How to Convert or Get a Driving License in Greece as an Expat (EU & Non-EU)
Moving to Greece with a foreign license from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia or another country? Learn when you can exchange it without exams and when you must take the Greek test in English.
Key takeaways at a glance
- Driving licenses issued in EU/EEA member states are valid in Greece until they expire and can be exchanged online via gov.gr without taking any test.
- Licenses from countries with bilateral agreements (such as the UK, Switzerland, and specific partner jurisdictions) can be converted administratively with medical checkups and fees, without theory or practical exams.
- If your issuing country or US state does not have a direct reciprocity agreement with Greece, you must obtain a Greek license by taking the theory exam (available in English) and the practical test.
1. EU and EEA driving licenses in Greece
If you hold a valid driving license issued by an EU or EEA member state (including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), you can drive legally in Greece until the expiry date printed on your card.
When your card approaches expiry, or if you want to swap it voluntarily once you establish residence (185 days per year in Greece), you can exchange it online via gov.gr without taking a theory or practical test.
2. UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, USA and other non-EU licenses
For non-EU driving licenses, whether you need to sit the Greek driving exam depends on whether Greece has a bilateral reciprocity agreement with your issuing jurisdiction:
| Issuing Jurisdiction | Exams Required? | Conversion Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA Member States | No exams | Online exchange on gov.gr with printing fee |
| UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, UAE, South Africa, Albania & bilateral partners | No exams | 185-day residence proof, pathologist & ophthalmologist checkups, official translation, verification of authenticity and state fees |
| Non-reciprocal jurisdictions | Yes (Theory + Practical) | Enrol in a Greek driving school and take the Category B theory test (available in English) and road test |
Note for US driving license holders
While US citizens visiting Greece as tourists can drive with their valid US state license, converting a US license upon becoming a long-term resident requires verifying current bilateral rules with your regional Directorate of Transport; in many cases, taking the Greek exam in English is the fastest route.
3. Taking the Greek driving theory test in English
If you need to take the Greek Category B theory test, you do not have to take it in Greek. Ask your driving school to register you for the English-language computer exam at the Ministry.
Because the official English translations on the Ministry computers are literal and occasionally awkward, practicing with the exact official English wording on SmartKOK is essential to avoid losing points to translation quirks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I keep my original foreign card when I convert it to a Greek license?
No. When you collect your new Greek driving license card, you surrender your original foreign card to the Greek Directorate of Transport, which returns it to the issuing authority.
How long must I live in Greece before I can apply or convert my license?
You must establish normal residence in Greece, defined as living in the country for at least 185 days per calendar year (or 6 months for university students).
Practice the 825 official questions now
Do not leave your theory exam to chance. Questions you miss automatically return until you answer them right twice in a row.