Greek Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Greece — theory test format (30 questions, 70% pass mark), training costs, ΚΟΚ traffic code, 0.05% BAC limit, additive penalty points (0-25), KTEO vehicle inspections, and driving across 13 regions.
~600
Road deaths in Greece (2023)
Approximately 5.6 per 100,000 — Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport
0.05%
Blood alcohol limit (standard drivers)
0.02% for novice drivers (first 2 years) & professional drivers
€500–1,000
Typical total cost for driving licence (Category B)
Includes driving school fees, theory/practical exams, medical certificate
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes. Must answer at least 21 out of 30 correctly (70%) to pass. Questions cover traffic signs, right-of-way, ΚΟΚ regulations, and road safety. Computer-based test administered at Ministry of Transport examination centres across Greece.
€500–1,000 total for Category B. Driving school fees €400–700 (20+ mandatory practical lessons), medical certificate €50–80, theory exam fee ~€15, practical exam fee ~€15, licence issuance ~€30. Athens and Thessaloniki tend to be more expensive.
Approximately 590–620 fatalities in 2023 (~5.6 per 100,000 population). Greece has improved significantly since the 2000s but remains above the EU average. Motorcycle and moped riders account for a high proportion of casualties, especially on islands and in Athens.
0.05% BAC for standard drivers. 0.02% BAC for novice drivers (first 2 years after licence) and professional/commercial drivers. Penalties range from €200 fine for low-level offences to €1,200+ and licence revocation for high BAC levels (>0.11%).
Greece uses an additive (accumulative) penalty point system. Points are added for violations (not deducted). Accumulating 25 points within 3 years results in licence suspension. Points range from 2 (minor) to 8 (serious). They reset after 3 violation-free years.
Greece's road death rate (~5.6/100K) is above the EU average (~4.6) but has fallen dramatically since 2000 (1,675 deaths). BAC limit (0.05%) matches most EU countries. Licence cost (~€700 avg) is moderate for Southern Europe. The theory test pass mark (70%) is lower than many EU peers.
Greece Road Safety: 3-Year Trend (2021–2023)
Greece has made significant progress in road safety over the past two decades, reducing annual fatalities from over 1,600 in 2000 to around 600 in 2023. However, the country remains above the EU average, with motorcycle/moped crashes, rural road accidents, and summer tourist traffic contributing to fatalities.
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: European Commission Road Safety Statistics, ELSTAT, WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Greek Theory Test Format#
Computer-based theory test administered at Ministry of Transport examination centres across Greece
The Greek driving theory test (θεωρητικές εξετάσεις) for Category B consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 30 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 21 out of 30 correctly (70%). Questions are drawn from an official question bank covering traffic signs, signals, road markings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, ΚΟΚ regulations, vehicle safety, and road safety principles. The test is computer-based and administered at regional Transport Directorate offices (Διεύθυνση Μεταφορών) across all 13 regions. You must be enrolled in a licensed driving school to register for the exam. After passing the theory, candidates proceed to the practical driving test.
Questions
30 MCQs
From official question bank
Duration
30 Min
60 sec per question
Pass Mark
21/30
70% correct required
Test Fee
~€15
Theory exam fee (paravolo)
What the Theory Test Covers
- Traffic signs, signals & road markings
- Right-of-way rules at intersections
- Speed limits by road type
- Prohibited manoeuvres & parking rules
- Pedestrian & cyclist priority rules
- KTEO vehicle inspection requirements
- Mandatory safety equipment (triangle, vest, fire extinguisher)
- Tyre and brake maintenance
- Emergency procedures & first aid basics
- Environmental driving practices
- Alcohol and drug driving laws
- Penalty point system (0–25 additive points)
- Insurance and document requirements
- Motorway driving rules
- Special conditions: island roads, mountain passes, tunnels
How to Get Your Greek Driving Licence#
From driving school to δίπλωμα οδήγησης — the complete process
Obtain a Medical Certificate
Visit an approved physician for a driving fitness health check
Includes vision test, general health assessment, and sometimes psychological evaluation. Cost: €50–80. Valid for the application period.
