Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

I always felt in Italy that I could see my taxes coming back in the form of public services, from public transport to libraries, shops & facilities in rural communities, healthcare, etc. That has not been my experience since returning to the UK, sadly.

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

There is quite a bit of waste in the public services here with jobs duplicated and some folks doing nothing. Something between Italy and the UK might be a good balance for both countries.

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Let's put it this way, Italy has started to look like a tolerable place to live given the mess we've got ourselves into - and only because of that.

Coming back to the original topic, I'm probably going to apply for a new one when I (eventually) move back to Blighty. I guess I can always use my certificate of entitlement issued by DVLA to prove I don't need another driving test. (Who knows? Maybe I'll become a hazard on the road and drive like a maniac after years of living away from civilisation.)

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Does anyone, please, have a link to the Italian text of the recent (Dec22?) Uk-Italy agreement on licence conversion or Italian implementation instructions of same. I ask because the only Agencia in this district has no information on the subject (and believes, in any case, that all licence swaps are "bloccato").
p.s. I couldn't agree more with daniel_t; the Motorizzazione Civil is to be avoided at all costs!

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

https://www.mit.gov.it/conversione-patente-estera (Italy's equivalent to our Department for Transport - in Italian)

Edit: https://www.mit.gov.it/normativa/cir...0-del-22032023 (Directive 2023/9570)

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/a...without-a-test (press release)

Some of my former British colleagues were born outside the UK to English parents. Guess what? They were required to produce proof of their theory test taken in the UK when swapping their driving licence.

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Thank you Daniel, what I was hoping for - although disappointed that the documents point you to the Motorizz... no mention anywhere of agencies!

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Hi jiminalpago, I suspect those people you've met were as informed as the post office staff in Milan on SPID. Just to make sure, did you try the privately run ACI (motorists' association) or Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile (local office of the Ministry of Transport)? If all else fails, maybe you can try the British embassy in Rome?

A side note on how I managed to get my SPID (digital identity verification) for free with Poste Italiane. Those clueless staff turned me away even though I had an Italian biometric ID card, and they said the SPID was only available to Italian nationals. Being a proud Brit, I said thank you with a smile and left the post office - while silently cursing their stupidity with any swear word I know. When I went home, I set up an account on Poste Italiane's website, downloaded their SPID app, and applied for my SPID using my biometric ID card on the NFC reader of my smartphone. Goodness know how these civil servants got their job - definitely not a first-world system.

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Hi Daniel. I've met the type of "Servant" you describe but, thankfully, since we moved from Venice into the foothills, not often . In fact, even the post office visit is pleasant - apart from those days when someone is involved in a procedure involving assers, money, etc to be moved to or recovered from l'estero, a procedure that would be more appropriate to a lawyer's office. That said, the Motorizzazione is an experience to be avoided.
I've tried district ACI and wasn't impressed by the service. I use an Agencia and have been satisfied; I have the impression that the mestiere is a favoured second career for Carabinieri - the personnel, there is usually an Arma calender. My nearest agency probably sees few Brits. And I'm going to pass the docs to them.
I converted my licence about 5 years ago, using the official route; being told White was black by Motoriz despite showing them what wss written on their website; having all the extras cancelled by the medic:
"Your reaction times."
"Too slow?"
"No, but inconsistent; some are quicker than others."
My current concern is my wife, who has continued to use her UK licence; a problem has been that at every roadblock the following dialogue ensues:
"Ah, English!"
"No the address is in Scotland."
"Scotland is so beautiful! I would love to go to Scotland" and so on until they forget why they pulled her over.
She comes away with the firm impression that the UK licence passes muster.
p.s. I hope you went back to the Post Office to rub their noses in your SPID: It's your duty as a foreigner.

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Hi, just converted mine. Simple really. Download the form, fill it in, pay the online fees and print the proof of payment. Go to a driving school to get the medical done (took 15 mins and cost €25) Book an appointment at your local Italian dvla. Give them the form, two copies of your GB licence, medical cert and then wait for the email. Mine took a month to arrive. They take your GB licence when you collect the Italian one (that’s part of the agreement). The Arezzo dvla office were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Thanks for that input, Martin, it's encouraging to hear. By "dvla" I assume you mean Motorizzazione Civile? And would you have a link to the application form, please?

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

HI, I do, just couldn’t remember the name. The link to the form is below…

https://www.ilportaledellautomobilis...rvice=download

I think it will work. Let me know how it goes

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

It works, Martin, many thanks

Longest form I've ever seen!
Jim

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

Lol, I think there are just two pages you’ll need. One to say it a conversion and the other to record your payments. Good luck

Re: Converting UK driving licence
 

My offer to fill a gap in the local Agencia's knowledge was treated with suspicion ( reinforcing my opinion on the link to L'Arma).
Perhaps they just don't want the hastle