Italian roads can seem challenging even for the most experienced drivers. Fortunately, learning to drive and getting a license is relatively easy. And if you already have a Ukrainian license, you can exchange it quite easily.
Driving license in Italy
The Italian driving license ( patente di guida ) is the official document that allows you to drive a car in Italy and all member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). The license is a pink plastic card, similar in size to a credit card and conforming to the EU standard.
The card contains your personal information, including the vehicles you are allowed to drive. Licenses are valid for up to 10 years depending on your age and license category.
On the front of the card you will find the following:
| Marks on Italian license plates | The information it contains |
| 1 and 2 | Your full name |
| 3 | Your date of birth and place of license issuance |
| 4a and 4b | Start and end date of the driver’s license |
| 4c | Issuing authority |
| 5 | Your license plate number |
| 7 | Your signature |
| 9 | Your driving license category (e.g. B for cars) |
On the back of the card you can find a table with information about the different driving categories. Italy has four main categories, namely:
- AM – mopeds
- And – tricycles and motorcycles
- B1 – quadricycle
- B – cars
- C – small trucks
- D – vehicles that can carry up to 8 people (i.e. bus)
There are also professional licenses for driving taxis (KA and KB), trucks and large buses (CQC), and for transporting dangerous goods (ADR).
Driving licenses fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport ( Ministero delle infrastrutture e dei trasporti – MIT) and are issued by local civil motorization offices in Italy ( uffici di motorizzazione civile – UMC).
Points system
To discourage careless drivers, Italy uses a system of points on licenses for traffic violations.
Each permit starts with an initial score of 20 points. Depending on the severity of the violation, you can lose between one and 10 points. Novice drivers ( neopatentati ) will lose double the number of points for each traffic violation during their first three years behind the wheel.
If you have zero points, your license will be suspended and you will have 30 days to retake your driving tests. If you fail or fail the tests, your license will be revoked.
If you have lost points, you can get them back by taking a special points recovery course. These are offered by driving schools and other centers, which allows you to restore the following:
- Six points if you have category A or B rights
- Nine points if you have a category C or D license or a professional driving license
Another way to get points back is to not break the traffic rules again. Every two years, Italy offers bonus points to drivers who stay on the straight and narrow road:
- Drivers with 20 points receive an additional two points and can have a maximum of 30 points in total
- Drivers with less than 20 points receive an initial 20 points
Novice drivers will earn an additional point for each year they have no traffic violations. They can receive a maximum of three bonus points (i.e. have a total of 23 points).
Obtaining a driver’s license
In Italy, learning to drive a motorized vehicle begins at the age of 14. By the time they reach 18, they can obtain a driver’s license.
Italy requires all drivers to undergo a medical examination by a qualified doctor or local medical centre ( commissione medica locale – CML) before they can drive. During this time, you can prepare for and pass your driving theory test.
After passing these tests, you will receive a pink sheet ( foglio rosa ). This temporary permit – valid for 12 months – allows you to take practical driving lessons on the open road. By law, you must attend at least six hours of driving lessons before taking the practical test. If you do not pass your driving test within this period, you must request a new pink sheet.
Once you have passed your practical test, you can apply for your driver’s license at UMC. You will need to provide the following:
- Completed form TT2112
- Payment confirmation
- Valid ID card plus copy
- Copy of a medical certificate from a qualified Italian doctor
- no older than three months as prescribed by a doctor
- no older than six months, if provided by CML
- A copy of your tax code or national health card
- Proof of six hours of driving lessons (e.g., certificate of attendance)
If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, namely Ukrainians, you must also prove your residence status in Italy by providing a residence card or permit.
Your new license will arrive in about two weeks. During this time, you can legally drive in Italy by showing the receipt from the UMC. If you do not receive your license after 15 days, you can contact the Ministry.
Drivers with disabilities
Although people sometimes still refer to it, Italy abolished the F disability license ( patente F ) in the 1990s. Instead, you can apply for a special license of category A, B, C or D. The requirements include a medical certificate from the local health authority (LHA – Azienda Usl ) as well as a medical examination from the CML.
Obtaining a driving license is the same as obtaining a non-disabled license. You must take six hours of driving lessons and pass a theory and practical driving test. If you already had a driving license before becoming disabled, you do not need to retake the tests.
After passing the exams, you can apply for a driver’s license at UMC. You will need to provide the following:
- Completed form TT2112
- Payment confirmation
- Valid ID card plus copy
- Certificate of Conformity from LHA
- Copy of a medical certificate from a qualified doctor
- no older than three months as prescribed by a doctor
- no older than six months, if provided by CML
- A copy of your tax code or national health card
- Proof of six hours of driving lessons (e.g., certificate of attendance)
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries must also prove their residence status by providing a residence card or permit.
