Requirements to drive trolleybuses

In Italy, driving a trolleybus requires more than a standard driving licence. A driver must have three elements: an appropriate driving licence for motor vehicles, a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence for passenger transport, and a specific certificate of suitability. This certificate is issued by the competent authority upon proposal of the transport company that intends to employ the driver. This means that trolleybus drivers must have both general driving qualifications and specific professional training for public transport.

The required driving licence category and professional qualification must correspond to those required for equivalent passenger vehicles such as buses. Therefore, trolleybus drivers must meet the same standards as bus drivers in terms of responsibility and safety.

To obtain the certificate of suitability, candidates must pass an exam. Before taking the exam, they must complete a practical training period driving a trolleybus under the supervision of an authorized driver and a technical officer from the transport company. This ensures that the candidate learns how to operate a trolleybus, which is powered by overhead electric lines and requires specific driving skills.

If a candidate fails the exam, they can retake it only after repeating the training period and waiting at least thirty days. This rule ensures proper preparation before attempting the exam again.

Once the exam is passed, the certificate of suitability is issued. It is valid only when accompanied by the driving licence and the professional qualification certificate. The certificate allows the driver to operate trolleybuses for any company. However, its validity is linked to the driving licence: if the licence expires or is not renewed, the certificate also becomes invalid and must be withdrawn.

Authorities may require drivers to undergo medical examinations or fitness checks if there are doubts about their physical or psychological condition. The same rules that apply to suspension or revocation of a driving licence also apply to the certificate when violations occur while driving a trolleybus.

Penalties are applied in case of violations. Anyone who allows a person without the required documents to drive a trolleybus is subject to a fine. Driving without a licence or without the professional qualification results in a fine ranging from 173 to 694 euros. Driving with a licence but without the certificate of suitability results in a lower fine, from 87 to 344 euros. In all cases, an additional penalty applies, consisting of the administrative seizure of the vehicle for six months.