Vehicles in the union european union: obtaining and renewing a driving licence

Last update 26 June 2024 by the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti

1. ISSUING A DRIVING LICENCE
2. RECOGNITION OF DRIVING LICENCES
3. COMPULSORY EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENCES
4. RENEWAL OR EXCHANGE OF A DRIVING LICENCE IN ITALY

DRIVING LICENCES

ISSUING A DRIVING LICENCE

The requirements for obtaining a driving licence in a European Union or European Economic Area country usually include residence, a minimum age, fulfilling the mandatory level of medical fitness and passing a driving test. In Italy, you must also first have passed a theory test.

Age requirements for issuing a driving licence in category AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE

According to Directive 2006/126/EC:

a driving licence in category AM allows you to drive
- two-wheeled mopeds (category L1e) with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h, the cylinder capacity of which does not exceed 50 cm³ if with internal combustion, or with a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 4 kW if an electric motor;
- three-wheeled vehicles (category L2e) with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h and characterised by an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm³ if with spark (positive) ignition, or with a maximum net power output not exceeding 4 kW for other internal combustion engines, or with a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 4 kW if an electric motor;
- light quad bikes with an unladen mass of not more than 350 kg (category L6e), not including the batteries if it is an electric vehicle, with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h, the engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm³ for spark (positive) ignition engines, or with a maximum net power output not exceeding 4 kW for other internal combustion engines, or with a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 4 kW if an electric motor.
The minimum age to drive a category AM vehicle is 14;
a driving licence in category A1 allows you to drive motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cm3, not exceeding 11 kW in power and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg, motor tricycles with a power not exceeding 15 kW. The minimum age to drive a category A1 vehicle is 16;
a driving licence in category A2 allows you to drive motorcycles of a power not exceeding 35 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power. The minimum age to drive a category A2 vehicle is 18;
a driving licence in category A allows you to drive
- all motorcycles. The minimum age to drive a category A vehicle is 20. However, access to the driving of motorcycles of this category is subject to a minimum of 2 years' experience on motorcycles under an A2 driving licence. This requirement of previous experience may be waived if the candidate is at least 24 years old.
- tricycles not exceeding 15 kW in power: the minimum age to drive these is 21.
a driving licence in category B1 allows you to drive quad bikes other than light quad bikes, with an unladen mass less than or equal to 400 kg (category L7e) (550 kg for goods vehicles), excluding the batteries for electric vehicles, and with a maximum net engine power of 15 kW. The minimum age to drive a category B1 vehicle is 16;
a driving licence in category B allows you to drive motor vehicles of up to a maximum authorised mass of 3 500 kg and designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. the minimum age to drive a category B vehicle is 18;
a driving licence in category BE allows you to drive a combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor vehicle in category B and a trailer or semi-trailer where the maximum authorised mass of the trailer or semi-trailer is not above 3 500 kg. The minimum age to drive a category B vehicle is 18;
a driving licence in category C1 allows you to drive motor vehicles other than those in categories D1 or D, the maximum authorised mass of which is more than 3 500 kg but not more than 7 500 kg, and which are designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category C1 vehicle is 18;
a driving licence in category C1E allows you to drive combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C1 and the trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12 000 kg. The C1E licence also allows you to drive combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category B and the trailer or semi-trailer has an authorised mass of over 3 500 kg, provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12 000 kg. The minimum age to drive a category C1E vehicle is 18;
a driving licence in category C allows you to drive motor vehicles other than those in categories D1 or D, with a maximum authorised mass over 3 500 kg and which are designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category C vehicle is 21, without prejudice to the possession of a driver qualification card;
a driving licence in category CE allows you to drive combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C and the trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category CE vehicle is 21, without prejudice to the possession of a driver qualification card;
a driving licence in category D1 allows you to drive motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver and with a maximum length not exceeding 8 metres; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category D1 vehicle is 21;
a driving licence in category D1E: combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D1 and the trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category D1E vehicle is 21;
a driving licence in category D allows you to drive motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles which may be driven with a category D licence may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of not more than 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category D vehicle is 24, without prejudice to the possession of a driver qualification card;
a driving licence in category DE allows you to drive combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D and the trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg. The minimum age to drive a category DE vehicle is 24, without prejudice to the possession of a driver qualification card.

