Driving licence in Italy
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. 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 a 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
Driving licence | |
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License front | |
License back | |
Type | Driving licence |
Issued by | |
Purpose | Identification |
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.
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 road test. An elementary-school diploma is also required to obtain a valid driver's licence.