Enrol at a Driving School
Register at a licensed driving school (σχολή οδηγών)
Theory lessons (minimum 20 hours) and practical driving lessons (minimum 20 hours for Category B manual, 14 for automatic). Total school fee: €400–700.
Complete Theory Training
Attend all required theory lessons at the driving school
Covers ΚΟΚ, traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, vehicle safety, and road safety principles.
Pass the Theory Test
Take the computer-based theory exam at the regional Transport Directorate
30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes, must score 21/30 (70%). Fee: ~€15 (paravolo). Can retake after 7 days if failed.
Complete Practical Training
Complete all mandatory practical driving lessons with your instructor
Minimum 20 hours for manual, 14 for automatic Category B. Must include day, night, and motorway driving.
Pass the Practical Test
Demonstrate driving competence with an examiner in the car
25–45 minute test in real traffic. Evaluated on vehicle control, hazard awareness, rule compliance, and safe driving. Fee: ~€15 (paravolo).
Receive Your Driving Licence
Collect your δίπλωμα οδήγησης from the Transport Directorate
Licence issuance fee: ~€30. Processing time: 2–4 weeks. EU-format credit-card style licence.
Greek Driving Licence Fees#
Typical total cost €500–1,000 for Category B — varies by region and driving school
Prices vary significantly by region and driving school. Athens and Thessaloniki tend to be more expensive. Additional retake fees apply for failed attempts. Some driving schools offer package deals including all fees.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
AM — Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h
Requires theory test only
16
years
A1 — Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW
18
years
A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW
Progressive access from A1
20
years
A — Unrestricted motorcycles
Direct access or progressive from A2
24
years
B — Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8 passengers + driver
Manual & automatic
18
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
Requires Category B first
21
years
D — Buses with 8+ passenger seats
Requires Category B first
24
years
BE / CE / DE — Trailer combinations
Requires base category
21
years
Licence Validity Periods
Renewal with medical exam after expiry
Renewal with medical exam after expiry
Medical exam required for each renewal
Medical exam required for each renewal
Additive Penalty Points System (0–25)
- Points are ADDED for violations (not deducted) — starts at 0
- Minor violations: 2–3 points (e.g. parking, seatbelt)
- Serious violations: 5–8 points (e.g. speeding >30 km/h over, red light)
- Accumulating 25 points within 3 years: licence suspended for 6 months
- Points reset after 3 consecutive violation-free years
Novice Driver Restrictions
- First 2 years: stricter BAC limit of 0.02%
- First 2 years: lower speed limits on some roads
- Night driving restrictions may apply for under-18 moped riders
- Must display green 'N' sticker (novice) for first year
- Additional penalty point consequences for novice drivers
Greece's speed limits follow the standard European structure. In urban areas (within town boundaries), the default limit is 50 km/h for all vehicles. On non-urban roads (outside town limits), cars are limited to 90 km/h. On expressways/national highways, the limit is 110 km/h. On motorways (autokinitodromoi), cars can travel up to 130 km/h. Trucks and buses generally follow lower limits. Posted signs always take precedence over default limits. Greece has extensive speed camera enforcement, especially on motorways and national roads.
| Road Type | Cars | Motorcycles | Trucks / Buses | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban areas | 50 | 50 | 50 | Within town/city boundaries |
| Non-urban roads | 90 | 80 | 80 | Outside town limits (national roads) |
| Expressways | 110 | 90 | 90 | Dual carriageway national highways |
| Motorways (Autokinitodromoi) | 130 | 110 | 90 | Tolled motorways — minimum 60 km/h |
Urban areas
50
Cars
50
Motos
50
Heavy
Within town/city boundaries
Non-urban roads
90
Cars
80
Motos
80
Heavy
Outside town limits (national roads)
Expressways
110
Cars
90
Motos
90
Heavy
Dual carriageway national highways
Motorways (Autokinitodromoi)
130
Cars
110
Motos
90
Heavy
Tolled motorways — minimum 60 km/h
Posted speed signs always take precedence over default limits. Novice drivers (first 2 years) may face lower speed limits. School zones are typically 30 km/h. Speed cameras are widespread on Greek motorways and national roads.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
As per ΚΟΚ and recent legislative amendments — fines have increased significantly since 2022
Greece has significantly increased traffic fines in recent years to improve road safety. Running a red light now carries a €700 fine, speeding more than 30 km/h over the limit costs €350+, and drunk driving (>0.08%) can result in fines of €700–1,200 with licence suspension. Mobile phone use while driving carries a €100 fine. The additive penalty point system means repeat offenders face licence suspension at 25 accumulated points within 3 years.
