Driving in Italy as a United Kingdom National
Italy offers thrilling drives along the Amalfi Coast and through Tuscany, but ZTL restricted zones, aggressive city driving, and complex parking make it challenging for visitors.
Key Things to Know First
Italy requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United Kingdom before departure.
How to get an IDPUnited Kingdom drives on the left, but Italy drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Italy uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Italy | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in Italy
Speed limits in Italy are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Italy
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Italy. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Italy before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Italy
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Italy Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Italy.
Read the complete guide