# Italy Driving Test (Motorizzazione Civile) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/italy
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license in Italy, covering the Motorizzazione Civile theory test (esame teorico patente B), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process.

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## Quick Facts: Italy Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | Motorizzazione Civile (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti) |
| Questions | 30 true/false (vero/falso) |
| Time Limit | 20 minutes |
| Pass Mark | Maximum 3 errors allowed (27 correct out of 30) |
| Test Fee | Approximately 100€ (total government fees) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Test Language | Italian (French and German available on request in certain regions) |
| Theory Validity | 6 months after passing |
| License Validity | 10 years (5 years if over 50, 3 years if over 70) |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 60-65% |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get an Italian Driving License (Patente di Guida)

### Step 1: Choose Your Path - Driving School (Autoscuola) or Private Study (Privatista)
- **Autoscuola route**: Enroll in an authorized driving school for guided preparation
- Average autoscuola package: 800-1,500€
- **Privatista route**: Study independently and register directly at the Motorizzazione Civile
- Lower cost but requires self-discipline and all administrative work yourself
- Either way, you must obtain a foglio rosa (provisional learner's permit) before driving

### Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Valid identity document (carta d'identita or passport)
- Codice fiscale (Italian tax code)
- Medical certificate (certificato medico) from an authorized doctor
- 2 passport-sized photos (fototessera)
- Government fees: 3 postal payments (bollettini postali) of 16€ each + 1 payment of 26.40€

### Step 3: Pass the Theory Test (Esame Teorico)
- 30 true/false (vero/falso) questions on a touchscreen computer
- Maximum 3 errors allowed to pass
- 20 minutes time limit
- Questions are drawn from a pool of over 7,000 official ministerial questions covering 25 topics
- Administered at the local Motorizzazione Civile office

### Step 4: Complete Practical Driving Lessons (Lezioni di Guida)
- Minimum 6 mandatory certified driving lessons (esercitazioni obbligatorie): 2 night driving, 2 rural road, 2 highway
- Most students need 15-25 hours of lessons
- The foglio rosa (learner's permit) is valid for 12 months with a maximum of 2 exam attempts

### Step 5: Pass the Practical Exam (Esame Pratico)
- Approximately 25-30 minutes of driving in real traffic
- Conducted by a Motorizzazione examiner
- Assessed on vehicle control, traffic awareness, and safe driving behavior
- Must be completed within 12 months of obtaining the foglio rosa

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## Theory Test Topics (Argomenti dell'Esame Teorico)

### Traffic Signs (Segnaletica Stradale)
1. **Warning signs (Segnali di pericolo)** - Triangle shape with red border
2. **Prohibitory signs (Segnali di divieto)** - Circular, white with red border
3. **Mandatory signs (Segnali di obbligo)** - Circular, blue background
4. **Information signs (Segnali di indicazione)** - Rectangular, blue or green
5. **Supplementary panels (Pannelli integrativi)** - Additional information below signs

### Priority Rules (Regole di Precedenza)
- Vehicles from the right have priority at unmarked intersections
- Roundabout traffic has priority
- Emergency vehicles (veicoli di emergenza) always have priority
- Pedestrians on crossings (strisce pedonali) have priority
- Trams (tram) have priority in certain situations

### Speed Limits in Italy (Limiti di Velocita)

| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (3.5-12t) | New Drivers (Neopatentati, <3 years) |
|-----------|------|-------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Urban areas (Centro abitato) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Secondary extra-urban roads (Strade extraurbane secondarie) | 90 km/h | 70 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Main extra-urban roads (Strade extraurbane principali) | 110 km/h | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Motorways (Autostrada) | 130 km/h | 100 km/h | 100 km/h |

**Note:** Some urban areas in Italy (including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Turin) are implementing 30 km/h speed limits in city centers (Citta 30) starting from 2026. Limits are reduced by 20 km/h in wet conditions on roads above 50 km/h.

### Alcohol Limits (Limiti di Alcol)
- General drivers: 0.5 g/L blood
- New drivers (neopatentati, less than 3 years of license): 0.0 g/L (absolute zero tolerance)
- Professional drivers: 0.0 g/L
- Penalties are severe and increase progressively with higher blood alcohol levels

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## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Italy (Dotazioni Obbligatorie)

1. **Warning triangle (triangolo di segnalazione)** - Must be placed at least 50 meters behind the vehicle on motorways
2. **Reflective vest (giubbotto riflettente)** - EN20471 compliant, mandatory when exiting the vehicle outside urban areas or in tunnels
3. **Spare wheel or repair kit** (ruota di scorta o kit di riparazione)
4. **Valid insurance certificate (certificato di assicurazione)**
5. **Vehicle registration document (libretto di circolazione)**
6. **Dipped headlights (anabbaglianti)** - Mandatory outside urban areas, day and night
7. **Snow chains or winter tires** - Mandatory November 15 to April 15 on designated roads

