Do not move off as soon as you receive the keys
Choose the first driver in advance. They must meet the rental requirements and be named on the contract. Do not plan “my friend will drive if I get tired” until the other driver's registration is complete. For documents and driver conditions, see the rental guide .
Complete these four preparations while the car is safely parked:
- Seating and visibility. Adjust the seat and mirrors for yourself. Sitting on the right means more of the car's body is to your left; do not check only the right-hand side.
- Controls. Learn the indicators, wipers, lights, gears and parking brake. Do not guess which side the indicator stalk is on: the layout may differ in your allocated car.
- Phone and destination. Open the correct vehicle entrance for your hotel and prepare voice navigation and charging. If the map shows different names such as Girne/Kyrenia, match the address and location.
- Passengers and belongings. Fasten seat belts, ensure the child seat is suitable and secure luggage. Phone cables and bags must not obstruct controls or visibility.
A short note for ERM collection: “This will be my first time driving on the left. Could we review the indicators, wipers, gears and parking brake together while parked? I would also like to clarify the exit from the collection point.” A vehicle introduction does not replace a practical driving lesson. Confirm your collection plan with ERM →
Left-side traffic: remember three critical moments
Traffic drives on the left in Northern Cyprus. On a two-way road you travel on the left relative to your direction. This does not mean driving close to the kerb or parked cars; maintain appropriate side clearance within your lane.
Leaving a car park or hotel
Check signs to see whether the exit is one-way or two-way. Make sure you can see pedestrians, cyclists and approaching vehicles. Following the car ahead does not replace your own observation.
Moving off after a break
Remind yourself of the traffic direction after fuel, coffee or meal breaks. The layout you carefully checked at the start should not be left to automatic habits after a familiar stop.
If you miss a turn
Do not try to correct it with a sudden lane change or by reversing. Continue in a safe, permitted direction and let navigation recalculate. If you need to use your phone, park safely in a suitable place.
Read the road layout before roundabouts and turns
Roundabout traffic flows clockwise in Northern Cyprus. Slow down as you approach, and check traffic coming from your right and circulating on the roundabout. Wait at the entrance if there is no safe gap. The ministry's traffic information note states that vehicles already circulating have priority.
Follow traffic lights, signs, road arrows and officials' directions where present. Do not use one memorised lane rule for every exit on a multi-lane roundabout. Identify the lane for your exit from the approach markings and do not cut in front of another vehicle at the last moment.
Finish right or left turns in the lane for your direction of travel. Check pedestrian crossings and the roadside separately. Do not treat another driver's flashing headlights or hand signal as a guarantee that the surroundings are safe.
Keep the first journey's destination simple
You can plan simply to reach your accommodation on arrival day. You do not have to add castle, village and beach stops to the same journey. Find out the hotel's vehicle entrance and parking arrangements, not just its map pin.
A night arrival, tiredness and an unfamiliar car all demand attention at once. Do not start driving if you are not rested or ready to drive safely. Consider postponing the journey or using alternative transport; saying “I'll go slowly” does not resolve fatigue.
If a passenger will help with navigation, discuss it before moving off. Giving an upcoming direction in advance is more useful than a last-second “turn now”. Assessing the surroundings remains the driver's responsibility.
When you need help: For a vehicle warning or operational problem, first stop safely, then send your location and the visible warning to ERM on +90 533 877 11 71. In immediate danger or injury, call the appropriate emergency service rather than waiting for rental support: Police 155, Ambulance 112.
How can you find training for driving on the left?
If you do not feel ready to drive on the left, research driving schools near your accommodation before travelling. You can search for “Kyrenia driving school”, “Northern Cyprus refresher driving lessons” or “left-side driving familiarisation”.
Tell the provider that you hold a valid licence and will be driving on the left for the first time. Ask whether the lesson is theoretical only or includes practical driving with an instructor.
Confirm in advance whether tourists are accepted, the training vehicle, insurance coverage and current lesson conditions. Online content does not replace a practical driving lesson.