Residence requirements for foreign nationals from another Member State for being issued a driving licence

The requirements for the issuing of a driving licence in Italy for citizens from another European Union or European Economic Area Member State are, alternatively:

residence in Italy, registered with a municipality;
normal residence in Italy, which means the place, in Italy, where a person usually lives, i.e. for at least 185 days per calendar year, because of personal and occupational ties, or, in the case of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links between that person and the place where they are living in Italy. However, the normal residence of a person whose occupational ties are in a different place from their personal ties and who consequently lives in turn in different places situated in two or more Member States is regarded as being the place in Italy where that person has personal ties, provided that the person returns there regularly. This last condition need not be met where the person is living in a Member State in order to carry out an assignment of a definite duration. Attendance at a university or school does not imply the transfer of one’s normal residence.

Driving lessons and tests to obtain a driving licence

To obtain a driving licence in Italy, you will not have to attend specific theory lessons or driving practice. As a rule, it is not compulsory to attend a driving school to take a driving test.

The exception is a category B licence, for which you will have to complete some hours of compulsory driving practice at a driving school: on motorways, on country roads and in night vision conditions.

Accredited driving schools

Driving schools are private entities that operate under the direct control of public authorities, the provinces, in order to ensure proper training for future drivers.

The rates charged by driving schools are subject to free market rules and are not set by law.

In order to find out which driving schools are operating in a province, you need to contact the relevant provincial offices.

Driving test centres

The tests are carried out by staff of the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti who are specially qualified after a training course and an examination.

The content of the training course for examiners of practical driving tests complies with Annex IV to Directive 2006/126/EC.

Applicants for a driving licence must book the tests (first theory and then practical) at a Vehicle Licensing Agency office, which is the local body of the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti in each provincial capital.

The offices report to four local Directorates-General which have jurisdiction over the North-East, North-West, Centre and South regions of Italy.

A full list of Vehicle Licensing Agency offices, contact details and the names of the contact persons can be found on the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti website www.mit.gov.it at the following links:

Directorate-general for the North-West

Directorate-general for the North-East

Directorate-general for the Centre

Directorate-general for the South

The contact details of the responsible bodies in regions and provinces with special status are found below:

Region of Sicily
Department of Tourism, Communication and Transport
Communication and Transport Service
Department of Transport and Communications
https://pti.regione.sicilia.it/portal/page/portal/PIR_PORTALE/PIR_LaStrutturaRegionale/PIR_AssInfrastruttureMobilita/PIR_InfrastruttureMobilitaTrasporti/PIR_Areetematiche/PIR_Altricontenuti/PIR_MotorizzazioneCivile

Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Mobility, transport and telecommunications
Vehicle Licensing Agency
https://www.regione.fvg.it/rafvg/cms/RAFVG/infrastrutture-lavori-pubblici/motorizzazione-civile/FOGLIA1/

Autonomous Province of Bolzano
Traffic and transport division
https://www.provincia.bz.it/turismo-mobilita/contatti.asp?orga_orgaid=1152

Autonomous Province of Trento
Vehicle Licensing Agency
http://www.motorizzazione.provincia.tn.it/

Region of Valle d’Aosta
Vehicle Licensing Agency office
https://www.regione.vda.it/amministrazione/struttura/infomappa_i.asp?codmap=333

Fulfilment of moral requirements

Italian law provides that you must meet certain moral requirements in order to obtain a driving licence (Article 120 of the Highway Code).

It is therefore not possible to obtain a driving licence if you have been declared a habitual or inveterate offender, or as someone having criminal tendencies, and have been subjected to personal security measures, preventive measures or specific legal bans.

If the moral requirements are no longer met, the existing licence is revoked.

The Administration will check that you meet the moral requirements: you need not do anything.

Mandatory medical check-ups to demonstrate ability to drive

You will have to prove that you meet the requirements for mental and physical fitness in order to obtain a driving licence.

