Convert or Retake the Exam? Foreign Licenses in Italy

Moving to Italy comes with many new experiences—and one big question: “Can I keep driving with my license from back home, or do I need to take the Italian exam?” 

The answer depends entirely on the country your license comes from. Some English-speaking countries have agreements with Italy, making conversion possible. For others, you’ll need to retake the theory and practical exams.

1. English-Speaking Countries with Conversion Agreements

Italy has signed bilateral conversion pacts with a very small number of countries. Among English-speaking nations, the most relevant is:

• United Kingdom (UK) → Post-Brexit, special agreements allow certain categories of British licenses to be converted into Italian ones, provided they were issued before specific cut-off dates (check with the Motorizzazione Civile).

👉 If you are British and meet the criteria, you can exchange your license for an Italian Patente without taking new exams.

2. English-Speaking Countries Without Conversion Agreements

Most other English-speaking countries do not have conversion deals with Italy. This means if you’re from:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia 
• New Zealand 
• South Africa 
• Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or other Anglophone African nations 
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other South Asian English-speaking countries 

…you must go through the full Italian driving process, which includes passing both the theory and practical exams.

3. Documents Required for Conversion (UK and eligible cases)

For those who can apply for conversion:

• Valid foreign license (unexpired)
• Certified translation into Italian
• Medical certificate
• Codice fiscale
• Permesso di soggiorno (residence permit)
• Passport photos

4. If You Need to Retake the Exam

If your license isn’t convertible, don’t worry. Many immigrants successfully obtain their Italian Patente A-B. You’ll need to:

• Pass the theory exam (in Italian, but preparation materials are available in English through Scuola Video LMS).
• Pass the practical driving exam on Italian roads.

5. How Scuola Video LMS Helps English-Speaking Immigrants

We know that language can be the biggest barrier. That’s why Scuola Video offers: 

• 3D animated video lessons in English 
• Theory + quiz PDFs to study step by step 
• Quiz simulations so you practice like the real test

👉 Perfect for Americans, Canadians, Australians, and others who must retake the exam in Italy.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Thinking an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a permanent solution. (It’s only valid short-term). 
• Allowing your residence permit to expire while trying to convert or register. 
• Forgetting to register your address with the Motorizzazione Civile.

✅ Quick Summary: 

• UK drivers → Some can convert, depending on issuance date.
• USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Nigeria → Must retake exams.
• Scuola Video LMS → Multilingual courses make passing easier.