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Expat Exchange - How to Get a Driver's License in Italy
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Chiavari in the Liguria Region of Italy


How to Get a Driver's License in Italy

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Summary: Here's a primer on how to get your driver's license in Italy.

Sometimes when you're new to a country a task like getting your driver's license can make you feel like you're 16 years old again trying to pass your driver's test. Here's an overview of the process of getting your driver's license in Italy.

Foreigners who wish to drive in Italy must meet certain requirements. First, they must be at least 18 years old, which is the legal driving age in Italy. They must also have a valid driving license. If the license is not issued by an EU country, it must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a translation of the driver's home country license and can be obtained before leaving their home country.

Additionally, the driver must have insurance coverage. If the driver's home country is not part of the EU, they should ensure their insurance is valid in Italy. If not, they may need to purchase additional coverage. It's also important to note that in Italy, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

As for regional differences, the general rules for driving in Italy are the same throughout the country. However, some cities may have restricted traffic zones known as Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). These zones are typically found in the historic city centers and are marked with signs. Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed to enter these zones, and doing so can result in hefty fines. Therefore, it's important for foreigners to be aware of these zones when driving in Italy.

Lastly, it's worth noting that Italy has strict drink-driving laws. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05%. For drivers with less than three years of driving experience, the limit is 0.00%. Penalties for drink-driving can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Chiavari in the Liguria Region of Italy

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William Russell

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