Car Hire for under 25's

[Hair Cut]

Had some relatives staying this week and they wanted to rent a car. The Girl is only 21.

When they delivered the car they said she could not rent it as she had to be over 25.

They said this was a new law introduced this year.

A great thing for Tourism....

I would have thought that a 21-year-old had a better driving experience and knowledge than any TC driving here.

[alphamike]

It has been 25 years for hired cars for years. The only way to get round it is to loan your private car to the younger person, and you drive hired car, after checking with your insurance. I just checked this earlier this week with my insurance company for a visitor (who is over 25).

Under 25's can't go into casinos either, unless they have changed the rules for that.

[Hair Cut]

She was told by the Hire company that delivered the car it was a new rule introduced this year..... Honest....

[alphamike]

Lol Haircut, I do believe you. I just know from past experience years ago, my daughter and her boyfriend couldn't drive the hired car.

[wanderer]

Don't loan your non hire car to a relative with no TRNC licence I've been pulled over 4 times in 4 years and they didn't want my uk licence
Last year pulled over at Esentepe just after arriving TRNC licence had 2 days before expiring
Polis get it done tomorrow

[alphamike]

I've been given conflicting info Wanderer. My insurance company said it was fine for a visitor to drive my car on UK driving licence, this was only a few days ago.

[waddo]

alphamike. I think the insurance company will always let people drive - right up to the point where an accident and subsequent claims arise - then strangely they never said that at all - lol. If in doubt ask the police as they are the ones who will issue you the fine! I have often found that the police don't bother to talk to the insurance companies either!!!

[alphamike]

Thanks Waddo, will pop along to police station and ask there to be sure. I do have it in writing though from insurance company.

[wanderer]

I've been given conflicting info Wanderer. My insurance company said it was fine for a visitor to drive my car on UK driving licence, this was only a few days ago.

Four years ago we picked up the new licences from Lefkosa pulled over by the Polis and asked for documents I offered both the officer was not bothered
A year later on the coast road they only wanted TRNC licence
Jan 2020 could not find the TRNC licence in my wallet Polis man was salivating thinking he'd got me the wife found it
Then the latest one on the coast road with two days left on the licence this year
If you read TREVORS tips on the Cyprus Scene website

PS don't drive to Polis station or park a bit away

[alphamike]

Just for info, but please check yourselves. Been along to police station and confirmed that a tourist visitor can drive my car on UK licence, it's only going to be for a week, but up to 90 days. House owners must have TRNC driving licence.
As above, I had already been given the ok by car insurance.

[waddo]

alphamike, thanks for the information regarding "House Owners", as I had different information from the same police station I now wonder if it is because I am a renter (12 years) and of course a "High Earner" or so I have to state on my annual residency application? As an aside I suffered the same thing as a "Leaseholder" for the first 3 years here anyway. There seems to be many different rules for different people who are all "Temp Residents" anyway - lol.

[alphamike]

Waddo, I am assuming that anyone owning or renting a property here, must have a TRNC driving licence. I think you have to have temp residency to obtain driving licence here.
It does pose a problem for swallows who own property here and don't have residency. I really don't have a clue how that works.
Anyway, it is handy to know that visitors can drive my car whilst on holiday here. I'm quite happy babysitting and letting the youngsters go out at night. I have no wish to return to the days of having to be a taxi for my offspring.
As I said before though, please check with your insurance and police regarding your own particular circumstances.