GREECE DRIVER’S LICENSE

GREECE DRIVER’S LICENSE

In Greece the driving license is a governmental right given to those who request a license for any of the categories they desire. It is required for every type of motorized vehicle. The minimum age to obtain a Greece driver’s license is: 16 years for a motorcycle, 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles .

UNDERSTAND WHICH TYPES OF DRIVING LICENSE ARE LEGALLY ACCEPTED IN GREECE…
A valid Greece driver’s license (Άδεια οδήγησης/Adeia odigisis) is required to drive in Greece. The license must be carried on all journeys, and must be presented on demand by law enforcement officials. The minimum age to drive a car on the roads is 18 years.

Some foreigners in Greece must exchange their license for a Greek one, some may make the exchange if they wish, while yet others may not exchange their licence and will need to take a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a Greece driver’s license.

New arrivals to Greece may be able to exchange a foreign driver’s license for a Greek one, or (if relevant) continue driving on an EU-issued license until it becomes necessary to renew it. For all others, a full theory and practical test must be taken. As of January 19 2013, EU-issued licenses can only be renewed in the holder’s country of residence. Renewing an EU-issued license in Greece will effectively convert it into a Greece Driver’s license.

DRIVING LICENSES IN GREECE
To obtain a Greece driver’s license for either a vehicle or motorbike, applicants must complete a certain amount of formal instruction, both theoretical and practical, as well as pass theoretical and practical written tests. Only qualified teachers can provide driving and theory lessons, so enrolment at a driving school is essential.

While lessons are available in English, the actual tests are in Greek. However, only a minimal knowledge of Greek is required to take the test.

If the applicant changes residence prior to the completion of the application process, all paperwork is transferred to the relevant issuing office.

LICENCE CATEGORIES AND AGE RESTRICTIONS
The age restrictions for the most common types of licence in Greece are as follows:

AM (mopeds with a design speed of over 25 Km/h and under 45 Km/h): 16 years
A1 (motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125cc): 18 years
A2: (motorcycles not exceeding 35 kW): 20 years
B1 (four-wheeled light vehicles): 18 years
B (cars), 18 years
C1 (medium-sized vehicles) 18 years
DRIVING LICENCE VALIDITY
Greek driving licences for A- and B-class vehicles are valid for 15 years from their date of issue. C-class and D-class licences are valid for five years from their date of issue. From the age of 65 onwards, drivers with Greek-issued licences must undergo health checks in order for the driving licence to remain valid, and must renew their licence every two years. The test itself does not need to be retaken.

LOST OR STOLEN DRIVING LICENCES
If a Greek or EU driving licence is lost, stolen or worn to the extent that it must be replaced, a new licence can be obtained through the Greek Ministry of Transport.