| Violation | Fine (€) | Points | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running red light | €700 | 7 | 60-day licence suspension |
| DUI — BAC 0.05–0.08% | €200 | 5 | 90-day licence suspension |
| DUI — BAC 0.08–0.11% | €700 | 7 | 180-day licence suspension |
| DUI — BAC >0.11% | €1,200 | 8 | Licence revocation + criminal charges |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over | €100 | 3 | |
| Speeding 30–50 km/h over | €350 | 5 | 30-day licence suspension |
| Using phone while driving | €100 | 3 | |
| No seatbelt | €350 | 3 | |
| Illegal parking (disability space) | €200 | 2 | Vehicle towed |
| No valid KTEO (inspection expired) | €150 | 0 | Plates confiscated until KTEO completed |
Running red light
60-day licence suspension
DUI — BAC 0.05–0.08%
90-day licence suspension
DUI — BAC 0.08–0.11%
180-day licence suspension
DUI — BAC >0.11%
Licence revocation + criminal charges
Speeding 20–30 km/h over
Speeding 30–50 km/h over
30-day licence suspension
Using phone while driving
No seatbelt
Illegal parking (disability space)
Vehicle towed
No valid KTEO (inspection expired)
Plates confiscated until KTEO completed
Fines shown reflect current ΚΟΚ rates. Half-fine discount available if paid within 10 days for certain violations. Fines can double for repeat offences within 2 years. Penalty points are cumulative — 25 points in 3 years triggers licence suspension.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and the penalty point system are tested in the Greek theory exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Greece
Drive on the Right
Greece uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left. On multi-lane roads, keep right except when overtaking. Vehicles entering roundabouts must yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Alcohol Limits
0.05% BAC for standard drivers. 0.02% BAC for novice drivers (first 2 years) and professional drivers. Penalties escalate with BAC level: €200–1,200 fines plus licence suspension or revocation for high levels.
Mandatory Equipment
All vehicles must carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, and fire extinguisher. First aid kit recommended. Spare bulb kit formerly required but no longer mandatory. Ensure all equipment is accessible, not buried in luggage.
KTEO Vehicle Inspection
KTEO (Κέντρο Τεχνικού Ελέγχου Οχημάτων) inspection is mandatory for all vehicles. First inspection at 4 years for private cars, then every 2 years. Commercial vehicles inspected annually. Expired KTEO results in €150 fine and plate confiscation.
Compulsory Insurance
Third-party motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory. You must carry proof of insurance at all times while driving. Driving without insurance results in fines, plate confiscation, and potential criminal charges.
Toll Roads & Motorways
Most Greek motorways are tolled. Payment at toll booths by cash or e-pass transponder. Attiki Odos (Athens ring road) uses electronic tolling. Running a toll without paying results in substantial fines.
Phone Use Prohibited
Handheld phone use prohibited while driving. Fine: €100 plus 3 penalty points. Hands-free Bluetooth or earpiece permitted. Applies to both cars and motorcycles.
Seatbelts & Child Seats
Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants in front and rear seats. Children under 1.35m must use appropriate child restraint systems. Children under 3 prohibited in front seat. Fine for no seatbelt: €350.
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Helmets mandatory for all motorcycle and moped riders and passengers. Must be properly fastened. Fine: €350 for rider, €350 for unhelmeted passenger. Greek law requires approved ECE helmets.
