
Cyprus Motorcycle Licence 2026: AM, A1, A2 and A Categories, Ages, Lessons, Learner Rules and Fees
Cyprus motorcycle licence explained: AM, A1, A2 and A ages, the 1 July 2026 learner rule, mandatory lessons, €20 learner's licence and €40 issue fee.
Cyprus Motorcycle Licence 2026: AM, A1, A2 and A Categories, Ages, Lessons, Learner Rules and Fees
Cyprus has four motorcycle licence categories: AM from age 17, A1 (up to 125 cc / 11 kW) from 18, A2 (up to 35 kW) from 20 with A1 held for two years, and A from 22 after two years on A2, or from 24 directly. Whichever you choose, the path is the same: pass the preliminary knowledge test, hold a learner's licence, complete the mandatory driving-school lessons and pass the practical test run by the Road Transport Department (RTD). Since 1 July 2026 a learner rider may use public roads only in limited situations, chiefly while training followed by a licensed instructor on another motorcycle, so it pays to get the theory done early with our free Cyprus theory test practice.
Key takeaways
- Four categories: AM (17), A1 up to 125 cc / 11 kW (18), A2 up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg (20, with A1 held two years), A (22 with A2 held two years, or 24 direct).
- A car (B) licence does not cover AM or A1 in Cyprus. You need a separate motorcycle licence.
- Since 1 July 2026, learner riders may ride on public roads only while training followed by a licensed instructor, during the test, or in police, fire or National Guard training, and full protective gear is mandatory.
- Mandatory lessons before the practical test: A1 5, A2 5, A 7 (45-minute periods), plus 5 more after a failed test.
- Fees: preliminary exam certificate €10, learner's licence €20, practical test €20, licence issue €40.
What are the motorcycle licence categories in Cyprus?
The categories are set out in Law 94(I)/2001. The table shows what each category covers, the learner's licence age where the RTD publishes one, the minimum age for the full licence, and the mandatory lessons you must complete before the practical test.
| Category | Covers | Learner's licence age | Full licence age | Minimum lessons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Not defined in the material we reviewed | 17 | 17 | Not in the material we reviewed |
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW | 17.5 | 18 | 5 |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg | Not in the material we reviewed | 20, with A1 held for 2 years | 5 |
| A | Category A | Not in the material we reviewed | 22 with A2 held for 2 years, or 24 direct | 7 |
The RTD publishes learner ages for AM (17) and A1 (17.5). For A2 and A the learner age is not listed separately in the material we reviewed, so confirm it at the RTD District Office when you apply. The direct route to A opens at 24.
Does a Cyprus car licence cover a moped or a 125 cc motorcycle?
No. A category B (car) licence does not cover AM or A1 in Cyprus. We found no provision in the law for car drivers to ride light motorcycles, and the RTD's own category list treats AM and A1 as separate licences. If you hold a B licence and want to ride, you need a separate motorcycle licence; the RTD will confirm which of the steps below apply to you. For the car side of the system, see our Cyprus driving licence guide.
What are the steps to get a motorcycle licence in Cyprus?
The sequence has five stages. First, you pass the preliminary knowledge test (the "προεξέταση") and receive a certificate. Second, you apply for a learner's licence, which requires normal residence in Cyprus (185 days a year) or tertiary study there. Third, you complete the mandatory lessons at a driving school, which issues your training certificate. Fourth, you sit the practical test, which includes a knowledge check and results in a certificate of competence. Fifth, you apply for the full licence.
You book and pay for the practical test online through the RTD Road Transport System portal, which requires registration. Our Cyprus driving test booking, cost and documents guide walks through the portal step by step.
What is the motorcycle knowledge test like?
The RTD does not publish the number of questions, the pass mark or the languages offered for the preliminary knowledge test, so treat any site quoting exact figures with caution. Under the regulations the test may be oral or written, and the practical test carries its own knowledge check. Practise with our free Cyprus theory test and work through every sign in the Cyprus road signs gallery. ExamReady is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the RTD or the Government of Cyprus.
What changed for learner motorcyclists on 1 July 2026?
Since 1 July 2026, holders of a learner's licence in categories AM, A1, A2 or A may ride on public roads only in three situations: while training, followed by a licensed instructor on another motorcycle; during the driving test; or in police, fire service or National Guard training. Practising alone or with a friend on the road is not permitted. Learner riders must also wear full protective gear: a helmet, reflective jacket, long trousers, boots, knee and elbow pads and gloves.
The rule comes from Law 144(I)/2023. An RTD reminder issued in March 2025 gave 1 January 2026 as the start date, but Law 225(I)/2025 moved commencement to 1 July 2026, and that is the date now in force. Plan your training around instructor-led sessions from the outset.
