My licence expires while I wait for the medical commission: may I drive?

Booking a visit with the Local Medical Commission does not by itself extend your licence. In eligible renewal cases, the holder may request and obtain a temporary permit while awaiting the result. The Commission must issue it and may run checks; some visits following alcohol, drug or licence-review orders do not qualify.

A booked visit is not permission to drive

The Portale dell’Automobilista refers to Article 126(8-bis): a licence holder attending a Local Medical Commission visit for renewal may request a temporary driving permit valid until the renewal procedure reaches its outcome. The permit is not automatic just because you have an appointment; it must actually be issued.

Issuing it is subject to checks for measures associated with the licence. The portal specifically excludes visits to the CML that directly follow a Prefect’s order concerning drink-driving or driving after using substances, because these visits review fitness rather than renew ordinary validity. Drivers awaiting checks following a licence review are also excluded.

Confirm that your visit is for renewal

Contact the Commission handling your case and ask whether you may apply for the temporary permit and which checks apply. Distinguish a medical review to confirm validity at expiry from an assessment ordered as part of a review or a Prefect’s measure. Until the permit is issued, do not assume the appointment allows you to drive after the licence expires.

For example, a person attending a CML renewal visit may request the permit if the conditions are met and the checks are satisfied. Someone examined after an alcohol- or substance-related order cannot treat it as an ordinary renewal. Follow the Commission’s notice and keep any issued permit with the required documents.

Study and review Italian rules on licence validity with theory quizzes in Quiz Patente Ufficiale.