Foreign driver’s license in Greece: exchange, validity, international license, loss and theft
Greece is one of the most popular destinations for European tourists and is becoming a hot spot for expats. Visiting Greece is most satisfying by car and will allow you to reach unusual places, such as small hidden coves, much more easily. You must have a driver’s license recognized by the Greek authorities in order to be able to drive your vehicle freely. Also, it is important to find out in advance to make sure that you are driving legally on Greek roads in order to avoid fines and prosecution. How do I exchange a foreign driver’s license? How do I report it lost or stolen? I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I’m going to tell you everything about the foreign driver’s license in Greece.
European driver’s license
According to the European Directive 991/439, you do not have to change your license if you obtained it in one of the countries belonging to the European Union. The latter is valid throughout the European territory. You will be able to use the license of your country of origin without fear in Greece, if you respect the traffic rules, of course. If you drive a foreign car for more than 185 days in Greece, you will have to change your license. Read our chapter on how to register your foreign car in Greece to learn more.
Non-European driver’s license
In order to drive safely in Greece for a long period of time, you will need to have a license that’s valid in the country. Although cabs are not very expensive in Greece, you cannot rely on this solution in the long run. If you are not a citizen of the European Union, you will have to exchange your license for a Greek license.
In order to exchange your license for a Greek license, you must contact the police station of your temporary residence and complete the appropriate administrative formalities. This is usually done quickly if you have all the documents in hand.
If you do not have the opportunity to exchange your license, then you have two choices:
● Order an International Driving Permit
● Pass your Greek driver’s license
International Driving Permit
The International Driving Permit allows you to drive a vehicle in most countries of the world. This permit is therefore valid in Greece but not only, and will be very useful if you travel a lot. It is particularly useful in countries where foreign drivers’ licenses are not accepted. It is valid for three years and is translated into several languages. Obtaining an IDP (International Driving Permit) can be done online.
Here are the documents needed to obtain an International Driving Permit:
● Original driving license
● Proof of identity
● Proof of address
The International Driving Permit is free. To renew it you will need to provide the same documents presented above.
You will know everything to drive in Greece
Passing the Greek driver’s license
If you want to live in Greece or have been in Greece for six months (185 days), you can try to get a Greek driver’s license.
In order to obtain a Greek driver’s license, all you have to do is go to a driving school with:
● Lease of your place of residence
● Your residence permit or work contract
You will not need to take a theory course; you will have to master the basics yourself and then spend an average of 20 hours of practical training. Even if you have your license, you still need to know the specifics of driving in Greece, which can be slightly different from those in other countries. Once this is done, you will be able to take the test, and hopefully succeed. The average cost of the license is 800 euros.
Making the most of your license in Greece
The speed limit for driving in built-up areas in Greece is 50 km/h and between 70 and 90 km/h on more rural roads. In the land of Ulysses, people drive on the right and priority is given to drivers coming from the right. If you’re a speed enthusiast, you might enjoy driving on the motorway where the speed limit is 130 km/h.
Apart from that, the universal driving safety rules apply, i.e. no drinking and driving, no phone calls, etc. If you are having a drunken night out, do not drive, because even though the blood alcohol level is limited to half a gram per litre, drunk driving is dangerous not only for you but also for other drivers.
You can also rent a chauffeur-driven car if you want to enjoy your leisure time and the Greek landscape.
To summarize; to drive a vehicle in Greece as a foreigner you can:
- Use the license of your country of origin, if it is a country of the European Union
- Use the International Driving Permit
- Get a Greek license if you have been living in the country for at least six months.
If you do not fit into any of these circumstances, you will need to exchange your license for a Greek license through the Greek authorities.
Loss and/or theft of a foreign license
As a tourist:
If your foreign driver’s license is lost or stolen while you are in Greece as a tourist, you must go to the Greek police to report the loss or theft and then go to the consulate of your country of origin, which will issue a statement that will serve as proof of your driver’s license for up to two months. It will not be possible to obtain a duplicate of your lost or stolen license in Greece.
As an expatriate:
As an expatriate the procedure is slightly different. You must first go to the Greek police station to report the loss or theft, obtain a medical certificate and then go to the consular section which will inform the issuing authorities in order to get you a new driver’s license. This is usually issued within 3 months of the request.