The insurance company rules determine the eligibility of a person to drive a hire vehicle.

Typically they require two years on a full licence before they will provide cover.

They also apply rules on the size of car based on age. In the UK this is usually a max of 1300cc for anyone under 25

There is some information here on car hire http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=88877

Please take care if a company does hire you a vehicle - not every company asks the questions. In the event of an accident you could find yourself without cover.

fwh

As a Driving Instructor and frequent visitor to Cypress my advice would be don't drive, the level of driving skills in Cypress is far lower than the uk, you really need plenty of experience and enhanced observations skills.

However, should you hire a car anyway make sure of two things. 1) Your insurance cover is fully comprehensive and covers collision damage waiver. 2) Be very aware of drivers pulling out from the left, the locals seem to think they have right of way.

Have a great holiday.

Chris

I am a former road safety instructor, a professional driver and a member of the institute for advanced motorist, i have driven in Cyprus several times with over 30 yrs behind the wheel, i have on several occasions only just avoided local drivers [most don't drive they aim]

from protaras you can get a bus to Agia Nappa or up to Paralimni where you can then change for Lanaca bay or Lefkosia, there are also many trips available and local taxes are reasonably priced,,

if you do hire a car watch out for speed cameras and don't drink, only one pint is enough to put the average man over the limit {its one of the lowest in Europe}

enjoy your holiday

wizard

Best piece of advice I can give, gleened from holiday driving in Cyprus for almost 20 years:

ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.

Having said that, I only had my first near miss in all that time last year.

Mark

thanks for your replys, i think i will leave hiring a car then, i wasnt too fussed about it any way, i just wondered if it would be an advantage but there seems to be lots of other ways to get around.
what are peoples thoughts on bikes/mopeds? maybe get 1 for 1 day, are they as dangrous as some people have stated? how likley is a rider to be involved in an accident? is it worht it? thanks x

most of the drivers in cyprus are mental they do not have the same care and concern for other drivers ,like they do in the uk,i have been driving all over the world for forty years , and cyprus is by far the worse i have seen, for a driver newly passed there test it would be at the least scary,get some experience first ,plenty of public transport and taxis. you woul enjoy your holiday a lot more

bluepeterno1

forget the moped/bike idea over half the fatal accidents on Cyprus involve 2 wheels.. stick to public transport or organized trips [hint] don't book from your tour operator book from one of the hire shops it will be cheaper

wizard

ok thanks all.

Mopeds are really dangerous.

Last time I was in Paphos I had to go to the General Hospital A & E with a cut on my hand. I had to be rushed out of the room because a girl came in who had fallen off a moped - she had no skin left all around the sides of her stomach area - not a pretty sight!

Viv

UPDATE FROM NOTES SUPPLIED BY Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and passengers. Children under 12years and less than 1.5m must wear a seat belt and suitable restraint eg booster seat/child seat

The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited when driving.

Drivers under the age of 25 and holding a driving licence for less than 3 years at the time of rental must inform the rental company so that under-age insurance coverage is provided. In addition the insurance company may apply its own restrictions. See my note re engine size and time that a licence has been held.

fwh

Smoking not allowed in a vehicle which contains a person or persons under 16.

Mark