Italy Driving Licence

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Italy Driving Licence (Patente di Guida): Application, Exchange, Renewal & Requirements (2025 Guide)

If you’re living in or moving to Italy and planning to drive, understanding how the Italy driving licence system works is essential. Whether you’re applying for your first Patente di Guida, exchanging a foreign licence, or renewing an existing one, this 2025 guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is the Patente di Guida?

The Italian driving licence, or Patente di Guida, is a government-issued document authorizing individuals to operate motor vehicles in Italy and across the European Union. It also serves as an official form of ID for many services.

Italy follows the EU standardized licence format, with categories based on vehicle type (A, B, C, D, etc.).

Types of Italian Driving Licences

Category	Vehicle Type	Minimum Age
AM	Mopeds/scooters (≤50cc)	14
A1, A2, A	Motorcycles (power varies)	16–24
B	Cars (passenger vehicles ≤3.5t)	18
C, D	Trucks, buses	21–24

How to Get a Driving Licence in Italy

If you’re a first-time applicant, here’s the basic process:

Step 1: Medical Certificate

Get a medical certificate (certificato medico) from an authorized doctor. This is required to apply for theory exams.

Step 2: Enroll in Driving School (Optional but Common)

You can prepare privately or enroll in a driving school (autoscuola). Most learners choose a school due to the bureaucracy and Italian-language materials.

Step 3: Theory Test (Esame di Teoria)

Take a multiple-choice test on Italian road rules, signs, and safety. It’s available in Italian and, in some locations, in English, French, or German.

Step 4: Learner’s Permit (Foglio Rosa)

After passing the theory exam, you receive a Foglio Rosa (pink permit) to begin supervised driving practice.

Step 5: Practical Driving Test

Schedule your driving exam through the Motorizzazione Civile (Italian DMV). The test includes city and highway driving and basic maneuvers.

Driving Licence for Foreigners in Italy

If you’re a foreign resident, your driving rights in Italy depend on your country of origin:

EU/EEA Citizens:

You can drive with your national licence as long as it’s valid.
You can exchange it for an Italian licence (not mandatory but recommended).

Non-EU Citizens:

Can drive with a valid foreign licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 1 year.
After 1 year of residency, you must convert (if eligible) or obtain an Italian licence from scratch.

Licence Exchange Countries:

Italy has agreements with several countries (e.g., Switzerland, UK, Canada – some provinces, and others) for direct licence exchange. No practical or theory test is needed.

Check the official list to confirm eligibility.

Required Documents for Licence Exchange

Valid foreign driving licence (with translation if needed)
Residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
Codice Fiscale (Italian tax ID)
Medical certificate
Passport or ID
2 passport-size photos
Application form from Motorizzazione Civile

Licence Renewal in Italy (2025)

Driving licences in Italy must be renewed regularly depending on age and category:

Age Group	Category B Validity
Under 50	Every 10 years
50–70	Every 5 years
70–80	Every 3 years
Over 80	Every 2 years

Renewal requires:

Updated medical certificate
Online or in-person application
New photos and payment of applicable fees

Cost of Getting a Driving Licence in Italy

Service	Estimated Cost (EUR)
Driving school (full course)	€600–€1,200
Theory + practical exams only	€200–€400
Licence issuance	~€40
Medical certificate	€20–€50

Prices vary by region and whether you use a school or go independently.

Penalty Points System

Italy uses a patente a punti system. Every driver starts with 20 points. Points are deducted for traffic violations and can be restored by attending approved driving courses.