Patente B Medical Requirements Italy (2026)

Before you can sit the Patente B theory exam in Italy, you need a medical certificate — the certificato medico — confirming you are fit to drive. This guide explains exactly what that involves.

The Standard Medical Visit (Visita Medica)

For most applicants, the medical is a straightforward appointment at a licensed medical centre or your GP who is authorised to issue driving certificates. It takes around 10–15 minutes and covers:

• Vision test — minimum acuity 10/10 combined (corrected), 5/10 in the weaker eye; colour vision checked
• Blood pressure and heart rate
• Neurological reflexes
• General fitness declaration

Cost: approximately €50–80 at a private Centro di Medicina Legale or ASL (public health authority, lower cost but requires booking).

The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must submit it when you register for the theory exam.

Vision Requirements in Detail

Check	Minimum standard
Combined visual acuity	10/10 (with or without correction)
Weaker eye alone	≥ 5/10
Binocular vision	Required
Visual field	≥ 120° horizontal
Colour vision	No total colour blindness (daltonism may be acceptable)

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them during the exam and the restriction will be noted on your licence.

Who Needs Specialist Clearance?

Some applicants must get additional sign-off from a specialist before the standard medical examiner will issue the certificate:

• Diabetes (insulin-dependent) → endocrinologist or diabetologist
• Epilepsy or seizure history → neurologist (typically requires 2-year seizure-free period)
• Cardiovascular disease → cardiologist
• Psychiatric diagnosis → psychiatrist
• Hearing impairment → audiologist (hearing aids allowed; certain thresholds required)

If you have any of the above conditions, start this process early — specialist appointments in Italy can take 4–8 weeks.

Where to Get the Medical Certificate

1. ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) — local public health office; cheapest option (~€10–20) but slower booking
2. Patronati (ACLI, INCA, CAF) — can often refer you to authorised doctors and help with paperwork
3. Private Centri di Guida Sicura — faster, €50–80, same-day appointments usually available
4. Your GP — if they hold the authorisation (abilitazione) to issue driving medical certificates

How Driving Freedom Helps

The Driving Freedom app gives you 7,400 theory questions with spaced repetition and timed mock exams — exactly the preparation you need while you wait for your medical appointment.

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