Obtaining a driver's license in Italy
If you have decided to take advantage of your stay in Italy to take your driving test, this article gives you the necessary information on the conditions to be respected and the steps to take.
According to Italian regulations, to obtain a driving license in Italy, you must:
- be a resident of Italy and have a fiscal code
- register with an approved driving school or with a provincial agency of the Motorizzazione Civile
- attend theoretical courses and pass a test
- take at least six hours of practical training and pass your test
The theory and practical tests are usually held at the provincial agency (Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile) or driving school where you applied for your driving license.
Good to know:
In Italy, the minimum legal age for driving a car (B license) or a motorbike over 125 ccs and up to 35 KW (A2 license) is 18 years.
The minimum legal age to drive a motorbike from 50cc to 125 ccs (up to 15 KW) (A1 license) is 16.
The minimum legal age for driving a moped up to 50 cc is 14 (AM license).
Obtaining a moped driving license in Italy
Mopeds and scooters are popular in Italy. To drive a moped or motorbike up to 50cc, you must be at least 14 years old. To do this, you will need to complete a theory course at a local driving school and pass a test within 6 months of registering. You will then receive a certificate, foglio rosa, which will allow you to follow the practical training and pass your test (within 11 months). After that, you must carry your license with you at all times, and it will be valid for 10 years.
Good to know:
Although Italy allows moped driving from the age of 14, elsewhere in the EU, you may need to be at least 16 years old.
Getting a car driving license in Italy
To get a car driving license in Italy, you must be at least 18 years old. You can apply for it either at a driving school, which takes care of all the paperwork, or at the nearest Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile, where you will have to take care of all the formalities beyond your apprenticeship.
If you decide to take your driving test without using a driving school, you will have to go to the local Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile office and provide these documents in your application file:
- The completed and signed TT 2112 form (available from the Motorizzazione Civile offices)
- A copy of an identity document
- A recent medical certificate (maximum three months) provided by an authorized doctor, with a €16 tax stamp and a photo, stating that the applicant is in good physical and mental health
- Two recent passport photos
- Photocopy of your tax code or health service card
- At least one photocopy of any existing license (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (certificato di residenza, permesso, carta di soggiorno) and photocopy
- The registration fee (payable to the Motorizzazione or to the Post Office bank beforehand)
- Proof of payment of 26,40 € via form 9001;
- Certificate of payment of 16 € (tax stamp or bollo) via form 4028;
In addition to the administrative costs, you will also have to pay around €40 to €60 per hour for driving lessons and €120 to €150 to take the test on a dual-pilot car.
If you decide to use an agency, you will have to pay a registration fee with the agency (€150), the theory lessons and the test, plus the practical part (about €1,000).
Driving license in Italy - how to take the theory test
The theory test consists of 30 questions (true or false) that test the candidate's knowledge of the Italian Highway Code. It lasts 20 minutes, and 3 mistakes are accepted. Note that the theory test is in Italian unless you live in Valle d'Aosta, where the test is in French, or in South Tyrol, where it can be taken in German.
If you decide to go through the Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile, you must book your theory test. You have 6 months to take the theory test after your registration. You will need to provide the completed and signed TT 2112 form and a copy of your application file.
Once you have passed the theory test, you will receive a certificate, foglio rosa, which will allow you to attend courses and take the practical test no later than 11 mo
Good to know:
The foglio rosa allows you to do 3 test drives during your learner's test. If you fail, the foglio rosa is no longer valid, and you must obtain a new one.
On the day of your test, you should have your file ready with all the documents and forms required from the beginning.
Driving license in Italy - how to take the practical test
As with the theory test, if you decide to go to the Motorizzazione, you will also need to book your practical test.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- The completed and signed TT 2112 form
- Your foglio rosa, which proves that you have passed the theory test
- Proof of having completed a minimum of 6 hours of practical lessons, including night driving, motorway and main road driving, with an approved instructor
- A copy of your identity document
- For foreigners, proof of residence, certificato di residenza, permesso / carta di soggiorno (and a photocopy)
- Proof of payment of €16 (tax stamp or bollo) via form 4028.
Good to know:
Be aware that by default, you will take your practical driving test in a car with a manual gearbox. If you wish to take your driving test in an automatic car, this is possible, but you will not be allowed to drive a manual car afterwards. However, the reverse is possible.
On the day of your practical test, you must have your complete file at hand.
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