Common Road Hazards in Greece
~600 road fatalities in 2023 — know these hazards to stay safe on Greek roads
Island & Mountain Roads
Narrow, winding roads with sharp bends, steep drops, and no guardrails — particularly on Cycladic islands, Crete, and mountain passes in the Peloponnese and Epirus
Summer Heat & Tourist Traffic
Extreme heat (40°C+) causes tyre blowouts, overheating, and driver fatigue. Tourist season (June–September) dramatically increases traffic, especially on islands and coastal roads
Aggressive Driving Culture
Overtaking on blind corners, tailgating, and ignoring speed limits are common, particularly on rural roads and island roads. Defensive driving is essential
Motorcycle Hazards
Motorcycles and mopeds are extremely common, especially in Athens and on islands. Riders often weave through traffic. Watch for mopeds not obeying traffic signals
Road Surface Quality
Some rural and island roads have poor surface quality — potholes, gravel patches, and unmarked speed bumps. Condition deteriorates after winter rains
Stray Animals
Goats, sheep, dogs, and cats on roads, especially in rural areas and islands. Herds sometimes block rural roads entirely
Greece's 13 Administrative Regions
Driving licence administration is handled by the regional Transport Directorate (Διεύθυνση Μεταφορών) in each of 13 regions
| Region (Perifereia) | Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Attica | Athens | 3.8M |
| Central Macedonia | Thessaloniki | 1.9M |
| Crete | Heraklion | 634K |
| Thessaly | Larissa | 733K |
| Western Greece | Patras | 680K |
| Central Greece | Lamia | 547K |
| Peloponnese | Tripoli | 577K |
| Eastern Macedonia & Thrace | Komotini | 608K |
| Western Macedonia | Kozani | 283K |
| Epirus | Ioannina | 336K |
| Ionian Islands | Corfu | 207K |
| North Aegean | Mytilene | 199K |
| South Aegean | Ermoupoli | 344K |
Attica
Athens · 3.8M
Central Macedonia
Thessaloniki · 1.9M
Crete
Heraklion · 634K
Thessaly
Larissa · 733K
Western Greece
Patras · 680K
Central Greece
Lamia · 547K
Peloponnese
Tripoli · 577K
Eastern Macedonia & Thrace
Komotini · 608K
Western Macedonia
Kozani · 283K
Epirus
Ioannina · 336K
Ionian Islands
Corfu · 207K
North Aegean
Mytilene · 199K
South Aegean
Ermoupoli · 344K
Greece has 13 administrative regions (perifereies). Driving licence testing is administered by regional Transport Directorates (Διεύθυνση Μεταφορών). Test availability and wait times vary by region. Attica (Athens) has the longest wait times.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the single European emergency number.
112
European Emergency Number
100
Police (Αστυνομία)
166
Ambulance / EKAB (Πρώτες Βοήθειες)
199
Fire Department (Πυροσβεστική)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Greece#
Myth: Traffic rules in Greece are just suggestions that nobody follows
Fact: While enforcement was historically lax, Greece has significantly increased speed camera coverage, digital fine collection, and penalty point enforcement since 2022. Fines have also been substantially increased, making violations much more costly.
Myth: You can drink and drive as long as you feel sober
Fact: Greece enforces a 0.05% BAC limit for standard drivers and 0.02% for novice and professional drivers. Even one or two drinks can put you over 0.05%. Random breath tests are common, especially in summer and around holidays.
Myth: You don't need a licence to drive a moped or ATV on Greek islands
Fact: A valid licence is required for ALL motor vehicles in Greece, including mopeds (Category AM) and ATVs. Tourists often rent mopeds on islands without a licence — this is illegal and insurance will not cover accidents. Greek police conduct checks, especially during summer.
Myth: Speed limits are just guidelines on Greek motorways
Fact: Greek motorways have extensive speed camera networks. The motorway limit is 130 km/h for cars. Fines for exceeding 30+ km/h over the limit start at €350 with licence suspension. Average-speed cameras are increasingly common on toll motorways.
Myth: The Greek theory test is easy and doesn't require much preparation
Fact: While the 70% pass mark (21/30) sounds generous, questions cover detailed ΚΟΚ regulations, complex right-of-way scenarios, and specific penalty amounts. The pass rate for first-time takers is not 100%. Proper preparation with the official question bank is essential.
