foreign driver's license?

The 2026 price list indicates a rate of 20,000 TL (Change license). It's best to check the service components and included fees with your chosen driving school.

Where can I buy a used car after getting my license?

A selection of platforms and tips: in a separate article.

Why are car license plates different colors?

The colors of license plates in Northern Cyprus indicate the status of the vehicle (private, rental, diplomatic, etc.). Read more: about colorful license plates.

Where can I ask questions and find an instructor?

You can ask questions and find an instructor in the "Auto" Telegram chat.

Useful services if you plan to drive around the island

If you need to rent a car for traveling around Northern Cyprus, you can compare options on Localrent: https://localrent.tpo.mx/8RWb4LCx.