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## Italian License Types (Categorie della Patente)

| License | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---------|----------|-------------|
| AM | Mopeds (ciclomotori) up to 50cc / 45 km/h | 14 years |
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW | 16 years |
| B1 | Quadricycles (quadricicli) | 16 years |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 years |
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8 passengers | 18 years |
| B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years |
| C1 | Medium trucks (3,500-7,500 kg) | 18 years |
| A | Any motorcycle (unlimited) | 24 years (or 20 with 2 years A2) |
| C | Heavy trucks (over 3,500 kg) | 21 years |
| D1 | Minibuses (max 16 passengers) | 21 years |
| D | Buses (more than 8 passengers) | 24 years (21 with CQC) |

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Confusing true/false answers on similar-sounding questions (the quiz uses subtle word variations)
2. Not understanding ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) restricted traffic zone regulations
3. Incorrect knowledge of speed limits for neopatentati (new drivers)
4. Misunderstanding the zero-tolerance alcohol rule for new drivers
5. Confusing warning signs with obligation signs
6. Not knowing the specific rules for headlight usage outside urban areas
7. Rushing through the 30 questions in 20 minutes without careful reading

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## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost Range |
|------|------------|
| Driving school enrollment (autoscuola) | 250-500€ (registration) |
| Government fees (bollettini postali) | ~75€ (3x16€ + 26.40€) |
| Medical certificate (certificato medico) | 20-50€ |
| Theory course (if through autoscuola) | Included in package or 150-300€ |
| Practical lessons (per hour) | 45-65€ |
| 6 mandatory certified lessons | Included or 270-390€ |
| Total with autoscuola (package) | 800-1,500€ |
| Total as privatista | 400-800€ |

**Note:** Costs vary by region. Northern Italy and major cities (Milan, Rome) tend to be more expensive. Southern Italy and smaller towns are generally cheaper.

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips (Consigli per l'Esame Teorico)
1. Study all 25 topics using official ministerial questions (schede ministeriali)
2. Use quiz apps such as QuizPatente or Patentati to practice with the real question format
3. Complete at least 40-50 full practice sheets before the exam
4. Focus on reading each statement carefully - true/false questions rely on precise wording
5. Pay special attention to questions about speed limits, alcohol limits, and ZTL zones
6. Practice time management - 20 minutes for 30 questions is tight

### Practical Test Tips (Consigli per l'Esame Pratico)
1. Complete all 6 mandatory certified driving lessons plus additional practice
2. Practice in the area where the exam will be conducted
3. Always use dipped headlights (anabbaglianti) outside urban areas
4. Demonstrate proper mirror checks and shoulder glances before maneuvers
5. Know how to navigate roundabouts and ZTL areas
6. Stay calm and drive at appropriate speeds for the conditions

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## Converting a Foreign License to Italian (Conversione Patente Straniera)

### EU/EEA License Holders
- Can drive in Italy with a valid EU/EEA license indefinitely
- EU/EEA licenses without expiry date are valid for 2 years after taking up residence
- Voluntary exchange for an Italian license is possible without exams
- Must register with the local Motorizzazione

### Non-EU License Holders
- Foreign license valid for 1 year after establishing residency in Italy
- Must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified Italian translation
- Conversion without exams possible if from a country with a bilateral agreement

### Countries with Exchange Agreements (Accordi di Reciprocita)
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Philippines, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

**Without an agreement:** Must pass both the Italian theory test (in Italian) and practical driving test.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the Italian patente B theory test?
The Italian patente B theory test (esame teorico) consists of 30 true/false (vero/falso) questions. You have 20 minutes to complete the test and are allowed a maximum of 3 errors. The questions are selected from a pool of over 7,000 official ministerial questions covering 25 different topics.

### How much does it cost to get an Italian driving license?
The total cost to get an Italian patente B ranges from 800€ to 1,500€ through a driving school (autoscuola), or 400-800€ as a private candidate (privatista). Government fees alone total approximately 75€, plus 20-50€ for the required medical certificate.

### Can I take the Italian theory test in English?
No, the official Italian patente B theory test is only available in Italian (with French and German available in some regions upon request). English is not offered for the official exam. Study materials and apps with English translations are available, but the actual test must be taken in Italian. Practice in English is available at https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/italy.

### What is the zero-tolerance alcohol rule for new drivers in Italy?
In Italy, new drivers (neopatentati) with a license for less than 3 years must have a blood alcohol level of 0.0 g/L. This is an absolute zero-tolerance policy. The standard limit for experienced drivers is 0.5 g/L. Penalties for violations are severe and can include license suspension.

### What are ZTL zones in Italy?
ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are restricted traffic zones found in the historic centers of most Italian cities. Access is monitored by cameras and restricted to authorized vehicles only, typically during certain hours. Unauthorized vehicles entering a ZTL will receive an automatic fine. This is a common topic on the patente B theory test.

### How long is the Italian foglio rosa valid?
The foglio rosa (provisional learner's permit) is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During this period, you may attempt the practical driving test a maximum of 2 times. If you do not pass within 12 months, you must reapply and retake the theory test.

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - Italy Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/italy
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check www.mit.gov.it (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti).