Patente B Age Requirements Italy — Minimum Age & Rules

Italy has clear age requirements for the Patente B, including special rules for young and new drivers. Here is what you need to know.

Minimum Age to Start Learning

You can begin the theory preparation and medical visit at any age — there is no minimum for studying. However, you cannot sit the theory exam until you are 17 years old.

Patente B at 17 — Accompanied Driving (Patente Accompagnata)

Italy offers a special early licence scheme (patente accompagnata) for 17-year-olds:

• You may sit the theory and practical exams from age 17
• You receive a provisional document allowing you to drive only when accompanied by an adult (minimum age 30, licence held 10+ years, no suspensions in the past 5 years)
• Solo driving is not permitted until you turn 18

This scheme is useful because it gives young drivers more practice hours in real traffic before driving alone.

Solo Driving at 18

From your 18th birthday:

• If you obtained the patente accompagnata at 17, you can convert to a full solo licence immediately (no additional exam required)
• If you begin the process at 18, you follow the standard route (theory → Foglio Rosa → practical)

Young Driver Restrictions (Under 21 or Licence Under 3 Years)

Regardless of how you obtained your licence, additional restrictions apply for:

• Drivers under 21 years old, OR
• Drivers whose licence was issued less than 3 years ago

These restrictions include:

• Lower night speed limits: state roads 80 km/h (vs 90), motorways 100 km/h (vs 130)
• Zero alcohol tolerance: BAC limit is 0.0 g/L (vs 0.5 g/L for experienced drivers)
• Power-to-weight restriction: maximum 55 kW/tonne for the first 3 years

The Points System for New Drivers

New licence holders start with 18 points (vs 20 for experienced drivers). The first 3 years are a probationary period — offences during this time can result in faster point loss. If you reach 0 points, your licence is revoked and you must re-take both exams.

Elderly Drivers

There is no maximum age for holding a Patente B. However, renewal intervals shorten as you age (see our Patente B renewal guide), and the medical visit becomes more thorough.

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