Driving practice and learner’s permit

To practice driving in Italy, it is not enough simply to want to start driving. A person who applies for a driving licence, or for an extension of their licence to other vehicle categories, must first meet the required physical and mental conditions and pass the theoretical knowledge test. Only after passing that test is the learner’s driving authorization issued, commonly known as the learner’s permit. The theory test must be passed within six months from the date of the application, and within that period no more than two attempts are allowed.

The authorization allows the candidate to practice with vehicles belonging to the category for which the licence or extension has been requested. In general, during practice there must be a person sitting next to the driver acting as instructor. This person must not be older than sixty-five years of age and must hold a valid licence for the same category for at least ten years, or a valid licence for a higher category. The instructor is not just a passive passenger. They have the legal duty to supervise the vehicle’s movement and to intervene quickly and effectively if necessary.

For candidates practicing for AM, A1, A2, and A categories, the rule is different because these vehicles normally do not allow another person to sit beside the driver in the role of instructor. In such cases, the requirement for the instructor to sit next to the driver does not apply. However, an important restriction exists for these categories: the candidate may never carry passengers while practicing. This rule is meant to reduce risks during a stage in which the driver is still inexperienced.

Vehicles used for driving practice and for examinations must be clearly identifiable. Motor vehicles used for practice must display a sign with the letter “P”. If the vehicle belongs to a driving school, that sign is replaced by the words “scuola guida”. The purpose is to make it clear to other road users that the vehicle is being driven by a learner or is being used for an examination.

For the category B licence there is an additional important obligation. Before practicing under normal accompanied conditions, the candidate must already have completed specific driving practice on motorways or main extra-urban roads and in night-time visibility conditions. These practice sessions must be carried out at a driving school with a qualified and authorized instructor. In addition, while driving, the learner must carry the certificate issued by the driving school proving that these obligations have been fulfilled. Driving without this certificate leads to the same sanctions applied for violating the main rules on driving practice.

The learner’s authorization is valid for twelve months. This means that within one year the candidate must organize their practice and take the required exams. The authorization does not last indefinitely, so it is important to use that time well in order to gain real experience and enough confidence.

The law provides precise penalties for failure to respect these rules. Anyone who drives without the learner’s authorization, even if accompanied by a suitable instructor, is subject to a fine from 430 to 1,731 euros. The same fine also applies to the person acting as instructor. If the person does have the authorization but drives without the instructor where one is required, the same fine applies and an additional penalty is imposed: administrative detention of the vehicle for three months.

Failure to display the “P” sign or the “scuola guida” sign is also punished. In that case, the fine ranges from 87 to 344 euros. For candidates in categories AM, A1, A2, and A who carry passengers while practicing, the penalty ranges from 100 to 300 euros, and the same penalty also applies to the passenger.

In essence, driving practice is allowed only under precise rules designed to protect both the learner and other road users. The learner’s permit does not give complete freedom to drive, but allows practice only under strict conditions, with the required documents, with the vehicle properly marked, and, where necessary, with a qualified instructor present.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is driving practice and learner’s permit?

Driving practice and learner’s permit is regulated by Art. 122 of the Italian Road Code, within the chapter "IV. Driving Vehicles and Handling Animals". You'll find the complete explanation above with all the essential details to pass the Italian driving theory exam.

In which chapter of the Italian Road Code is Art. 122?

Art. 122 of the Italian Road Code is in the chapter IV. Driving Vehicles and Handling Animals. You can read the original article on the official ACI portal at this link.

Is this topic important for the Italian driving licence exam?

Yes, all articles of the Italian Road Code may be subject to questions in the theory exam. To practice with real quiz questions on this topic, access our platform with 7,000+ official questions.