Introduction to Driving in Greece

As an expat, driving in Greece can be tricky. With narrow streets, unpredictable driving customs, difficulty in finding parking space, and potholes on roads, international drivers can easily panic. You’ll drive on the right with varying speed limits, usually 50 km/h in cities and up to 130 km/h on highways. Since practice makes perfect, we've put together this guide for expats to get their driving license.

Eligibility Requirements: Can You Drive in Greece?

To drive in Greece, expats and travelers must meet specific criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a motorcycle and a car, and 16 years old to drive a moped (or light quadricycles.)
• Valid License: Possess a valid driving license from your home country.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): For non-EU citizens, an IDP is required alongside your national license.
• EU Licenses: EU citizens can drive with their national license without needing an IDP.
• Residence Status: Non-EU citizens can use their IDP for up to six months, beyond that, a Greek license is necessary.
• Physical Fitness: A basic health check may be required, ensuring you can safely operate a vehicle.

Passing the Driving Test

In order to take part in the theoretical and practical exams to obtain a driving license, drivers must complete a minimum number of hours of theory and practical training. This takes place at driving schools situated in Greece.

The competent Greek authority for carrying out the theoretical examination and driving test is the Transport & Communications Department of the Regional Unit of the Region (place of residence of the concerned person).

The Different Types of Driver’s Licenses in Greece

In Greece, driver's licenses are categorized by vehicle type and driver's experience:

1. AM License: For two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
2. A1 License: For motorcycles up to 125cc and a maximum power of 11 kW.
3. A2 License: For motorcycles up to 35 kW, accessible to drivers aged over 20.
4. A License: For all motorcycles, with no power limit, requires a minimum age of 24 or two years of experience with an A2 license.
5. B License: The standard car license for vehicles up to 3,500 kg and no more than 8 passenger seats.
6. C1, C1E, C, and CE Licenses: For larger and commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, with varying weight and size restrictions.
7. D1, D1E, D, and DE Licenses: For buses and vehicles designed to carry more passengers.
8. Special Licenses: Required for special types of vehicles like tractors and construction machinery.

Please note that if you have a valid driving license from another EU country, it remains valid in Greece, provided it meets the requirements for the equivalent Greek driving license category.

Validity Period of Driving Licenses and Renewals

Driving licenses for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, and BE are valid for 15 years from the date of passing the exams or renewal, but not beyond the age of 65. Licenses for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, and DE are valid for 5 years from the date of passing the exams or renewal, also not exceeding the age of 65. If renewed before 65, a license's validity cannot extend past the age of 68. From 65 to 80, licenses for all categories are valid for a maximum of 3 years. Renewed licenses before 80 cannot be valid beyond the age of 82. After 80, licenses for all categories are valid for up to 2 years.

Documents You Need: Preparing Your Driving License Application

When applying for a driver's license in Greece, having the right paperwork is vital. Here is the full list of documents you need in order to obtain a valid driving license:

• Passport or ID Card: Proof of identification is mandatory.
• Residence Permit: Proof of residency is required, even for EU citizens. See here.
• Medical Certificate: This is needed to demonstrate your good health and fitness to drive.
• Biometric Photos: Usually two recent passport-sized photos.
• Application Form: Properly filled out with your details.
• Tax Number (AFM): Needed to process your application within the Greek system.
• Proof of Address: A utility bill or rental agreement can serve this purpose.

Steps to Apply for a Greek Driver’s License

1. Determine Eligibility: Must be 18+ and hold a residency permit.
2. Medical Certificate: Get a certificate from a Greek doctor.
3. Theory Test: Study the Greek Highway Code and pass the test. You can also find more information from the Greek Ministry of Transport website here.
4. Driving Lessons: Enroll in a driving school for practical lessons and familiarize yourself with road signs, rules and regulations in Greece.
5. Practical Test: Pass the driving exam with a school or private vehicle.
6. Application Submission: Gather all documents, including ID photos, and submit to the transport office.
7. Fees Payment: Pay the required fees for tests and license issuance.
8. Final Steps: Wait for processing and collection of your Greek driver’s license.

International Driving Permits: Do You Need One?

If you don't normally live in Greece and your country is not part of the Vienna Convention, you need a valid international driving license (IDP) along with your national driving license to drive in the country. Greece recognizes IDPs as valid forms of driver identification for tourists, which:

• Allows you to drive legally in the country
• Is typically valid for one year
• Must accompany a valid driver's license from your home country

An IDP is mandatory if your domestic license isn't in the Greek or English language. It serves as a translation and proof of your ability to drive abroad, not as a standalone document. Thus, carrying both your native license and an IDP is essential when driving on Greek roads.

If your country is part of the Vienna Convention, you can use your national driving license to drive in Greece until you become a resident. Your license must comply with Annex 6 of the Convention.

If you live in Greece, you must obtain a Greek driving license. To apply, contact the Transport and Communications Department in your area with your current license, which will be kept on file and returned to you once you receive your Greek license.

You don't need to get a Greek license if your license can be converted to a Greek one. This applies to licenses from Switzerland, Serbia, Albania, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, and former Soviet Union countries for expatriates.

If you previously exchanged a non-EU license for an EU license, it remains valid in Greece as long as it meets Greek licensing requirements.

Converting Your Foreign License to a Greek License

Responsible Department

The Regional Government Transport and Communications Department in your area.

In order to meet the eligibility requirements, the applicant must:

• Live in Greece
• Have a valid license from the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Africa, or South Korea
• Not hold another driving license from Greece or an EU member state (including Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein)
• Meet the age requirements for the license category
• Meet the physical and mental requirements for the license category

Required Documents

• Photocopy of foreign passport (if not Greek) or Greek ID card (if Greek)
• Photocopy of a valid residence permit or equivalent, issued at least 185 days (95 days for EU nationals) before application and valid until the Greek license is received.
• The valid foreign driving license (not provisional; South African licenses must be the new plastic type).
• Translation of the foreign license by the Foreign Ministry, a lawyer, or the issuing country's consulate in Greece (with the consul's signature authenticated by the Greek Foreign Ministry). If the translation does not specify the corresponding Greek category, provide a document from the issuing service showing authorized vehicle categories with translation.
• One recent passport-type color photograph.
• Payment receipt for stamp duties: 18 euros for categories A and B, and 108.15 euros for other categories.
• Two health certificates (from a pathologist and an ophthalmologist, or a Higher Medical Committee certificate), including two 32-euro deposits and 4 photographs. Physicians must be contracted with the relevant Transport and Communications Department.
• A document from the issuing service, translated, confirming the license details and that it is not held due to sanctions (to be sent via the Greek consulate).

Procedure

• Submit the application to the Transport and Communications Department in your area.
• The foreign driving license will be kept on file and returned when the Greek license is issued.
• If holding another driving license from Greece or another EU state, it must be handed over to issue a new license with all authorized vehicle categories.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, obtaining a driving license in Greece involves several essential steps, including meeting the age requirements, enrolling in a driving school, completing the necessary theoretical and practical training, and passing both written and road tests. By diligently following these steps and ensuring you have all the right papers, you can successfully navigate the process. Safe driving!