Driving licence renewal: how it works and where to get your medical

Renewal requires a medical assessment. Category B licences are renewed every 10 years until age 50, then every 5, 3 and finally 2 years; categories C and D follow different schedules. After a successful assessment, the receipt is valid in Italy until the new licence card arrives.

Book an assessment that suits your circumstances

Renewal is not completed simply by paying an administrative fee: confirmation depends on an assessment of your fitness to drive the category you hold. You can see an authorised doctor, for example at a driving school, an agency or a healthcare facility that offers the service. Confirm the list of providers and arrangements with the location you choose.

If you have medical conditions, restrictions or previous medical orders, first ask whether a standard assessment is enough or whether you need to go through the Local Medical Commission (CML). The doctor or CML may request up-to-date clinical documents; do not prepare a standard file copied from someone else, as tests and certificates depend on your individual circumstances.

After a successful assessment

The doctor submits confirmation of validity electronically and gives you a receipt. According to the MIT, the receipt allows you to drive only in Italy and only until you receive your new licence. Carry it with any other required documents: it is not an international driving permit and should not be treated as valid abroad.

The updated licence card is produced and delivered to the address provided in the application. Check that the address is correct and track delivery. If delivery is unsuccessful, follow the postal service or Motorizzazione instructions; do not drive beyond the period covered by the receipt. The final expiry date is the one printed on the new document.

Check the expiry date and category

For categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE, renewal is every 10 years until age 50, every 5 years until 70, every 3 years until 80 and every 2 years after that. For C1, C1E, C and CE, it is every 5 years until 65 and every 2 years thereafter; for D1, D1E, D and DE, every 5 years until 70, every 3 years until 80 and every 2 years thereafter. Medical restrictions may set an earlier expiry date: always check the date printed on your licence. If it has already expired, booking an assessment alone does not authorise you to drive.

To avoid delays, book in advance and ask the provider which payments, photographs or certificates you need. If your assessment is with a CML and your licence expires before the appointment, the MIT says you may be able to request a temporary permit from that Commission in the cases provided for; you must request and obtain it, as it is not automatic.

To revise the rules and road signs while you arrange the renewal, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapter-by-chapter study, practice tests and a review of your mistakes.