How to Get a Driving Licence in Egypt

If you're living in Egypt or planning to drive here long-term, you'll need to deal with the Traffic Department sooner or later. The process has gotten more digital, but it still involves paperwork, a medical check, and a couple of visits in person.

Quick answer

To get a driving licence in Egypt, you apply at your local Traffic Department (Idarat al-Muroor) with your national ID or passport, a medical fitness certificate, proof of address, passport photos, and a police clearance. You'll sit a basic eye and reflex test, a written theory exam, and a short practical driving test. Fees run roughly EGP 300–600 for a private licence depending on category and duration (3 or 10 years). Foreigners need a valid residence permit. The whole thing usually takes 1–3 visits over a few weeks.

Who can apply and what you'll need

The minimum age is 18 for a private car licence and 21 for commercial categories, under Egypt's Traffic Law No. 66 of 1973 and its executive regulations.^[1]

Egyptians need:

• National ID (original + copy)
• Recent medical fitness certificate from an authorised clinic
• 2–4 passport-size photos
• Proof of address (utility bill or lease)
• Police clearance (fish wa tashbeeh)
• Blood type certificate

Foreigners need all of the above plus a valid Egyptian residence permit and a translated, authenticated copy of their passport. If you already hold a foreign licence, some nationalities can convert it without the full practical test — this depends on bilateral arrangements and is handled case by case by the Traffic Department.^[2]

One thing people miss: the medical certificate has to come from a clinic the Traffic Department recognises. A random GP note won't fly.

The tests and the fees

There are three stages at the Traffic Department:

1. Medical screening — vision, colour blindness, basic reflexes. Done on-site or at an approved clinic.
2. Theory test — a short computerised exam on road signs and basic rules. Available in Arabic and, at some branches, English.
3. Practical test — a short driving assessment, often on a closed course rather than public roads for first-time applicants.

Fees for a driving licence in Egypt vary by category and validity period. For a standard private licence, expect something in the range of EGP 300–600 all-in, including application fees, test fees, and the licence card itself. A 10-year licence costs more upfront than a 3-year one but works out cheaper over time. Commercial licences cost more and require additional documentation.^[3]

Pay at the Traffic Department cashier or through designated banks — cash is still common, though card payment is spreading.

Watch out: Brokers (samasra) hang around every Traffic Department offering to "speed things up" for a few hundred extra pounds. Using them is technically irregular, and if something goes wrong with your file, you're the one holding the bag.

Converting a foreign licence

If you hold a valid foreign driving licence, Egypt may let you convert it without redoing the full practical test, but this isn't automatic. You'll still need the medical check, the paperwork, and usually the theory test. The Traffic Department will inspect your original licence, often requiring a certified Arabic translation and sometimes authentication from your embassy.

International Driving Permits (IDPs) are accepted for short-term visitors for up to 6 months from entry, provided your home licence is also valid.^[2] Beyond that, you need an Egyptian licence — tourists overstaying on an IDP risk fines and vehicle impoundment under the Traffic Law.

Honestly, if you're staying more than a year, just get the local licence. It's cheaper than dealing with a traffic stop where your paperwork is questionable.

Renewal, points, and losing your licence

Egyptian driving licences come in 3-year and 10-year validities. Renewal is simpler than first issuance — you'll need an updated medical check, your old licence, and the renewal fee. Do it before expiry; driving on an expired licence carries fines starting around EGP 100 and can escalate.^[3]

Egypt operates a points-based system under recent amendments to the Traffic Law. Serious offences — running red lights, speeding, driving under the influence — accumulate points, and hitting the threshold means suspension. Repeat drink-driving offences can mean licence revocation and jail time under Articles 65–66 of Traffic Law 66/1973 as amended.^[1]

Lost or stolen licence? Report it at the nearest police station, get the report, then apply for a replacement at the Traffic Department with the usual ID and photos. Replacement fees are modest, usually under EGP 200.

For related procedures, see our overview of traffic law in Egypt.