📌 In short: The practical test has 3 phases: preliminary questions on the vehicle, manoeuvres, and at least 25 minutes of driving in traffic. Serious errors (a missed Stop, a dangerous manoeuvre) fail you instantly; you have 3 attempts within the 12 months of the foglio rosa, about a month apart. New: mandatory driving-school lessons rise from 6 to 8 hours in 4 modules (MIT Decree of 17/11/2025), and private practice with a supervisor is allowed only after completing them.
Sources: MIT Decree of 17/11/2025, Italian Highway Code, Motorizzazione Civile, motoring press cited in the text
The 3 phases of the test
Phase 1 — Preliminary questions and checks. Before you even set off, the examiner may quiz you on the vehicle: fluid levels, tyres, dashboard warning lights, lights. Many candidates are caught off guard right here and start the drive already rattled — have your instructor simulate this phase.
Phase 2 — The manoeuvres. At least two among: parking (parallel, or on a gradient), reversing in a straight line or around a corner, U-turn, emergency braking. A slow, deliberate manoeuvre scores better than a fast, messy one.
Phase 3 — Driving in traffic. At least 25 minutes on a mixed urban and rural route chosen by the examiner: junctions, right of way, roundabouts, traffic lights, merges. What's assessed is safe, smooth, predictable driving — not racing-driver perfection.
What fails you instantly (and what doesn't)
- Instant fail: missing a Stop sign or a right of way, a dangerous manoeuvre, or the examiner having to intervene on the controls.
- Minor errors are tolerated when isolated: one forgotten mirror check, one late signal. They become a fail when repeated — they describe structurally unsafe driving.
- Pass all three phases and the licence is issued on the spot, valid immediately.
The big change: mandatory lessons go from 6 to 8 hours
Under the MIT Decree of 17 November 2025, mandatory driving-school practice rises from 6 to 8 hours, split into 4 modules:
| Module | Hours | Content |
|---|
| Vehicle knowledge and ADAS | 2 | Controls, low-speed manoeuvres, emergency braking, driver-assistance systems |
| Urban driving | 3 | Right of way, junctions, roundabouts, pedestrians and cyclists |
| Rural roads and motorway | 2 | Merging, overtaking, safety distances |
| Night driving | 1 | Use of lights, reduced visibility |
The most consequential change concerns private practice: driving with a supervisor is allowed only after completing the 8 hours and obtaining the digital certificate (valid 18 months). Driving without it costs a fine of €430 to €1,731 — for the supervisor too. Note: the new rules apply to fogli rosa issued after the ministerial platform becomes operational, so during the transition check with your driving school which regime covers you.
Foglio rosa, attempts and the supervisor
- Foglio rosa: valid 12 months, allowing 3 practical attempts, about 30 days apart. Full rules in our foglio rosa guide.
- The supervisor: must hold a B licence for at least 10 years (or a higher category), be under 65, with no licence suspension in the last 5 years; the "P" plate goes front and rear.
- Failed? You can retry after about a month. Spend it on targeted lessons on the exact situations that failed you — not on "generic kilometres".
How to arrive ready
Practice is built on theory: a candidate who has right of way, signs and distances crystal clear reads traffic better and makes fewer mistakes at the wheel. Before every lesson, refresh the critical topics in the theory section — especially roundabouts and right of way, where examiners watch with a magnifying glass. And build a fixed starting routine (seat, mirrors, belt, look around): repeated identically every time, at the exam it runs on its own.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How is the Italian practical driving test structured?
In 3 phases: preliminary questions and vehicle checks, manoeuvres (at least two among parking, reversing, U-turn and emergency braking), and at least 25 minutes of driving on a mixed urban and rural route.
Which mistakes fail the practical test instantly?
Missing a Stop sign or a right of way, performing a dangerous manoeuvre, or the examiner intervening on the controls. Minor errors are tolerated only if isolated, not repeated.
How many hours of mandatory driving lessons are required?
Under the MIT Decree of 17/11/2025 the certified lessons rise from 6 to 8 hours across 4 modules (vehicle and ADAS, urban, rural/motorway, night). Private practice with a supervisor is allowed only after completing them.
How many attempts do I get at the practical test?
3 attempts within the 12-month validity of the foglio rosa, with roughly 30 days between attempts.
Who can supervise my practice driving in Italy?
Someone holding a B licence for at least 10 years (or a higher category), under 65 years old, with no licence suspension in the past 5 years; the car must display the "P" plate front and rear.
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