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How many driving-school hours are needed before accompanied driving at 17?
The Italian scheme requires at least ten practical hours at a driving school, including motorway or extra-urban and night-driving modules.
Before starting accompanied driving at 17 in Italy, a young driver must complete at least ten hours of practical instruction at a driving school with a qualified instructor. The programme includes at least four hours on motorways or extra-urban roads and two hours in night-visibility conditions. Only after the course and authorisation may the young driver practise with an eligible accompanying driver.
The ten hours follow a defined programme
The course for accompanied driving is not just any ten hours of practice. The dedicated ministerial decree requires at least ten hours of actual driving at a driving school with a qualified instructor. The programme spreads practice across vehicle handling and different road settings, including at least four hours on motorways or extra-urban roads and at least two hours in night-visibility conditions.
The driving school and Motor Vehicle Office document the hours under the applicable process. Ask the school which modules have been completed and what evidence is needed to receive the authorisation. The minimum number of hours does not guarantee that a learner is ready: the instructor assesses progress and may recommend more practice, always within the rules.
Do not confuse two different routes
The ten-hour course is for a 17-year-old who already holds A1 or B1 and wants to practise in a car. The regular category B route is separate from accompanied driving at 17 and follows its own rules. Check which conditions and certificates apply to your authorisation; do not transfer hours from one programme to the other. The title, purpose and certification are different; do not transfer hours from one scheme to the other.
After completing the accompanied-driving course, the minor may practise only once the Motor Vehicle Office has issued the authorisation and only with an accompanying driver who meets the requirements. If you have attended lessons for another purpose, ask whether any can be recognised before counting them. Do not start driving based on an incomplete certificate or proof that an appointment has been booked.
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Frequently asked questions
Are four extra-urban hours and two night hours added on top of ten?
No. They are part of the minimum ten-hour accompanied-driving course. Ask the driving school how each activity is recorded.
Do the ten hours also apply to an adult obtaining category B?
No. Accompanied driving at 17 and the regular category B route are different programmes with their own conditions and certificates. Check which ones apply to your authorisation.