The check is normally carried out by specially authorised doctors:

belonging to the local health unit with responsibility for the area and for medical and legal matters;
in charge of basic services in the health district;
registered with the Italian Ministry of Health;
Italian State Railways inspectors;
military personnel in permanent service or retired;
registered State Police healthcare workers;
registered National Fire Brigade healthcare workers;
medical inspectors from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy;

specially accredited by the appropriate body of the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti.

A local medical board, set up in each provincial capital, will be responsible for verifying the physical and mental aptitude regarding:

the injured and disabled. If the ability to drive cannot be judged on the basis of clinical findings alone, a practical driving test must be carried out using a vehicle adapted to the specific needs;
drivers over 65 years of age who are qualified to drive: lorries with a gross mass, when fully laden, exceeding 3.5 t; lorries and articulated lorries, used for goods transport, whose gross mass, when fully laden, does not exceed 20 t;
drivers for whom an exceptional assessment (review) of mental and physical fitness requirements is required;
those for whom the results of clinical, instrumental and laboratory tests cause the specially authorised doctor to doubt whether they are fit and safe to drive;
people with diabetes, for obtaining, reviewing or confirming C1, C, C1E, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE licences.

If you hold a medical certificate that proves you have specific learning disorders (DSA) issued by an accredited body under Italian law, you may show it during the medical examination in order for your mental and physical fitness requirements to be established: you will be granted the right to take the theory test (computerised questionnaires) with extra time provided.

In order to apply for a driving licence in Italy, you will need to provide the following documentation:

application form TT 2112, available at Vehicle Licensing Agency Offices or downloadable from https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/Moduli/app (click on " Download a blank TT 2112 form in PDF format "), filled in and signed;
a health certificate issued by an authorised doctor attesting that you meet the mental and physical fitness requirements: the health certificate must be dated no earlier than 3 months from the date of submission of the application if issued by a specially authorised doctor, or no earlier than 6 months if issued by a local medical board. You need to show the doctor a medical history certificate issued by your medical officer and two passport-sized photographs;
receipt for payment on the pagoPA platform of the required stamp duty for the medical certificate (fee scale N019) to be paid to the authorised doctor;
receipt for payment on the pagoPA platform of the vehicle licensing agency fee for the examination and stamp duty for the application (fee scale N067);
photocopy of the front and back of a valid identity document;
photocopy of your tax identification number certificate;
receipt for payment on the pagoPA platform of stamp duty on the licence to be obtained (fee scale N019). This fee can be paid after passing the theory examination.

To view the pagoPA scale of fees: https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/documents/56611/82780328/TARIFFARIO_SDG_EN.pdf

You can only access the payment service on pagoPA after logging into the Drivers’ Portal using the Public Digital Identity System (SPID) https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/web/portale-automobilista/home /

Validity of driving licences

Driving licences in categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE are valid for 10 years; if they are issued or confirmed for people over 50, they are valid for 5 years; if issued or confirmed for people over 70 they are valid for 3 years and if issued or confirmed for people over 80, they are valid for 2 years (see also section: ‘Validity of driving licences for older drivers’).

Special driving licences issued to the physically disabled and handicapped in categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1 and B are generally valid for 5 years; if they are issued to or confirmed for those over 70 years of age, they are valid for 3 years; if they are issued to or confirmed for those over 80 years of age, they are valid for 2 years (see also section ‘Validity of driving licences for older drivers’).

Driving licences in categories C1, C1E, C and CE are valid for 5 years up to the age of 65 and, beyond this age limit, for 2 years, after it has been verified by the local medical board that you meet the physical and mental requirements. On reaching the age of 65, category C and CE licences only entitle you to drive lorries and articulated vehicles with a total laden mass not exceeding 20 tons: however, you can continue driving these vehicles up to the age of 68 if you obtain a specific certificate (see section below ‘Validity of driving licences for older drivers’).

Driving licences in categories D1, D1E, D and DE are valid for 5 years and for 3 years from the age of 70. Upon reaching the age of 60, driving licences in categories D1, D1E, D and DE only entitle you to drive vehicles in categories B or BE: however, you can continue driving category D1, D1E, D and DE vehicles up to the age of 68 if you obtain a specific certificate (see section below ‘Validity of driving licences for older drivers’).

