Serious delays in driving license exams in Cyprus

Cyprus is experiencing serious delays in conducting driving license exams. According to the head of the Federation of Driving Instructors, Panicos Katsaris, in Nicosia the waiting time has stretched to seven months, and in Limassol — over a year. In Paphos there are no available dates at all, while in Larnaca and Famagusta the wait is 3–4 months.

Katsaris explained that in Nicosia the earliest available date is February 2026, and in Limassol — only August 2026. He pointed to staff shortages, bureaucratic inaction, and systemic issues that prevent the situation from being resolved. According to him, with 500 driving schools and 30 students each, there are only 150 exam "slots" per month.

He added that after the pandemic, a four-month program could be completed in one month — when there was political will. Rules have also tightened for foreigners: now they must prove residency on the island for more than 185 days, providing not just a passport and bank statement, but also utility bills — which can be difficult.