Driving License – Republic of Macedonia

Guide to Driving Licences in the Republic of Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula — its official name, Republic of Macedonia, was only changed in 2019 after decades of contention with Greece. As is the case in nearly every other country globally, North Macedonia has a tiered system for obtaining its proprietary driving licences which enables individuals to drive motor vehicles on public roads. The country road traffic laws that devise the rules and procedures for acquiring a driving licence ensure the safety of everyone using the roads.

A driving licence (also called a drivers license in American English and driver license, motor vehicle operator's licence or driver's permit) is an essential for the right to drive a motor vehicle in North Macedonia; it must be legal as well as functional. The Frisian system of licensing is based on EU standards as well, with the country implementing road regulation in accordance with international standards to further integrate into the EU when its time comes.

Categories of Driving Licenses in North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, there are several driving licence categories according to stickered types of motor vehicles. These categories are in accord with EU classification enabling the continuity of Macedonian driving law with international standards.

Category AM — Licences for riding mopeds and small two-wheeled vehicles. The course is open to anyone aged 16 years or over.

Light motorcycles (cat A1): this licence allows you to ride motorcycles with an engine size up to 125 cc. You must be 17 or over to get an A1 licence.

A2 category: This enables the holder to operate a motorcycle that produces no more than 35 kW engine capacity. Its 18 years is the least age for this group.

Full motorcycle licence A: Go anywhere of any capacity. You must be at least 24 years old; or 20 if you hold an A2 licence for at least two years.

Category B: The most common type of licence, it allows drivers to operate passenger cars and light vehicles (after some exceptions) weighing up to 3,500 kg and with a maximum of 8 seats. Here the applicant is required to be at least 18 years old for the B category licence.

Category BE: This is an extension of the B category licence to allow a small trailer to be towed. Must be over the age of 18.

Category C: This is for larger vehicles like lorries. It is open to anyone 21 and over.

CE-Category: This entitles the driver to drive a truck with a trailer and, large vehicles. It is a higher level qualification for those employed within the transport sector.

Category D: The bus drivers licence that allow the holder to drive a bus with more than 8 people inside. You must be a minimum of 24 years old in order to apply.

DE: This allows you to drive a bus with a trailer.

Conditions for Issuance of a Driving License

When applying for a driving licence in North Macedonia, there are some very basic requirements an applicant must meet:

Minimum Age Requirement As each category of the licence will have a different minimum age, To give an example, a Category B licence is only available to people who are at least 18 years of age.

Physically Fit: Medical checkup of all applicants will be done to certify that they can drive These involve some examinations including vision examinations and general health.

Identity Verification: The applicants have to submit their identity documents, e.g. passport or national identity card.

Driving Course: Candidates should undergo a driving course from an accredited driver education facility. This process often involves a theoretical course on topics such as road safety, traffic laws and vehicle operation, followed by practical driving lessons.

Demands a driving test: Applicants are required to complete education and must pass both a practical driving examination, as well as theory reflecting knowledge of road rules.

Theoretical Exam

The theoretical exam is made up of multiple-choice questions on subjects like road signs, traffic laws, and the basics of safe driving. If you do not speak Macedonian, the exam will most probably be in English, but there are translations in other languages as well. This is a prerequisite for those candidates who would then go up to do the practical driving test.

Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test is intended to test the applicant’s ability to control a vehicle in traffic under normal driving conditions. The examiner will generally observe the applicant for a number of driving skills --control of traffic, following road signs and directions as well as making proper--safe turns during the course of the test. You need to pass your driving test in order to get the driving licence.

Foreign Driving Licences and Validity

A person having a foreign driving licence, who settles in North Macedonia can he/she exchange the licens to Macedonian one would be as long as Southeast Europe or other member of the international treaty. Usually it requires submitting proof of residence, proof of a valid foreign licence, and an official translation or legal certification of the original licence.

However, those who do hold licences from countries not covered by these agreements will have to take the theory and driving tests in North Macedonia before receiving a Macedonian driving licence.

Renewal of Driving Licences

In North Macedonia, driving licences are valid for a fixed period (after which they have to be renewed. The application to renew his license goes through your local station or licensing authority, documentation is required, and then the medical exam–but only for older drivers and people with specific health problems. For a standard renewal: Retaking the theoretical or practical exams isn't necessary, but drivers need to ensure their personal information is up-to-date (for example if they changed their name or address).