In all cases, if it is considered necessary to increase the frequency of medical checks, the local medical board (see below ‘Possible compulsory medical checks to demonstrate fitness to drive’) may consider renewing the validity of a driving licence for a shorter period.

Validity of driving licences for older drivers

In accordance with Directive 2006/126/EU, Italy has decided to increase the frequency of medical checks and to apply other specific measures when certain categories of drivers reach a certain age. Therefore:

on reaching the age of 80, licences must be renewed every 2 years;
after the age of 65 and until the age of 68, you must have a special certificate from the local medical board and your CE category licence must be valid in order to drive lorries and articulated lorries with a gross vehicle weight of over 20 tons;
after the age of 60 and until the age of 68, you must have a special certificate from the local medical board and your D1, D1E, D or DE category licence must be valid in order to drive a bus. After reaching the age of 68, if you are a driver with an Italian driving licence, you will not be able to drive a bus in Italy; you will only be able to drive category B or BE vehicles. You will also be able to apply for reclassification of your D1, D1E, D or DE licence to B or BE.

Accepted driving licence formats in addition to the EU standard format adopted in 2013

If you are a citizen from any other European Union or European Economic Area country, you can drive a vehicle that the driving licence you hold issued by your country of origin entitles you to drive in Italy, even if the format does not comply with Directive 2006/126/EU. The licence must be valid. However, there are cases where you may be obliged to convert your licence into an Italian driving licence (see below under ‘Compulsory replacement of driving licences’).

Provisional driving licences and conditions for their use

It is not possible to drive vehicles in Italy with a provisional driving licence or a learner’s licence issued by another Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area.

RECOGNITION OF DRIVING LICENCES

Recognition of driving licences issued in other EU countries

Driving licences issued by European Union or European Economic Area Member States are treated in the same way as the corresponding Italian driving licences.

Therefore, if you are the holder of a valid driving licence issued by a European Union or European Economic Area Member State, you may drive with your licence until the expiry date and do not have to convert it into an equivalent Italian driving document, even if you have taken up official or normal residence in Italy.

However, if you commit offences which lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving licence under Italian law, you may be prevented from driving in Italy for a certain period of time.

If you have established your official or normal residence in Italy, you can also request the exchange of your valid licence for an Italian equivalent to the category you hold. This is not possible, however, if your licence is subject to restrictions (e.g. a review examination) or has been suspended, withdrawn or revoked in another Member State.

However, there are some cases where the conversion of your licence to an Italian driving licence is compulsory (see below under “Compulsory replacement of driving licences’”).

Recognition of driving licences issued in third countries

Driving licences issued by a country outside the European Union or European Economic Area allow you to drive in Italy provided they are accompanied either by an international driving licence, drawn up in the format provided for by the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention, or by an official translation of the licence into Italian. Your driving licence and international driving licence must both be valid.

The Ministry of the Interior has identified some cases where international permission is not required (e.g. for UK licences following Brexit or for licences drawn up in formats compliant with that laid down by the Vienna Convention).

However, if you are the holder of a licence issued by a non-EU or non-EEA country and you have been resident in Italy for more than a year, you need to obtain an Italian driving licence to be able to drive in Italy:

by converting the licence if the licence you hold is valid and has been issued by a country with which Italy has entered into mutual agreements for the purpose of conversion;
or by taking the required qualification tests (theory and practical examination).

Recognition of driving licences issued in other EU countries in exchange for a non-EU driving licence

Current driving licences issued by another Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area by conversion of a licence issued by a non-EU country:

are considered to be full EU licences if Italy has entered into mutual agreements on the conversion of driving licences with the non-EU country that issued the original licence;
are considered to be licences issued by non-EU or non-EEA countries if Italy has not entered into mutual agreements on the conversion of driving licences with the third country which issued the original licence or if that agreement has expired.
Therefore, in the latter case, you can drive in Italy provided that you are not officially resident in Italy or that you have been resident for less than a year.
After 1 year from the date on which you took up official residence in Italy, you will have to obtain an Italian licence by taking the required qualification tests (theory and practical examination) to be able to drive vehicles in Italy.

