If your foreign driver’s license is not convertible, you can use it (translated and legalized) or use your International Driver’s license for up to one year from the date of your arrival in Italy. After this period, it is mandatory to obtain an Italian driver’s license if you wish to continue driving in Italy.
How can I obtain an Italian driver’s license?
To obtain an Italian driver’s license, you must pass two tests:
- A theory test
- A practical (driving) test
What are the requirements?
- For non-EU citizens:
- A valid permesso di soggiorno and residenza (residency) in Italy.
- If your permesso di soggiorno has expired but you have the renewal receipt, that is sufficient for taking the theory test. However, for the practical test, your permesso di soggiorno must be valid.
- For EU citizens:
- Only residenza is required.
How is the theory test structured?
- The test consists of 30 true-or-false questions.
- You have 20 minutes to complete it.
Do I have to attend a driving school before taking the theory exam?
No, it is not mandatory. You can study independently if you prefer.
Can I take the theory test in English?
No, the theory test is only available in Italian, French, or German.
What happens after passing the theory test?
You will receive the “Foglio Rosa”, which allows you to practice driving while waiting for your practical test, but only with a Professional driver, so a teacher of the driving’s school, you will be allowed to drive with another person only after completing the 8 hours of practical lessons.
Can I drive alone with the Foglio Rosa?
No. You must drive with a person beside you who:
- Is under 65 years old
- Has had a valid driver’s license for at least 10 years
You also must:
- Follow the same restrictions as a “Neopatentato”
- Display a “P” sign on both the front and back of your vehicle
Does the Foglio Rosa expire?
Yes. It is valid for 12 months, and during this time you have three chances to take the practical exam.
What is the practical exam?
The practical exam is a driving test where you will be required to drive in various traffic conditions. The examiner sitting next to you will also ask you to perform specific maneuvers.
Do I need to attend driving school before the practical exam?
Yes. You are required to complete at least 8 hours of driving lessons, which must include:
- 2 hours of fundamentals
- 2 hours on driving in the traffic
- 2 hours on highways and extra-urban roads
- 2 hours of night-driving
Are there any further steps after the practical exam?
No. Once you pass the practical test, you will officially become a “Neopatentato” and receive your Italian driver’s license, subject to some new-driver restrictions.
How many attempts do I have to pass the exams?
- For the theory exam: You have six months to pass it, with a maximum of two attempts.
- For the practical exam: You have three attempts. If you fail all three, you must restart the entire process from the beginning, including the theory test.
What documents do I need to take for both exams?
- The modello T2112 already filled
- Valid ID card
- Permesso di soggiorno (if non-EU)
- Medical certificate receipt from an licensed doctor
- PagoPA payment receipts for:
- N067 – Application for obtaining a driver’s license
- N019 – Practical driving exam
- Codice fiscale
- Two passport-sized photos
