Driving instructors in Limassol staged a protest outside the District Road Transport Department on Thursday morning, calling for urgent action to address long delays in securing examination dates for new drivers. The instructors argue that the backlog is not only frustrating for learners but also creates unfair disparities compared to other regions.

The protest was organised by the Association of Driving School Owners (Sisok) and the Pancyprian Association of Professional Driving Schools (Paseso). Both groups warned that if the issue remains unresolved, they will escalate their demonstrations.

President of Sisok Limassol, Nikos Leventis highlighted the severe understaffing of examiners in the district. He explained that while in other provinces learners can secure a test date within three months, those in Limassol must wait up to ten months for their first attempt. If they fail, they are forced to wait another nine months for a second chance.

“Every day, we receive phone calls from students and their parents, asking why they have to wait so long. Authorities have made promises to resolve this issue, but nothing has changed,” Leventis said. He warned that if no action is taken, instructors will resort to stronger measures to push for a solution.

The situation, according to the President of Paseso Limassol, Kokos Protopapas demonstrates “complete indifference” from the authorities. He questioned why examiners could not be temporarily transferred from other regions if hiring new staff is not an option.

Limassol, driving, roads, driving instructors
Both driving school associations are demanding immediate intervention to normalise the scheduling process and ensure fair access to driving tests across Cyprus

“It is unacceptable for a learner to wait nearly a year to take the test and, if they fail, to face another long delay. This situation is forcing some individuals to drive illegally while waiting for their licence,” Protopapas stated.

In addition to the backlog, driving instructors criticised the way examination slots are allocated. They claim the system is inefficient and unfair, further complicating the process for learners in Limassol.

Both driving school associations are demanding immediate intervention to normalise the scheduling process and ensure fair access to driving tests across Cyprus. They stress that without swift action, the growing frustration among instructors, students, and their families will only intensify, potentially leading to more drastic protests.