Contact details of the responsible authority

Information on driving licences can be obtained from the Vehicle Licensing Agency offices present in every Italian provincial capital.

The offices are under the responsibility of four Regional Directorates-General responsible for the regions of the North-East, North-West, Centre and South.

Directorate-general for the North-West

Directorate-general for the North-East

Directorate-general for the Centre

Directorate-general for the South

The contact details of the responsible bodies in regions and provinces with special status are found below:

Autonomous Province of Bolzano
Traffic and transport division
https://www.provincia.bz.it/turismo-mobilita/contatti.asp?orga_orgaid=1152

Autonomous Province of Trento
Vehicle Licensing Agency
http://www.motorizzazione.provincia.tn.it/

Region of Valle d’Aosta
Vehicle Licensing Agency office
https://www.regione.vda.it/amministrazione/struttura/infomappa_i.asp?codmap=333

Documents to be submitted by EU citizens in order to obtain recognition of their driving licence, including any time limits

Without prejudice to the recognition of your valid driving licence issued by a European Union or of the European Economic Area Member State for the purposes of driving in Italy (see section ‘Recognition of driving licences issued in other EU countries’), if you hold official or normal residence in Italy you can convert it into an Italian driving licence.

To find out more, see section Documents to be submitted by EU citizens in order to exchange their driving licence.

COMPULSORY EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENCES

As provided for in Directive 2006/126/EU, if you have your official or normal residence in Italy, you must convert your driving licence into an Italian driving licence if:

you hold a driving licence with no administrative validity limit or with an administrative validity greater than that provided for in Directive 2006/126/EC (once 2 years have elapsed from the date on which you took up official or normal residence);
you have a driving violation on your EU licence, which, under Italian law, obliges you to be subject to a restrictive driving licence measure (e.g. review);
it is lost, stolen or damaged;
it has expired and you need to renew it.

Obligations to exchange a driving licence issued by a third country for an Italian driving licence

Current driving licences issued by another Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area by conversion of a licence issued by a non-EU country:

are considered to be full EU licences if Italy has entered into mutual agreements on the conversion of driving licences with the non-EU country that issued the original licence;
are considered to be licences issued by third countries if Italy has not entered into mutual agreements on the conversion of driving licences with the non-EU country which issued the original licence or if that agreement has expired.
In the latter case, you can drive in Italy provided that you are not officially resident in Italy or that you have been resident for less than a year.
After 1 year from the date on which you took up official residence in Italy, you will have to obtain an Italian licence by taking the required qualification tests (theory and practical examination) to be able to drive vehicles in Italy.

Contact with the responsible authority

For information on the mandatory exchange of driving licences, you can contact the Vehicle Licensing Agency offices in each Italian provincial capital.

The offices are under the responsibility of four Regional Directorates-General responsible for the regions of the North-East, North-West, Centre and South.

Directorate-general for the North-West

Directorate-general for the North-East

Directorate-general for the Centre

Directorate-general for the South

The contact details of the responsible bodies in regions and provinces with special status are found below:

Autonomous Province of Bolzano
Traffic and transport division
https://www.provincia.bz.it/turismo-mobilita/contatti.asp?orga_orgaid=1152

Autonomous Province of Trento
Vehicle Licensing Agency
http://www.motorizzazione.provincia.tn.it/

Region of Valle d’Aosta
Vehicle Licensing Agency office
https://www.regione.vda.it/amministrazione/struttura/infomappa_i.asp?codmap=333

RENEWAL OR EXCHANGE OF A DRIVING LICENCE IN ITALY

You can only hold one EU driving licence. This is issued by the authorities of the Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area where you are normally resident.

If you are a national of a Member State of the European Union or of the European Economic Area and have transferred your normal residence to Italy, and your driving licence, issued by your home country, has been lost, stolen, damaged or expired, you must exchange or renew it for an Italian licence.

