New European rules set to be implemented in Cyprus and across the EU will introduce a framework for 17-year-old drivers, establish a minimum two-year probation period for newly qualified motorists and strengthen systems for assessing drivers' fitness to drive.
While the measures have not yet been fully implemented in Cyprus, current rules allow individuals to obtain a learner's permit for a category B licence from the age of 17½, with the practical driving test available after turning 18.
That is set to change under the new EU directive, which introduces a Europe-wide system of accompanied driving from the age of 17. Member states must implement this provision by 26 November 2028, while most of the directive's remaining measures will apply from 26 November 2029.
Fitness-to-drive checks
The new framework also updates rules governing drivers' physical and mental fitness.
In Cyprus, drivers aged 70 and over currently require a medical certificate when renewing a standard driving licence, which is valid for three years.
Under the new directive, member states will be required to introduce more systematic assessments of fitness to drive.
For categories such as A and B, countries may choose alternatives to mandatory medical examinations, including:
- Self-assessment questionnaires.
- National monitoring systems designed to identify significant changes in a driver's physical or mental condition.
Where health concerns that could affect driving are identified, a medical examination will be required.
Two-year probation period
Another major change affects newly qualified drivers.
The directive requires a minimum probation period of two years following the issue of a driving licence.
During that period, member states must apply stricter rules or penalties relating to:
- Drink-driving.
- Drug-driving.
- Seatbelt compliance.
- Child restraint systems.
Accompanied driving from 17
Under the new system, member states will be allowed to issue a category B licence to individuals aged 17, provided they drive under supervision until they reach 18.
The 17-year-old driver will only be permitted to drive with an accompanying person seated in the front passenger seat and meeting requirements laid down by EU and national legislation.
Member states will also be free to impose additional conditions.
The measure differs from the current Cypriot system, under which category B learner permits are issued from the age of 17½.
Since 1 July 2026, learner permits in Cyprus have been valid for two years across all vehicle categories.
Cross-border penalties
The new European framework also strengthens the mutual recognition of licence suspensions and restrictions across member states.
The aim is to prevent drivers from avoiding sanctions for serious traffic offences committed in another EU country simply because their licence was issued elsewhere.
The rules cover offences including:
- Excessive speeding.
- Driving under the influence.
- Causing death or serious injury through dangerous driving.
Training and testing requirements for learner drivers will also place greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and users of micro-mobility vehicles.
Road safety goals
On 29 July 2026, the European Commission presented its implementation strategy to help member states adopt the new driving licence framework through guidance, technical cooperation and cross-border coordination.
The measures form part of the EU's wider effort to reduce road deaths.
According to preliminary Commission figures, around 19,400 people died on EU roads in 2025, a decrease of 3% compared with 2024.
Cyprus moved in the opposite direction, with the road fatality rate rising from 42 to 46 deaths per million inhabitants between 2024 and 2025.
The EU's target is to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with the long-term objective of Vision Zero, aiming for near-zero road fatalities by 2050.