Cost of a driver’s license
Depending on your location and learning skills, getting a driver’s license can cost between €600 and €1,200. Driving schools ( autoscuolas ) usually take care of the administration, including applying for the exams and getting your license. You can also manage these things yourself, saving yourself a pretty penny.
In some regions, UMC falls under the responsibility of local authorities rather than a national ministry. Therefore, in these regions you may encounter different tax rates, for example:
- Sicily
- Aosta Valley
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Province of Trento
- Province of Bolzano
The costs of obtaining an Italian driving license can be broken down as follows:
- Enrollment in a driving school – up to €200
- Medical examination – up to €80
- Registration, textbooks and theory exam – up to €400
- Driving lessons – from €45 to €60 per hour
- Practical exam – from €120 to €150
- Taxes – up to €70
You can take the theory test twice. However, many driving schools charge an additional fee. You can retake the practical test three times, but again, driving schools often charge an additional fee.
Beginner driver’s license
New drivers must follow a number of additional rules during the first three years of their license. These include:
- You cannot drive at a speed of 90 km/h on motorways and 100 km/h on expressways
- You cannot drive a vehicle that has an engine power of more than 55 kW/t (kilowatts per tonne) unless you are accompanied by an experienced driver.
- Novice drivers and people under the age of 21 have a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of zero. In other words, driving while intoxicated (DUI) is prohibited.
Driving tests in Italy
Driving theory test
The theory exam ( esame di teoria ) tests your knowledge of traffic rules, including civil liability, speed limits, and vehicle mechanics.
The test consists of 30 questions and you have 20 minutes to complete it. If you get more than three wrong answers, you have failed the exam and will have to wait a month before you can retake it.
The test is only available in Italian, so you will need to have basic knowledge of Italian to pass it. However, some driving schools will help English speakers prepare for the exams.
Practical driving test
Once you have passed your theory test, you will receive a pink sheet that will allow you to practice driving on the open road. By law, you must have at least six hours of driving lessons with a qualified and authorized instructor. A lesson cannot exceed more than two hours per day. You will need to practice the following:
- Two hours drive at night
- Two hours of driving on urban or rural roads ( strada extraurbana secondaria )
- Two hours drive on highway ( strada extraurbana principale ) or autobahns
When you are ready, the driving school will request a date for your practical exam ( esame di pratica ). This exam can take most of the day and costs between 120 and 180 euros, including the driving school’s administration fee.
Driving lessons in Italy
Depending on your region, driving lessons cost between €30 and €60 per hour. You can also choose an independent private tutor, where lessons cost between €20 and €40 per hour.
Driving schools in Italy
You can use the Italian yellow pages to find a qualified driving school throughout the country. Examples of schools in major cities:
Rome ( Roma ):
- Newton Driving School Rome
- Driving School
- Aci Torrenova
Milan ( Milano ):
- Casati Driving School
- Driving School Galbiati
Florence ( Firenze ):
- Driving School La Rondinella
- Rifredi Driving School
- Eurodrive Driving School
Exchange of foreign driving licenses in Italy
You can exchange your valid foreign driving license at UMC. The cost depends on your location, but usually includes €10.20 for the vehicle license and €32 for the conversion.
In some regions, UMC falls under the responsibility of local authorities rather than a national ministry. This is why you may encounter different rates in different regions, including Sicily and Valle d’Aosta.
EU/EEA citizens
You can use your original EU/EEA driving license in Italy until it expires. If it has no expiration date or is valid longer than the EU standard, it must be exchanged for an Italian one after two years of residence in the country.
EU/EEA drivers do not need to take an additional driving test. You will only need to provide the following documents:
- Completed form TT2112
- Payment confirmation
- 2 passport photos
- Original foreign driver’s licenses plus a full copy of the front and back
- Valid ID and full copy
- Tax code plus full copy
You will also need to undergo a medical examination by a qualified doctor if your original driver’s license has or has:
- Expired or about to expire
- No expiration date
- Longer validity than the standard EU license
An additional fee will be charged for the medical examination in addition to the conversion fee.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
People from non-EU/EEA countries can use their foreign driving license for the first year of residence in Italy. After that, they will need to apply for an Italian driving license.
If there is an exchange agreement between Italy and your country, you can exchange your license without any exams. However, if there is no agreement, you will have to retake the driving test, effectively getting a completely new driving license.
If you do not have a residence permit, because you have just applied for one or are waiting for it to be extended, you can also bring with you:
- Copies of your ID and receipts proving that you have applied for a residence permit
- Copies of your ID, expired residence permit, and receipt confirming that you have applied for an extension
Driving license renewal in Italy
If you already have an Italian driving license, it is relatively easy to get a new one. A qualified doctor or CML who carries out the mandatory medical examination will apply for the renewal.
