Renewing your licence
Renewing a category C or D driving licence: how often?
The validity of a category C or D licence depends on the full category, your age and medical circumstances. Check the printed expiry date and confirm the rules with the MIT.
Categories C1, C1E, C and CE must be renewed every 5 years until age 65, then every 2 years; categories D1, D1E, D and DE every 5 years until 70, every 3 years until 80, then every 2 years. Check the date on your licence.
Check each entitlement separately
Your licence may list several categories, each with its own validity period. For C1, C, D1 or D, check the relevant line and do not assume that the expiry date for category B also applies to heavy vehicles or passenger transport. Read any codes and restrictions together with the date.
Categories C1, C1E, C and CE must be renewed every 5 years until age 65 and every 2 years thereafter. Categories D1, D1E, D and DE must be renewed every 5 years until age 70, every 3 years until 80 and every 2 years thereafter. After age 65, category C licences require assessment by the Local Medical Commission (CML). For category D, professional bus driving after age 60 requires a specific annual certificate from the Commission and ends at age 68. Medical restrictions may change the expiry date: check the date printed on your licence.
Arrange the assessment and certificates
Book in advance and specify the full category, such as C or D and any extensions. Ask whether an authorised doctor can carry out the assessment or whether you need to attend the Local Medical Commission, particularly if you have a medical condition, previous restrictions or an order.
Bring your driving licence, valid ID, tax code and anything else requested by the provider. For additional checks, follow the CML’s list rather than a generic list from another province. The assessment may confirm fitness to drive, impose restrictions or require further investigation; outcomes and timescales vary from person to person.
Do not confuse your licence with a professional qualification
If you drive for work, check the validity of your driving licence and any professional qualifications, such as the CQC, separately. Renewing one does not automatically update the other. Check each document with the relevant service, note its expiry date and start the process in good time.
After a successful assessment, the doctor submits the result and issues the receipt required for the licence. The MIT says the receipt permits driving in Italy until the new card arrives. Before carrying out professional work, also check that no separate expiry date or restriction prevents you from doing so.
To revise the theory behind driving licence categories, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapters, practice tests and a review of your mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Do category C and D licences expire at the same time?
Not necessarily. Check the dates for each category on the card and the MIT rules for age and entitlement; extensions and medical circumstances can affect validity.
Does renewing my driving licence also renew my CQC?
No. They are separate qualifications with their own procedures and expiry dates. Check the CQC’s validity with the MIT or the Portale dell’Automobilista as well as your driving licence.