Whether you’re planning to work, study, or simply take in the ancient beauty of Greece, a Greek driving license will help you get around more affordably, set your own schedule, and travel freely to new places and opportunities.
Here’s your Remitly guide on everything you need to know about getting your driving license in Greece.
Table of contents
Do foreign drivers need an international driver’s license in Greece?
Greece allows you to operate motor vehicles like cars and motorbikes—as long as you have a valid driving license from your home country. However, it depends on where you’re from and the type of driver’s license you have:
Driving in Greece as an EU resident
Greece accepts drivers’ licenses issued in all European Union member states, along with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
You’ll be able to drive without hassle using your EU-issued driver’s license, but getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a good idea. An IDP provides the official translation of your valid driver’s permit from your home nation. However, you’ll need to apply for a Greek driving license if you plan to stay longer than six months.
Driving in Greece as a non-EU resident
Foreign drivers from non-EU countries must get an IDP. If requested, always present this international driving license along with your national driver’s license.
Exceptions to this rule:
- If your country is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you don’t have to get an IDP. You can drive legally with your national driving permit until it expires, as long as you don’t become a resident of Greece. If you do become one, apply for your Greek driving license to avoid violations.
- Similarly, you don’t need an IDP if your country has a special agreement with Greece. In fact, you may not need to apply for one if your national driver’s permit can be converted to a Greek license. These countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Albania, Serbia, Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea, and former Soviet nations. If eligible, these guidelines will help you convert your license.
- American motorists can legally operate vehicles in Greece using just an IDP and a valid US driver’s license. However, get this vital document before leaving the USA, as you can only be issued one in your home country.
- Meanwhile, foreign drivers from the United Kingdom only need a driver’s license when going on short stays in Greece. But if you’re using the older paper version, update it to the current UK photocard license prior to your trip.
After holding resident status for six months, all foreign drivers must apply for a driving license in Greece.
Requirements to apply for a Greek driving license
As a foreign driver, there are certain requirements you must meet to apply for Greece’s driving permit. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old to drive a car or motorbike, or 16 years old to operate mopeds.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have an IDP in addition if your country doesn’t have a special agreement with Greece or isn’t in the Vienna Convention.
- Have been a resident of—or student in—Greece for the past six months.
- Be a resident in the area where you plan to apply.
- Attend a driving school and pass the driving test.
- Pass a basic physical check if one is required.
What does Greece’s driving test involve?
You must pass a theoretical and practical examination to submit your application. However, you can’t step into the exam room without accumulating at least 20 hours of lessons in class, as well as 20 practical sessions first.
For your classes, join a registered driving theory training center, which includes driving schools. Several such schools offer theoretical training in English.
According to the Greek government’s website, the computer-based theory test is available in English while the practical exam—including an oral portion—is generally only available in Greek. So a grasp of the language will be important for this stage.
The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport oversees licensing for all drivers in the country. Take the test at the Transport & Communication Department of the local regional unit (“perifereiakés enótites”) where you live.
Which documents do you need to apply for a driving license?
Prepare the following documents when making your application for a driving license in Greece:
- A completed application form.
- A photocopy of your passport showing your date of birth.
- A photocopy of your valid residence permit, issued at least 185 days earlier and still valid on the day you receive your license.
- Your valid driver’s license, issued in your home country, and a photocopy.
- An IDP, if you’re required to have one in Greece.
- Two passport photographs.
- Separate medical certificates from a general practitioner and an ophthalmologist, who are both registered by the licensing authority. Accompany each certificate with proof of payment to the National Bank of Greece.
- Your nine-digit Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
- Proof of address, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.
- Proof of payment of application fees to the local tax office.
Greece’s driving licence application process
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, submit your application to the local Citizens Service Center (KEP). Find the Center closest to you here.
The application process includes these predefined steps:
- Confirm eligibility for the license you’re applying for.
- Get the required medical certificate from a Greek doctor registered with the Ministry of Transport.
- Take the theoretical exam. Joining an approved theory class and studying Greece’s Highway Code beforehand will improve your chances of success.
- Take the practical exam. To pass, enroll in a driving school, get driving lessons, and familiarize yourself with the road rules and signs in Greece.
- Make your submission to the local KEP.
- Pay the required fees for tests and licensing using your AFM number. The total will be approximately 200 EUR.
- Collect your Greek driving license after processing and issuance.
Types of Greek driving licenses and age restrictions
Greece offers various categories of licenses that drivers can apply for at different minimum ages. Here’s the breakdown:
| License Category | Vehicle Type | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds and scooters | 16 |
| A1 | Motorcycles not exceeding 125cc | 18 |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to a 35 kW power rating | 20 |
| B | Small cars | 18 |
| C1 | Medium-sized cars | 18 |
| C | Medium-sized cars that also transport goods | 21 |
Validity, replacement, and renewal
In Greece, driving licenses are valid for 15 years from the date you first passed your exam or renewed your license. However, this doesn’t apply to drivers over 65 years old; between the ages of 65 and 80, licenses in all categories are valid for only three years. See the complete guidelines here.
Once issued, take care of your driving license; replacing a lost or stolen document takes at least one month.
Additionally, start the process of renewing your driver’s permit at least two months before it’s due to expire.
Tips for driving in Greece
While Greece has a robust public transport system, many places are only accessible by car. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or making use of car rental companies, here are some helpful tips:
- Like France, Spain, and many other countries in Europe, motorists here drive on the right and overtake on the left. Driving won’t be a big adjustment for American and many European license holders.
- Some roads are narrow and contain many hairpin turns, especially on islands like Crete. If you’re hiring a car, consider smaller vehicles to make things easier.
- Greece uses the metric system, so road signs are shown in kilometers instead of miles, and speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour.
- Local motorists drive fast—and not just on the highways! Simply stick to the right lane and other drivers will pass you safely.
- Maintain the speed limit to avoid fines; you never know where the next speed monitor will be posted.
- Finding parking can be a hassle, especially in busy areas like Athens. Before getting a car rental, ensure that your hotel or accommodation has adequate parking. But if you have to park in public spaces, stay as far away from other vehicles as possible to avoid damage to your car.
- Avoid vehicles that are very low to the ground. You could easily scrape your bumper or chassis on a pothole or rocky route.
Enjoy your Greek adventure!
Greece welcomes millions of tourists and expatriates every year. With the right information, driving through the country can be a pleasant experience; one that takes you right into the heart of Greek history and hospitality.
FAQs
Yes, a driving license issued in the USA is valid in Greece. However, you must pair it with an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be legally licensed here.
No. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are valid for one year and are issued in your home country. Obtain this vital document before your trip.
The total cost of applying for a Greek driving license is approximately 200 EUR, which includes fees for the theoretical and practice test, application, and processing.
To obtain a driving license in Greece as a non-EU resident, you must meet the age requirements for the license you’re applying for and have a valid national driver’s permit and an IDP if required. You should also have been a resident or student in Greece for at least six months, reside in the area where you will apply, attend a driving school, pass the driving test, and receive a favorable medical assessment.
