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Italy Driving Theory Test (Patente B) 2026

Practise for the Italian theory test (esame di teoria) for a category B car licence (patente B). The real test has 30 true-or-false statements, you have 20 minutes, and you pass with no more than 3 mistakes. These original questions in English, mostly with four options, cover Italian licensing rules, speed limits, alcohol, points and the road rules and signs shared across continental Europe.

  • Driving
  • Italy
  • 250 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Italian car theory test (esame di teoria, patente B) has 30 questions. Pass mark: No more than 3 wrong answers out of 30 true/false statements (at least 27 correct). Time limit: 20 minutes. It is run by Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), through its motor vehicle offices (Motorizzazione). Minimum age: 18 for a category B licence (16 for category B1). Practise here for free with 250 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Italy Patente B Theory Test Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How many questions are in the Italian theory test for a category B licence (esame di teoria)?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 30

    Since December 2021 the theory test for categories A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE has 30 questions instead of 40.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How long do you have to answer the Italian theory test for a category B licence?
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    Answer: B. 20 minutes

    You have 20 minutes for the 30 questions. Before December 2021 the time was 30 minutes.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    What is the most mistakes you can make and still pass the Italian theory test?
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    Answer: B. 3

    You pass if you have no more than 3 wrong answers out of 30.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How do you answer each item in the official Italian theory test?
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    Answer: D. You mark a statement as true (vero) or false (falso)

    The official question list for the B licence is made of statements, each marked VERO (true) or FALSO (false).

  5. Question 5 of 25

    True or false: in the Italian theory test you can make 4 mistakes and still pass.
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    Answer: A. False

    False. Since December 2021 the limit is 3 wrong answers out of 30; the old limit of 4 applied to the 40-question test.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    After you apply for a licence, how long do you have to pass the theory test?
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    Answer: C. 6 months

    The theory test must be passed within six months of the application.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    How many tries at the theory test do you get within the time allowed after applying?
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    Answer: B. 2

    The Highway Code allows no more than two attempts at the theory test within the six-month window.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    If you fail a driving licence exam in Italy, how long must you wait before the next attempt?
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    Answer: B. At least one month

    At least one month must pass between a failed exam and the next attempt.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Who conducts driving licence exams in Italy?
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    Answer: B. Examiners employed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

    Exams are run by examiners who work for the Ministry, through its motor vehicle offices (Motorizzazione).

  10. Question 10 of 25

    True or false: every item in the official question list for the Italian B licence is a statement to be judged true or false.
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    Answer: B. True

    True. The official B list from the Ministry is made of statements with the answer VERO or FALSO.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    What is the Italian learner's permit usually called?
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    Answer: D. Foglio rosa

    The authorisation to practise driving (autorizzazione per esercitarsi alla guida) is known as the foglio rosa, or pink sheet.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    How long is a foglio rosa (learner's permit) valid?
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    Answer: A. 12 months

    Every foglio rosa issued since 10 November 2021 is valid for 12 months.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    How many times can you take the practical driving test while your foglio rosa is valid?
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    Answer: D. Up to 3 times

    Within the 12-month validity of the foglio rosa you can sit the practical test up to three times.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What is the earliest you can take the practical driving test after receiving your foglio rosa?
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    Answer: A. One month after it is issued

    The practical test cannot be taken until one month after the learner's authorisation is issued.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    A learner practises in a private car with a family member. What is the maximum age of the person sitting beside the learner?
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    Answer: D. 65

    The person supervising a learner must be 65 or under and hold a valid licence for the same category.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    For how long must the person supervising a learner have held their licence?
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    Answer: A. At least 10 years

    The supervisor must have held a licence for the same category for at least ten years, or hold a licence for a higher category.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which sign must a private car display when a learner practises in it?
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    Answer: A. A sign with the letter P

    Practice and exam vehicles must show a sign with the letter P (for prova). Driving school cars say scuola guida instead.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    Before a category B learner may practise with a private supervisor, what must they complete at a driving school?
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    Answer: D. Lessons on motorways or main roads outside towns and at night

    A B learner may practise privately only after driving school lessons on motorways or extra-urban roads and in darkness, and must carry the school's certificate.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a category B car licence in Italy?
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    Answer: D. 18

    You must be 18 to get a category A2 or B licence.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    At what age can you get a category B1 licence (for light quadricycles) in Italy?
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    Answer: B. 16

    Category B1 requires a minimum age of 16; category B requires 18.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What does code 78 on an Italian driving licence mean?
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    Answer: D. You may drive only cars with automatic transmission

    Code 78 limits the holder to vehicles with automatic transmission.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    When did the current Italian Highway Code come into force?
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    Answer: B. 1 January 1993

    The Codice della strada, approved in 1992, came into force on 1 January 1993.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    For how long do the special limits for new drivers (neopatentati) apply in Italy?
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    Answer: A. 3 years after getting a category B licence

    The new-driver limits apply for the first 3 years after you obtain a category B licence.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What is the maximum speed on a motorway (autostrada) for a driver in the first 3 years of a B licence?
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    Answer: B. 100 km/h

    New drivers must not go faster than 100 km/h on motorways, even where the general limit is 130 km/h.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    What is the maximum speed for a new driver on a main road outside towns (strada extraurbana principale)?
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    Answer: A. 90 km/h

    In the first 3 years, new drivers are limited to 90 km/h on strade extraurbane principali.

What to know before the test

  • Since 20 December 2021 the theory test for a B licence has 30 questions instead of 40. You have 20 minutes and may make no more than 3 mistakes.
  • Each item in the official question list is a statement that you mark true (vero) or false (falso). Our practice uses mostly four-option questions on the same rules, plus some true-or-false items.
  • You must pass the theory test within 6 months of applying, with no more than 2 attempts in that time. After a failed exam you must wait at least one month.
  • Passing the theory test gives you the learner's permit (foglio rosa). It is valid for 12 months, and you can take the practical test up to 3 times in that period.
  • The practical test cannot be taken until one month after the foglio rosa is issued.
  • You must be 18 for a category B licence. Every licence starts with 20 points.
  • For 3 years after getting a B licence, new drivers may not exceed 100 km/h on motorways or 90 km/h on main roads outside towns, and must have zero alcohol.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Italian theory test true or false?

Yes. The real test shows 30 statements and you mark each one true (vero) or false (falso). Our practice questions mostly have four options, which tests the same rules and makes you think harder about each one.

How many mistakes can I make in the Italian theory test?

No more than 3 out of 30, so you need at least 27 correct answers. Our mock exam uses the same rule: 30 questions, 20 minutes, 27 correct to pass.

Can I take the Italian theory test in English?

The official pages we checked do not list which languages are offered. Ask your driving school or the local Motorizzazione office before you book.

How long is the foglio rosa valid?

Twelve months. Within that time you can take the practical driving test up to three times. If it runs out, you must start again with a new application.

What happens if I fail the theory test?

You must wait at least one month before trying again. You have two attempts within six months of your application.

What are the rules for new drivers in Italy?

For the first 3 years you may not exceed 100 km/h on motorways or 90 km/h on main roads outside towns, you must have zero alcohol, and you may only drive cars up to 75 kW per tonne and 105 kW.

Sources

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