Driving license exams in Italy
You must pass the theory and practice exams to get a driving license. You have to take the theory exam within six months of your application. If you apply as a private individual, you need to study for the theory exam and register at a driving school for the practice. If you use the ambitious school, teachers assist you in preparing for both the theory and practice exams. In both cases, you must take at least 6 hours of driving lessons with a qualified instructor to be able to take the practice exam.
Theory exam
For the theory exam, you must answer true or false questions on a computer about the rules of the road, car functions, and traffic signs. The test consists of 40 questions to be answered in 30 minutes, and you must make up to four mistakes.
You can take the exam in Italian, French or German. If you have difficulty reading, you can also ask for audio support to listen to the questions on headphones.
To prepare for this exam, you can practice online here, and we suggest that you ask a driving school or help desk for a handbook, which could be available bilingual.
Practical exam
If you pass the theory exam, you will receive authorisation to drive for learners called ‘foglio rosa’. This paper allows you to practice driving with someone with at least ten years of driving experience, and you must put a sign with ‘P’ (for beginners) at the back of the car.
In the practical exam, you must follow the examiner’s instructions, who will evaluate your driving ability.
The examiner will also ask some questions about the functions of the car. If you pass the driving test, you will receive your driving license.
Validity and renewal of the driving license
Italian driving licenses are also valid in other EU countries and any driving license issued by an EU member State (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland) is correct in Italy.
Italian driving license is valid for ten years until you are 50; after that, you must apply for renewal and receive a 5-year driving license until you are 70.
The driver’s license can be renewed four months before its expiration date at your local health authority (ASL). Indeed, you will have to pass a medical check.
At the medical check, you will need to bring:
● Payment of €10.20 + €16
● Valid identity document
● Health insurance card
● Driving license
● Two passport-size photos
The Transport Ministry will send your new driving license to your home address.
Replacing a lost driving license
In case of loss, theft or destruction of the driver’s license, you can make a report to the police and go to the Motorizzazione of your place of residence to request a duplicate.
Costs of a driver’s license
Depending on your location and learning skills, getting a driver’s license can cost between €600 and €1,200. Usually, driving schools (autoscuolas) will take care of the admin, including applying for exams and your license. You can also manage these things yourself, saving you a pretty penny.
In some regions, the UMC falls under the local authorities responsibility, not the National Ministry. That is why you might face different tax tariffs in these regions for example:
● Sicily
● Valle d’Aosta
● Friuli Venezia Giulia
● Province of Trento
● Province of Bolzano
The costs of getting an Italian driving license can be broken down as follows:
● Enrolling at a driving school – up to €200
- Medical exam – up to €80
- Registration, books, and theory exam – up to €400
- Driving lessons – between €45 and €60 per hour
- Practical exam – between €120 and €150
- Taxes – up to €70