During a visit to the doctor, you must provide:
- New passport photo
- Medical examination payment certificate
- Confirmation of payment for license renewal
The cost depends on your location, but usually includes €10.20 for a vehicle license and €16 for a renewal. Different rates may apply in some regions. You also pay postage when the licensing department sends you your driver’s license by certified mail.
It will take about two weeks to obtain the permit. During this time, you can legally drive in Italy by presenting a doctor’s note confirming the validity of your rights. If you do not receive your license after 15 days, you can contact the ministry.
When does it need to be updated?
Obviously, if you want to continue driving legally, you need to renew your permit shortly before it expires. However, Italian driving licenses have different validity periods and depend on the age of the license holder.
Category A and B permits can be extended:
| Age group | How often |
| Age 18–50 | Every 10 years |
| Age 50–70 | Every five years |
| Age 70–80 | Every three years |
| Aged 80 years and older | Every two years |
Category C licenses (i.e. trucks) can be renewed:
| Age group | How often |
| Age 18–65 | Every five years |
| Aged 65 and older | Every two years |
Please note that between the ages of 65 and 68 you will need an annual medical certificate to drive lorries and articulated lorries with a gross vehicle weight of 20 tonnes. After the age of 68 you are no longer allowed to drive these vehicles.
Category D (i.e. buses) licenses can be renewed:
| Age group | How often |
| Age 18 – 60 | every five years |
After 60 years of age, your D license will only allow you to drive category B vehicles. In other words, you are no longer allowed to drive a bus.
Temporary driver’s license
If your license expires before you can pass the mandatory medical examination, you can apply for a temporary driving license ( permesso provvisorio di guida ). This allows you to drive in Italy while you wait for your new one.
Remember that you cannot request a temporary license if your license is subject to impediments ( obstativii ), such as license review, suspension, or revocation.
Read also: Toll roads in Italy
Lost or stolen driver’s license
If your driving license is permanently lost or stolen, you will need to report it to the Italian police within 48 hours. If it happens abroad, you must report it to the local police, and again when you return to Italy.
The police will issue a temporary license that will allow you to drive while you wait for your new one. They will also check to see if they can reprint your driver’s license or if you need to apply for a new one at the UMC.
If the police can copy your license, you will need to provide:
- Two recent passport photos
- Payment confirmation
If they are unable to reprint your permit, you will need to make an appointment with UMC and provide the following:
- Completed form TT2112
- This is reported by the Italian police.
- Payment confirmation
- Two passport photos
- Valid ID card plus copy
- Original temporary driver’s license issued by the police
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries may also need to provide additional information, such as an Italian residence card.
The cost of a duplicate license is €10.20, although prices may vary in some regions. It can take up to 45 days for the police to issue your new license. The waiting time for the UMC is approximately 15 days.
Damaged driver’s license
Driver’s licenses that are damaged also need to be replaced. For example, when you cannot read or see the following:
- Your license number
- Your personal data
- Your photo
- Expiration date
The cost of replacing your damaged permit depends on your location. Typically, the cost includes €10.20 for the vehicle license and €32 for the replacement.
You can request a new license from UMC. Be sure to bring with you:
- Completed form TT2112
- Payment confirmation
- Original license plus copy
- Two passport photos (if your license has not expired and will not expire within six months)
- Medical certificate (if your license has expired or will expire within six months)
Non-EU/EEA citizens may also be asked to provide additional information, such as an Italian residence card.
Italian driving licenses for other vehicles
In Italy, children can start driving at the age of 14. That’s when they can get a permit to drive a moped.
The age limits for vehicle category rights are as follows:
| Category | Vehicle type | Age limit |
| AM | Moped | 14 |
| A1 | Motorcycle (less than 125 cubic centimeters (cc) and less than 15 horsepower (hp)) | 16 |
| A2 | Motorcycle (less than 47 hp) | 18 |
| AND | Motorcycle (any not mentioned in A1 or A2) | 20 (if you have had an A2 license for at least two years); 24 |
| B1 | Quad bike | 16 |
| B | car | 18 |
| C1 and C1E | A light vehicle for transporting goods (e.g., a truck) | 18 |
| C and CE | Heavy goods vehicle (e.g. truck) | 21 |
| D1 and D1E | Light vehicles “people” (i.e. bus) | 24 |
| D and DE | Heavy goods vehicles “people” (i.e. bus) | 24 |
As with category B, you can apply for any of these licenses at UMC after taking driving lessons and passing exams.