Residency requirements for the renewal of driving licences for foreign nationals from another Member State

The requirements for a driving licence to be issued in Italy for citizens from another European Union or European Economic Area Member State are, alternatively:

residence in Italy, registered with a municipality;
normal residence in Italy, which means the place in Italy where a person usually lives, i.e. for at least 185 days per calendar year, because of personal and occupational ties, or, in the case of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links between that person and the place where they are living in Italy. However, the normal residence of a person whose occupational ties are in a different place from their personal ties and who consequently lives in turn in different places situated in two or more Member States is regarded as being the place in Italy where that person has personal ties, provided that the person returns there regularly. This last condition need not be met where the person is living in a Member State in order to carry out an assignment of a definite duration. Attendance at a university or school does not imply the transfer of one’s normal residence.

Age requirements for renewing a driving licence in category AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE

Driving licences in categories C1, C1E, C and CE are valid for 5 years up to the age of 65 and, beyond this age limit, for 2 years, after physical and mental requirements have been verified by the local medical board. On reaching the age of 65, category C and CE licences only entitle you to drive lorries and articulated vehicles with a total laden mass not exceeding 20 tons: however, you can continue driving these vehicles up to the age of 68 if you obtain a specific certificate (see section below ‘Validity of driving licences for older drivers’).

Time limits for renewal of an expired driving licence

Driving with an expired driving licence is penalised.

After 5 years from the expiry date of the driving licence, you must undergo a driving experiment to renew it (practical exam only), to verify that your knowledge, skills and conduct make you eligible to drive a motor vehicle safely. If you fail it, your driving licence is revoked. If you do not attend the driving experiment on the established date, your driving licence is suspended.

To apply for the exchange and at the same time the renewal of a driving licence which has been expired for more than five years, you have to submit:

(for the combined application for a licence exchange and renewal):
- application model TT 2112, which is available at the Motorizzazione offices or you can download from this link https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/Moduli/app (click on " Download a blank TT 2112 form in PDF format "), completed and duly signed;
- your payment receipt from the PAGOPA web Platform, completed with the amounts foreseen as Motorizzazione charges for the EU/EEA licence exchange procedure and as stamp duties for the application and the new driving licence (fare type N003);
- the driving licence to exchange and a copy of it to submit (front and back);
- a medical certificate, issued by an approved medical practitioner, as proof of your psychological and physical fitness. The medical certificate must be dated less than three months prior to your application date if issued by a single medical practitioner, or less than six months if issued by a Local medical commission. You must bring to the approved medical practitioner an anamnestic certificate issued by your general practitioner and 2 passport-sized photos;
- your payment receipt from the PAGOPA web Platform, completed with the amount foreseen as stamp duties for the medical certificate (fare type N019) to pay the approved medical practitioner;
- a valid ID;
- a copy of your tax identification number.
(to take the driving experiment, because your driving licence has been expired for more than five years):
- application model TT 746, which is available at the Motorizzazione offices or you can download from the link https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/Moduli/app (click on https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/Moduli/app?nomePdf=TT746&service=download ). In the field “(2) altre richieste*” you find on the model please complete with: “esperimento di guida con veicolo (indicare tipo e targa) e accompagnatore (indicare generalità, numero e categoria della patente posseduta)**”;
- your payment receipt from the PAGOPA web Platform, completed with the amount foreseen as Motorizzazione charges for the driving experiment (fare type N017).

* "(2) other applications"

** "driving experiment with vehicle (type and registration) and the accompanying driver (name, driving licence number and categories)"

If you do not request to undergo the driving test, on the Italian license, issued for conversion, the Motorization Office arranges a revision measure (theoretical and practical).

Mandatory medical check-ups to demonstrate ability to drive

Compulsory medical checks are related to the provisions of Annex III of Directive 2006/126/EC ( https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02006L0126-20201101&from=IT#tocId55 ) Italian version, ( https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02006L0126-20201101&from=IT#tocId55 ) English version

Documents to be submitted by EU citizens in order to exchange their driving licence

To convert a driving licence issued by a Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area to an Italian driving licence, you must submit:

application form TT 2112, available at Vehicle Licensing Agency Offices or downloadable from https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/Moduli/app (click on " Download a blank TT 2112 form in PDF format "), filled in and signed;
receipt for payment via the pagoPA platform of the amounts provided for in respect of the vehicle licensing agency fee for the conversion of an EU or EEA licence and the stamp duty on the application and the licence to be obtained (rate scale N003);
the driving licence to be converted (display the licence and provide a photocopy – front and back);
two passport-sized photos, only if you do not have to provide a health certificate as well;
valid identity document;
photocopy of your tax identification number certificate.

