A new treaty has been presented to Parliament which will see major driving licence changes for motorists living in the UK and in Europe.
The new agreement between the UK and Italy will see the mutual recognition of driving licences for the purpose of exchange.
It states that each party should mutually recognise, for the purpose of exchange, full, non-provisional and valid driving licences that have been issued by the Competent Authorities of the other party.
Under the new rules, the UK will now recognise, for the purpose of exchange, all expired driving licences issued by Competent Authorities of the Italian Republic.
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Drivers are being urged to check to see if they will be affected by the rules
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Holders of driving licences who acquire residence in the territory of the other country may exchange their licences without having to take theoretical or practical tests.
The new treaty states that the exchange of driving licences shall be carried out in accordance with the treaty, including the Annexes.
If someone holds a UK licence, they may only exchange their licence if they have been a resident in Italy for less than six years at the time of application for exchange.
Holders of an Italian licence may exchange their licence without taking theoretical or practical tests if they are a resident in the UK regardless of when they acquired residence.
There are certain exceptions, however. If someone applying for an exchange has a medical condition, the nation could require evaluation based on their domestic legislation.
The treaty states: “The procedures laid down in this Agreement for the exchange of driving licenses shall also apply if the holder cannot surrender the original licence because it is lost or stolen.
“In such a circumstance, the exchanging Party shall request information from the Party that issued the lost or stolen licence whose exchange is requested.”
The GOV.UK website outlines that motorists can use a UK photocard driving licence to travel in Italy, although some changes may need to be made.
If someone still has a paper driving licence, they may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the International Driving Permit (IDP).
Old guidance outlined how if a UK citizen was a resident in Italy before January 1, 2023, they can use their valid UK licence until December 31, 2023.
If they became a resident in Italy on or after January 1, 2023, they can use their valid UK licence for one year from the date they became a resident.
The new treaty announces that the agreement shall enter force 30 days after the UK and Italy notify each other through diplomatic channels that it has been confirmed.
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Some drivers may be required to get an International Driving Permit
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The agreement will be valid for five years from entry into force and shall be automatically extended for further periods of five years.
Both the UK and Italy will enter into consultations to review the agreement one year prior to each extension.
