Driving in Italy with a Non-EU Driving License: Guidelines and Requirements
Overview
Holders of valid driving licenses issued by non-EU or non-EEA states can legally drive in Italy for up to one year after establishing residency, provided they have a sworn translation of their license into Italian. After this one-year period, they must convert their foreign license to an Italian one if there is a bilateral agreement between Italy and their home country.
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Conversion of Foreign Driving Licenses
What is License Conversion?
License conversion involves replacing a foreign-issued driving license with an Italian one. This process depends on the existence of bilateral agreements between Italy and the foreign country. These agreements ensure reciprocity, allowing licenses to be converted without retaking driving exams.
Countries with Bilateral Agreements
To find out if your country has a bilateral agreement with Italy, you can refer to the updated list provided by the Italian authorities. This list includes countries whose driving licenses can be converted into Italian licenses without requiring the holder to take Italian driving exams.
Countries Without Bilateral Agreements
If your driving license was issued by a country that does not have a bilateral agreement with Italy, it cannot be directly converted. In such cases, if you wish to continue driving in Italy after one year, you must pass both the Italian theoretical and practical driving tests to obtain an Italian license.
Specific Rules for British Driving Licenses
Post-Brexit Changes
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, British driving licenses are no longer directly convertible into Italian licenses due to the absence of a bilateral agreement initially. This change took effect on January 1, 2021. British nationals now need to pass both the theory and practical exams in Italy to obtain an Italian driving license.
Exception for Italian-Origin Licenses
There is an exception for licenses that were originally issued in Italy and later converted to UK licenses. These can be re-converted to Italian licenses without retaking the exams upon returning to Italy.
New Agreement for Conversion
Starting from March 30, 2023, the Italian Department of Motor Vehicles began accepting applications for the conversion of UK driving licenses in accordance with a new agreement signed in December 2022. This agreement facilitates the conversion process for UK driving licenses, allowing holders to convert their licenses without retaking the Italian driving exams.
Steps to Convert Your Driving License
Documentation and Process
To convert your foreign driving license to an Italian one, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
- Completed Form TT2112: The official application form for converting a driving license.
- Proof of Payment: Receipts for the applicable fees.
- Original Foreign Driving License: Plus a full copy of the front and back.
- Sworn Translation: If required, a sworn translation of the foreign license into Italian.
- Valid ID: Plus a full copy of the ID.
- Tax Code: Plus a full copy.
- Medical Certificate: A medical certificate from a qualified Italian doctor, especially if the foreign license is about to expire, has no expiry date, or is valid for longer than the standard EU license.
Medical Examination
You may need to undergo a medical examination if your original license is expired or about to expire. The examination ensures that you meet the health requirements to drive in Italy.
Processing Time
The conversion process typically takes a few weeks. During this time, you may be issued a provisional permit that allows you to drive while your application is being processed.
Conclusion
Driving in Italy with a non-EU driving license is manageable for the first year of residency with a sworn translation. However, converting the license according to bilateral agreements is essential to continue driving legally after that period. British nationals, following Brexit, must now adhere to new rules but can benefit from the recent agreement allowing license conversion. Always check the latest guidelines and agreements to ensure compliance with Italian driving regulations.