Myth: Parking is not strictly enforced in Greek cities
Fact: Illegal parking enforcement has increased substantially in Athens and Thessaloniki. Fines range from €40 to €200 (disability space). Vehicles can be towed, and plates confiscated. The municipal police actively patrol and issue tickets.
Digital driving licence via Gov.gr Wallet
Greek driving licences can now be stored digitally in the Gov.gr Wallet app on smartphones. The digital version is legally valid for domestic use. Physical licence still required for international travel.
Increased speed camera enforcement
Greece expanded its network of fixed and average-speed cameras on motorways and national roads. New cameras installed on Attiki Odos, Olympia Odos, and Egnatia Odos with automatic fine processing.
Updated fines and penalty point values
ΚΟΚ amendments increased fines for serious violations including red light running (€700), no seatbelt (€350), and high-level drink driving (€1,200). Penalty point values also adjusted upward.
Digital fine payment via TaxisNet
Online payment of traffic fines became available through the TaxisNet/AADE platform, making it easier to pay fines promptly and receive the 50% early payment discount.
Law 4850/2021 — revised penalty point system
The penalty point system was updated with Law 4850/2021, adjusting point values for various violations and strengthening the cumulative threshold mechanism (25 points in 3 years).
COVID-19 driving restrictions and digital services
Lockdown periods saw movement restrictions and reduced traffic. The crisis accelerated digitalization of transport services, including online appointment booking for KTEO and driving school registration.
How Greece Compares to Other EU Countries#
Greece's driving regulations compared to Southern European peers — data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Greece | Italy | Spain | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Right |
| Motorway Speed | 130 | 130 | 120 | 120 | 130 |
| Test Questions | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 40 |
| Licence Cost | €500–1K | €800–1.5K | €600–1.2K | €500–800 | €1K–2K |
| Road Deaths/yr | ~600 | 3,039 | 1,790 | 573 | 3,170 |
| Deaths/100K | ~5.6 | ~5.2 | ~3.8 | ~5.6 | ~4.6 |
Same as Italy, Spain, Portugal. France is 0.05% as well. All have lower limits (0.02%) for novice drivers.
Same as Italy, Spain, and Portugal. France allows accompanied driving from 15.
Italy 130, Spain 120, Portugal 120, France 130. Greece matches Italy and France.
Italy €800–1,500, Spain €600–1,200, Portugal €500–800, France €1,000–2,000. Greece is moderate.
~5.6 per 100K — above EU average (~4.6). Italy 3,039, Spain 1,790, Portugal 573, France 3,170.
Road deaths: Greece ~600 (ELSTAT 2023), Italy 3,039 (ACI/ISTAT 2023), Spain 1,790 (DGT 2023), Portugal 573 (ANSR 2023), France 3,170 (ONISR 2023). Per-capita: Greece ~5.6, Italy ~5.2, Spain ~3.8, Portugal ~5.6, France ~4.6 per 100K.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας (ΚΟΚ) — Greek Traffic Code — Hellenic Parliament
- Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport — Driving licence regulations — Υπουργείο Υποδομών και Μεταφορών
- ELSTAT — Hellenic Statistical Authority road safety data — Ελληνική Στατιστική Αρχή
- European Commission — Road Safety Statistics — European Commission DG MOVE
- WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety — World Health Organization
- Law 4850/2021 — Penalty point system amendments — Hellenic Parliament
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from Greek legislation (ΚΟΚ) and Ministry of Transport regulations
- Cross-verified against ELSTAT, European Commission, and WHO reports
- Regional variations noted where applicable (fees differ by region and driving school)
- Page reviewed and fact-checked on March 27, 2026
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving licence cost in Greece?
What is the Greek theory test format?
What is the blood alcohol limit in Greece?
What are the speed limits in Greece?
What are the emergency numbers in Greece?
Can I drive in Greece with my foreign licence?
What is the penalty point system in Greece?
What is KTEO and how often do I need an inspection?
Do I need a licence to ride a moped on Greek islands?
What mandatory equipment must I carry in my car in Greece?
How does toll payment work on Greek motorways?
Is driving in Greece dangerous?
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Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced from Greek legislation (ΚΟΚ), Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, ELSTAT, European Commission, and WHO. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.