Italian category B road test: moving off into traffic

Before moving off into traffic during the Italian B test, check mirrors and blind spots, signal your intention and wait for a gap that will not make others brake or swerve. When reversing or joining traffic, give way to vehicles already moving normally.

Observe before moving the car

The practical test checks vehicle control and your ability to join traffic safely. Before moving, look ahead, behind and to both sides; check for cyclists or motorcyclists nearby and use direct observation to cover blind spots. If you are parked, also identify the space needed to leave without entering another road user's path.

Article 154 requires you to signal an intention to join traffic in good time and ensure the move creates no danger or obstruction. When reversing or joining, give way to vehicles already travelling normally. For example, if a car is approaching from behind and the gap is too small, remain stopped and let it pass; your indicator does not require it to let you in.

Move off smoothly

When there is enough room, begin under control and keep observing traffic while you join. Do not move off abruptly or stop suddenly after starting unless the situation requires it. If a cyclist approaches or a vehicle speeds up, reassess and let the situation become clear.

Lessons with an instructor can include moving off from the kerb, from a parking space and after stopping on a hill. The point is not to wait a fixed number of seconds but to judge the speed and distance of others. After each practice move, ask which checks you completed and whether you missed any road user. Article 154 requires the signal to continue throughout the manoeuvre and stop when the move into traffic is complete.

Use Quiz Patente Ufficiale to review Italian indicators and priority rules.