Everyday motoring
May a novice driver use a powerful car with an accompanying driver?
Only if the person beside them meets the legal instructor requirements: no older than 65 and licensed for the category for ten years or more.
During the first three years after obtaining category B under the current regime, the power restrictions do not apply if a qualified instructor sits beside the driver. That person must be no older than 65 and hold a valid licence for the same category for at least ten years, or a valid licence for a higher category. A relative or friend does not qualify merely because they have held a licence for a long time.
The exception has specific requirements
For category B obtained on or after 14 December 2024, Article 117 sets a three-year restriction: 75 kW/t and, for M1 vehicles, a maximum of 105 kW. The restriction does not apply when an instructor sits next to the driver and meets the statutory requirements: the instructor must be no older than 65 and hold a valid licence for the same category obtained at least ten years earlier, or a valid licence for a higher category.
The word “accompanying driver” can be misleading. Being a parent, car owner or experienced driver does not by itself make someone an instructor for this exception. For example, a 66-year-old does not meet the age condition; a 40-year-old who has held category B for eight years does not meet the ten-year condition unless they hold a valid higher-category licence.
Check the vehicle and documents before setting off
Make sure the instructor’s licence is valid, covers the right category and meets the experience requirement. The car must also have valid insurance, inspection and documents. If the case involves several licence categories, a conversion or a restriction, ask the Motor Vehicle Office how it applies. The exception concerns the novice-driver power limits; it does not remove other duties or permit an unlicensed person to drive.
For a licence obtained before 14 December 2024, the earlier one-year regime applied, with different vehicle limits. Do not mix dates and thresholds from separate legal periods. Without a qualified instructor beside the driver, use only a car that is allowed under the applicable regime and check its plate through the official service. If in doubt, wait until the vehicle’s eligibility is confirmed.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale can help you study novice-driver rules by chapter, practise exam quizzes and review your mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family member act as the instructor?
Only if they meet every legal condition: no older than 65 and a valid licence for the same category for at least ten years, or a valid licence for a higher category. The family relationship is not enough.
May the instructor be over 65?
No. Article 117 sets an age limit of 65 for this exception. The licence must also be valid and meet the required experience.