Driving licence in Italy

Driving licence
Licence front
Licence back
Type	Driving licence
Issued by	Italy
Purpose	Identification

In Italy, the driving licence is a governmental right given to those who request a licence for any of the categories they choose. It is required for every type of motorized vehicle.

A driving licence in Italy is a European driving licence, adhering to Directive 2006/126/EC and valid throughout the European Economic Area.

The minimum age to obtain a driving licence is as follows:

• 16 years for a motorcycle of 125cc with a limit of motor power of 11 kW; a quadricycle motor (cars with a weight of 400 kg – 550 kg if it is for freight transport) and a motor power not exceeding 15 kW)
• 18 years for a car or motorcycle without a limit for the engine cylinder capacity and a limit of motor power of 35 kW
• 21 years for minibuses, three-wheelers without a limit of motor power, and cargo vehicles
• 24 years for motorcycles without limits of motor power; buses

The so-called "patentino" (small driving licence) was an Italian licence given to young people with a minimum age of 14 years. This licence permitted teenagers to drive scooters and "micro-cars" (small cars with a maximum motor power of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 45 km/h). In 2013, this was replaced with a new category of driver's licence.^[citation needed]

Since February 2011, new drivers (less than one year) must not drive vehicles with an engine power greater than 70 kilowatts (95 horsepower), to reduce the number of teenager-caused collisions.[1]

Obtaining a driver's licence

The Italian driving licence can be obtained after finishing a driver's education course and passing a two-stage test: a theory test and a driving test. An elementary school diploma is also required to obtain a valid driving licence.[2]

In order to pass the theory test, an applicant cannot make more than three mistakes on a total of thirty questions related to road signs and street code articles. The test is timed and must be completed in twenty minutes. A failed theory test can be retaken once. After passing the theory test, the applicant receives a foglio rosa (learner's permit) that allows them to drive accompanied by an adult with ten or more years of driving experience. The permit is valid for twelve months, within which a driving test must be taken. A failed driving test can be retaken twice (three attempts overall).[3]

See also

• European driving licence
• Vehicle registration plates of Italy
• Italian identity card
• Italian passport

References

1. "Temporary restrictions on the use of high-power vehicles significantly reduce teen driver accident rates". cepr.org. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
2. "Manuali bilingue della patente a e B".
3. "Prontuario parte pratica pat. B".