July 4, 2026
Foglio Rosa Italy — What It Is & How to Use It
The Foglio Rosa is your Italian provisional driving licence. Learn what it allows, the rules for accompanied driving, and how long it lasts.
Once you pass the Patente B theory exam, you receive the Foglio Rosa — Italy's provisional driving licence. It's your gateway to legally practise driving before the practical exam.
What is the Foglio Rosa?
The Foglio Rosa (pink sheet) is a temporary document issued by the Motorizzazione Civile (MIT) that authorises you to drive on Italian roads for practice purposes. It is not a full licence — you cannot drive alone.
It is valid for 12 months from the date of issue (extendable once if you fail the practical exam within that period).
Rules for Driving with the Foglio Rosa
You may drive only:
- With an accompanying driver (not a professional instructor) who holds a valid Italian Patente B issued at least 10 years ago and is seated next to you
- On all road types including motorways and at night
- In a vehicle equipped with dual controls if using an autoscuola instructor
The accompanying driver cannot be under 30 years old and must not have had their licence revoked or suspended in the past 5 years.
Mandatory Autoscuola Hours
Even with a Foglio Rosa, you must complete a minimum of 6 hours of mandatory driving lessons at a licensed autoscuola before you can sit the practical exam. These must include:
- 2 hours of night driving
- 2 hours on extra-urban roads (state roads or motorways)
- 2 hours in normal urban traffic
You cannot skip these 6 hours even if you have been driving abroad for decades.
How to Get the Foglio Rosa
- Pass the theory exam at the Motorizzazione or an authorised centre
- The Motorizzazione registers your pass automatically
- Within a few days, your autoscuola or the MIT portal issues the Foglio Rosa
- If you are a privatista (self-study candidate), you receive it directly from the Motorizzazione office
Foglio Rosa Extension
If your 12 months expire before you have passed the practical exam:
- You may apply for a one-time extension of 6 months
- This costs a small administrative fee (~€20–30)
- You do not need to re-sit the theory exam
After the extension, if you still have not passed, you must restart the entire process — theory exam included.
Prepare Your Theory Exam with Driving Freedom
The Driving Freedom app simulates the full Motorizzazione theory exam: 40 questions, 30-minute timer, all 7,400 official questions in the bank.
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