You will be issued with an Italian driving licence valid for the period remaining on your licence, if consistent with the validity provided for by Italian legislation.

If your driving licence is about to expire or has expired, you will also have to show:

a health certificate issued by an authorised doctor attesting that you meet the mental and physical fitness requirements: the health certificate must be dated no earlier than 3 months from the date of submission of the application if issued by a specially authorised doctor, or no earlier than 6 months if issued by a local medical board. You need to show the doctor a medical history certificate issued by your medical officer and two passport-sized photographs;
receipt for payment on the pagoPA platform of the required stamp duty for the medical certificate (fee scale N019) to be paid to the authorised doctor.

In this case, you will be issued with an Italian driving licence valid for the period provided for under Italian law for your category and age or, if applicable, with reduced validity.

To view the pagoPA scale of fees: https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/documents/56611/82780328/TARIFFARIO_SDG_EN.pdf

Exchange of a driving licence issued by a third country for an Italian licence and time limits to be respected

Only driving licences issued by non-EU or non-EEA countries with which Italy has signed special mutual recognition agreements on driving licence conversion can be converted without requiring the holder to undergo driving qualification tests (theory and practical). You will be issued with an Italian licence in the category provided for in the specific agreement.

Documents to be submitted by third-country nationals in order to exchange their driving licence

To convert your driving licence issued by a non-EU or non-EEA country, you must submit:

application form TT 2112, available at Vehicle Licensing Agency Offices or downloadable from https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/Moduli/app (click on " ‘Download a blank TT 2112 form in PDF format "), filled in and signed;
a health certificate issued by an authorised doctor attesting that you meet the mental and physical fitness requirements: the health certificate must be dated no earlier than 3 months from the date of submission of the application if issued by a specially authorised doctor, or no earlier than 6 months if issued by a local medical board. You need to show the doctor a medical history certificate issued by your medical officer and two passport-sized photographs;
receipt for payment on the pagoPA platform of the required stamp duty for the medical certificate (fee scale N019) to be paid to the authorised doctor.
receipt for payment of the amounts provided for in respect of the motor vehicle fee for the conversion operation and the stamp duty on the application and the licence to be obtained (fee scale N003);
the driving licence to be converted (display the licence and provide a photocopy – front and back);
a translation of the foreign driving licence or a certificate or other document attesting to the validity and authenticity of the licence if provided for in the specific conversion agreement;
valid recognition document;
valid residence permit or receipt for the relevant renewal application;
photocopy of your tax identification number certificate.

To view the pagoPA scale of fees: https://www.ilportaledellautomobilista.it/documents/56611/82780328/TARIFFARIO_SDG_EN.pdf

Restrictions on the use of a European driving licence provided in exchange for a non-European driving licence

Driving licences issued by another Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area for converting a licence issued by a non-EU country allow you to drive in Italy.

However, if you have been officially resident in Italy for more than a year and hold a licence issued by a European Union or European Economic Area Member State for converting a licence issued by a non-EU or non-EEA country with which Italy has not drawn up mutual conversion agreements, you will have to obtain an Italian driving licence by taking the required qualification tests (theory and practical tests).

Relevant Legislation

Legislative Decree No 285 of 30 April 1992 concerning the new Highway Code (available on the website www.normattiva.it at the following link: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:1992-04-30;285)
Presidential Decree No 495 of 16 December 1992 concerning the performance and implementation of the new Highway Code (available on the website www.normattiva.it at the following link https://www.normattiva.it/atto/caricaDettaglioAtto?atto.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=1992-12-28&atto.codiceRedazionale=092G0531&atto.articolo.numero=0&qId=1e53591e-622d-42eb-83ed-229bfe34d41f )