Driving in North CyprusDriving on the left: odd on day one, natural by day two.
In North Cyprus traffic flows on the left and most cars are right-hand drive. It sounds daunting, but nearly all of our visitors settle in within a few hours. And remember: we are one call away, 24/7.
Call us whenever you feel unsure.
Not sure which lane to take? Missed a turning? Call us, even at midnight, or send your location on WhatsApp and we'll guide you step by step.
Wheel on the right, gears on the left
Choosing an automatic makes adapting much quicker — you only have to focus on the road. If in doubt, we recommend automatic.
Rule of thumb: "I sit in the middle"
As the driver you always sit next to the centre line of the road. This simple reminder makes lane choice easy.
Roundabouts go clockwise
Turn left to enter, and give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right. Lanes and signals are shown in the diagram below.
Turns are mirrored
Left turns are short and easy; right turns cross oncoming traffic, so take your time.
Overtake on the right
Pass the vehicle in front on its right. On dual carriageways the left lane is your normal lane; move back left after overtaking.
Zebra crossings
You must give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings.
Take your first drive slowly
The main road from the airport to Kyrenia is wide and comfortable — ideal for getting used to it. We go over the route at handover.
Watch the speed limits
Signs are in km/h and checks are frequent. Follow the signs and the roadside speed warnings.
Roundabouts, step by step
Imagine you are approaching from the bottom: which lane and signal to use depending on your exit.
- 1st exit (turning left)Approach in the left lane, signal left.
- Straight onUsually the left lane (or as road markings show). No signal on approach.
- Right turn / U-turnApproach in the right lane, signal right.
- Give wayTo traffic on the roundabout coming from your right.
The rules in short
- 1Traffic drives on the left and circulates clockwise around the roundabout.
- 2On approach, give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right.
- 3First exit (turning left): approach in the left lane and signal left.
- 4Straight on: usually the left lane (or as road markings show); no signal on approach, then signal left after passing the exit before yours.
- 5Exits further round, turning right or a U-turn: approach in the right lane and signal right, then signal left after passing the exit before yours.
- 6Always signal left when leaving the roundabout.
Before you set off
- Bring your valid driving licence with you.
- Wear your seat belt, front and back.
- Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited.
- Never drink and drive; checks are frequent.
In an emergency
If there's an accident or breakdown, make sure you're safe first, then call us. We'll work out the next steps together on the phone.
Call NowQuestions? Ask before you rent.
If driving on the left makes you nervous, message us and we'll choose the right car together.