Cyprus to introduce digital driving licences under new EU rules

Local euTop Newstransport Cyprus to introduce digital driving licences under new EU rules Cyprus Prepares For Digital Driving Licences Under New Eu Framework Relevant News Cyprus to introduce digital driving licences under new EU rules 28 August 2026 Things to do on Friday, August 28 28 August 2026 Mostly clear Friday before storms and hail arrive over the weekend 28 August 2026 Andreas Athanasiou 28 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus’s Department of Road Transport (DRT) has begun preparing for a new European framework that will bring digital driving licences, along with changes to renewals, health checks and rules for young drivers, a DRT official told philenews. The most noticeable change for the average driver is expected to be the digital driving licence itself. According to the DRT official, the licence will be able to sit in the European Digital Identity Wallet and be used via mobile phone, with renewals, reissues and validity checks all expected to become simpler as a result. The physical plastic card will not be abolished, though digitisation is expected to gradually reduce how often drivers need it day to day. Anyone who wants to keep a physical licence will still be able to do so, since the new EU directive provides for paper and digital licences to exist in parallel, recognised across the entire European Union. On implementation, the DRT said cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy will be practically necessary, since the department issues the licences while the Deputy Ministry is responsible for state digital infrastructure. On renewals, the new directive sets a 15-year administrative validity period for core licence categories, including category B. According to the DRT, this period is already 15 years in Cyprus and, at this stage at least, there are no plans to reduce it. What changes for drivers over 70 One area of particular interest is what happens to drivers over 70. Currently, their licences are renewed every three years with a health certificate. The new European approach, however, places greater weight on a driver’s actual state of health and fitness to drive, and less on age alone. The new approach shifts the criterion from how old someone is to whether they can continue driving safely. Fitness to drive must be assessed using objective evidence and, where necessary, tests or other examinations, while any restriction or withdrawal of a licence must be considered on a case-by-case basis rather than automatically because of age. On this point, the DRT said the existing procedure remains in force for now, adding that it “will examine all possibilities” as part of the harmonisation process. The directive leaves member states considerable leeway in how health checks are carried out, in some cases even allowing self-assessment instead of a full medical examination. Driving from age 17 Changes are also coming for young drivers, as the directive provides for driving from age 17 with a supervising adult, along with a minimum two-year probationary period for anyone obtaining a licence for the first time. The DRT has already studied both provisions, though the exact model to be applied in Cyprus has not yet been determined. Any changes needed to national legislation to implement the new rules will be assessed and advanced with a focus on making things easier for citizens while, above all, safeguarding and strengthening road safety, the department said. A timeline has already been set. By November 2028, EU member states must complete the core legislative changes required by the new directive. Most provisions will begin applying from November 2029, while driving from 17 with a supervising adult must be implemented earlier, from November 2028. Further developments are expected in the coming period, as the DRT proceeds with drafting the legislative changes and launching a public consultation. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Things to do on Friday, August 28 Mostly clear Friday before storms and hail arrive over the weekend Collision shuts lanes and snarls traffic on Nicosia–Larnaca highway (photos) Truck-car collision spills soil on Nicosia–Larnaca highway, lanes closed (photos+video) Heavy rain and hail hit mountain areas as heat warning stays (videos) Brussels “ready to play active role” in Cyprus talks, EU says E-scooters face seizure of up to 90 days under new decree Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.