How many mandatory lessons do you need before the practical test?
Decree ΚΔΠ 273/2026, gazetted in June 2026 and replacing ΚΔΠ 240/2016, sets minimum lessons at a driving school: 5 for A1, 5 for A2 and 7 for A. Each lesson is a 45-minute period, and the programme combines theory with practical riding. The school issues training certificate TOM 180A when you finish. If you fail the practical test, you must complete 5 further lessons before you retake it.
Press reports pointed to 14 September 2026 as the date the lessons requirement takes effect, but the RTD had not confirmed a date in the material we reviewed, so check with your driving school before you book. Our Cyprus mandatory driving lessons guide covers the decree in detail, including the car categories.
How much does a Cyprus motorcycle licence cost?
Motorcycle applicants pay the same RTD fee schedule as car applicants, published in the RTD announcement of 2 June 2026.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Preliminary exam certificate | €10 |
| Learner's licence (issue or renewal) | €20 |
| Practical test | €20 |
| Practical test out-of-hours surcharge | €34.17 |
| Licence issue (or renewal) | €40 |
What documents do you need and where do you apply?
For the learner's licence, bring form TOM 7D, two 45 x 35 mm photos, your ID card (foreign nationals: residence permit), the preliminary-exam certificate and proof of habitual residence. For the full licence you need TOM 7D again, one 45 x 35 mm photo, ID, the certificate of competence and proof of residence.
Apply in person, or through a representative, at any RTD District Office or a Citizen Service Centre (KEP). RTD headquarters is at 27 Vasileos Pavlou, 2412 Engomi, Nicosia, open 07:30 to 15:00, telephone +357 22807000, email [email protected].
How long are the learner's licence and the full licence valid?
The learner's licence is valid for two years under the amended law. The RTD web page still shows one year, which reflects the older rule, so do not be surprised by the discrepancy. A full AM, A1, A2 or A licence is valid for 15 years. From age 55 it is issued up to age 70, and from 70 it is renewed every three years with a health certificate on RTD form TOM 153E. Renewal costs €40 and is free for applicants over 65. For how the EU licence reform interacts with the Cyprus rules, see our Cyprus EU driving licence rules changes guide.
What rules apply once you are on the road?
An older Cyprus Police visitor guide lists three rules every rider should know: a helmet is mandatory for the rider and any pillion passenger, a pillion passenger must be over 12, and headlights must be on during the day; confirm the current position with the RTD or the police. The same guide cites a lower drink-drive limit for motorcyclists and learners than for other drivers; see our Cyprus drink-driving alcohol limit guide. Traffic offences and penalties are covered in our Cyprus speed limits, fines and penalty points guide.
Official sources
- RTD announcement of 2 June 2026 (fee schedule for the preliminary exam, learner's licence, practical test and licence issue)
- gov.cy: Booking in advance an examination to obtain a driving licence (how to book the practical test)
- RTD Road Transport System portal (registration, booking and payment)
- Law 94(I)/2001 as amended by Law 144(I)/2023 and Law 225(I)/2025 (categories, ages, learner rules, validity), and decree ΚΔΠ 273/2026 (mandatory lessons), consolidated on cylaw.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a 125 cc motorcycle on my Cyprus car licence?
No. A category B licence does not cover AM or A1 in Cyprus. You need a separate A1 licence; the RTD will confirm which steps of the motorcycle process apply to you.
At what age can I get a motorcycle licence in Cyprus?
AM at 17, A1 at 18, A2 at 20 if you have held A1 for two years, and A at 22 if you have held A2 for two years, or at 24 directly. Learner's licences are issued from 17 for AM and 17.5 for A1.
Can a learner rider practise alone on the road?
Not since 1 July 2026. A learner in AM, A1, A2 or A may ride on public roads only while training followed by a licensed instructor on another motorcycle, during the test, or in police, fire or National Guard training. Helmet, reflective jacket, long trousers, boots, knee and elbow pads and gloves are mandatory.
How many driving-school lessons do I need before the motorcycle practical test?
Under ΚΔΠ 273/2026: 5 lessons for A1, 5 for A2 and 7 for A, each a 45-minute period mixing theory and practice. The school issues certificate TOM 180A. After a failed practical test you need 5 more lessons.
How much does a Cyprus motorcycle licence cost in fees?
The preliminary exam certificate is €10, the learner's licence €20, the practical test €20 (€34.17 surcharge for out-of-hours slots) and the licence issue €40. The schedule is the same as for a car licence.
How long is a Cyprus motorcycle learner's licence valid?
Two years under the amended law. The RTD web page still shows one year, which is the older rule. The full licence is valid for 15 years, or up to age 70 if issued after age 55.
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