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What driver license do you need to rent in Greece?

What driver license do you need to rent in Greece?
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11 August, 2025

Renting a Scooter or Motorcycle in Greece — Licence Requirements

IMPORTANT: To rent a scooter/motorcycle in Greece you must present a physical licence card with the correct category (A1/A2/A), and—if required—an IDP. Domestic “B→125” allowances from other countries are not valid. Arriving without valid documents = no vehicle + no refund. Read the full rules.

Renting a Scooter or Motorcycle in Greece — Licence Requirements

Greek law is strict: you must hold the correct motorcycle category printed on your licence card. Domestic shortcuts from other countries (e.g. “B licence may ride 125cc”) do not apply in Greece. Below is everything you need to know, what we accept at pickup, and what happens if documents are invalid.

Summary (2-minute read): 125cc = A1 (or A2/A). Above 125cc = A2/A. B (car) alone never authorises motorcycles in Greece. Many non-EU visitors also need an IDP alongside their national licence; some countries have exceptions (see §3). Paper “test pass”, temporary licences, photos or scans are not valid.

1) Which licence category you need in Greece

  • AM — moped (≈50cc class)
  • A1 — up to 125cc (≤11 kW, ≤0.1 kW/kg)
  • A2 — up to 35 kW
  • A — unrestricted

Bottom line for rentals: 125cc requires A1/A2/A. Above 125cc requires A2/A. A car licence B is never sufficient for two-wheelers in Greece.①

 

  • VALID: EU/EEA/UK card with A1 (or A2/A) printed. Bring the physical card.​

Example EU licence card showing A1 category – VALID in Greece for 125cc 
*Example EU licence card showing A1 category - VALID in Greece for 125cc*
 

  • NOT VALID: B-only licence (even if your home country allows 125cc on B).

 
*Example EU licence card showing B category - NOT valid in Greece*

 

  • NOT VALID: A/A1 with restriction code 79.03 or 79.04 (tricycles; not two-wheel).

Example licence with code 79.03 – Not valid for two-wheel motorcycles   
*Example licence card with code 79.03 - NOT valid with tow wheels motorcycles*
 

  • Paper test-pass = not valid. A letter or certificate showing you passed the exam is not a licence and is not accepted for riding in Greece.

Example paper test pass or temporary licence – Not valid in Greece
*NOT VALID: Paper test-pass/temporary licences, printouts, photos or scans. We must see the plastic card.*

 

  • NOT VALID: EU/EEA/UK card with A1 (or A2/A) printed. Bring the physical card.​

*NOT VALID: Paper test-pass/temporary licences, printouts, photos or scans. We must see the plastic card.*

 

2) EU/EEA/UK licences

EU/EEA licences are recognised across the EU, but only for the vehicle categories printed on the card. UK photocard licences are accepted for short visits without an IDP. To ride a scooter/motorcycle in Greece, your card must show A1/A2/A. Provisional/learner arrangements (e.g., UK CBT) are not valid outside the UK.①

3) Non-EU licences, IDP rules & country partnerships

Many non-EU visitors must carry their national licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, Greek law (Nov 5, 2021) recognises certain countries’ licences for short visits without an IDP — notably Australia and Canada, and there is longstanding guidance about recognition of U.S. licences (note: some U.S. sources still advise carrying an IDP).②③④⑤

Important: Whether or not an IDP is required, your licence must explicitly include motorcycle entitlement (A1/A2/A). American/Canadian/Australian car licences (B) do not authorise scooters/motorcycles in Greece.

Note on Israel: guidance is less explicit online about IDP waivers. If you hold an Israeli licence, we advise carrying an IDP unless you have current official confirmation of recognition for short stays. Either way, for motorcycles you still need A1/A2/A on the licence.

4) Domestic “B→125” allowances that do not travel

Some countries let car-licence holders ride 125cc domestically (e.g., Spain B+3 years; Italy B; France B + 7-hour training). These are national privileges for use inside those countries only. In Greece, only the categories printed on your card are recognised. If your card shows B only, you cannot rent a scooter or motorcycle here.①⑥

5) Restriction codes that do not qualify for two-wheel rental

  • 79.03 — tricycles only
  • 79.04 — tricycles + trailer
  • 79.02 / 79(2) — certain L-category vehicles (not standard two-wheel)

Licences showing these limitations are not valid for two-wheel scooters/motorcycles in Greece.⑦⑧

6) What to bring to pickup (checklist)

  • Physical driving licence card with A1/A2/A for the class booked.
  • Passport/ID (same name as the licence).
  • Credit card in the renter’s name for the security deposit.
  • Where applicable: a valid IDP alongside your national licence.

We cannot release a vehicle if any required document is missing or invalid.

7) Refund & cancellation if documents are invalid

If you arrive without correct documentation (e.g., no A1/A2/A for the booked class, missing IDP when required, expired licence, prohibited restriction codes, or paper/test-pass only), the rental cannot proceed. The booking is treated as a renter-caused cancellation / no-show and any deposit or prepayment is forfeited as a cancellation fee. No refunds, credits, or compensation are due. If Eurodriver cannot provide the reserved vehicle for reasons not caused by you, we will offer an equivalent upgrade at no cost or a full refund of amounts paid (our liability is limited to that refund).

 

Need us to pre-check your licence?

Before you book, email clear photos of the front and back of your licence (and IDP if applicable) to info@eurodriver.gr. We’ll confirm which bikes you can legally ride in Greece.

 

Official references (footnotes)

  1. EU categories (AM/A1/A2/A) and recognition across the EU for categories printed on the card. European Commission / gov.gr. EC – Driving licences, gov.gr – recognition & validity. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  2. Australia: Greek law change recognising Australian licences (no IDP for short visits). Australian Embassy in Greece. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  3. Canada: Government guidance indicates Canadians may drive in Greece with a valid Canadian licence (short visits). Government of Canada – Greece travel advice. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  4. USA: Sources conflict. Some Greek authorities/consulates cite Law 4850/2021 recognising U.S. licences, but the U.S. State Department page still advises carrying an IDP. U.S. Embassy Greece – Drivers’ Licenses and State Dept – Greece. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  5. Law 4850/2021 (Government Gazette A 208/05.11.2021) referenced by Greek and partner embassies regarding licence recognition. (See Australian Embassy page and Greek consular communications.) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  6. Domestic allowances (Spain/Italy/France) are national and don’t export; Greece recognises printed categories only. EU framework: Directive 2006/126/EC. French/Spanish public guidance. France – Service Public (125cc with B + training).
  7. Restriction codes (79.xx) definitions: NDLS (Ireland) – codes, GOV.UK – licence codes. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  8. Paper “test pass”, provisional/learner documents are not valid abroad; physical card required. See UK and embassy guidance. GOV.UK codes & conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

This page summarises Greek and EU rules relevant to tourists renting scooters/motorcycles. In any discrepancy, Eurodriver’s Terms & Conditions govern.