Driving in Italy
Driving in Europe is very different from driving in the United States. While most laws are similar, roads are typically smaller, traffic patterns differ and there are far more motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Road speeds are also faster on the Autostrada, the Italian equivalent of the interstate, than most places in the U.S. Read below to learn about the steps necessary to get a license if you or your sponsor are assigned to Vicenza.
If you are not assigned to Caserma Ederle or a post in Europe, you will want to have an international license to drive in Italy. Be aware also that the SETAF license is valid ONLY in NATO countries (this does not include Switzerland or Austria). Also, the rules can vary based on official or unofficial travel and whether you are civilian or military. Read more about International driving. Although some countries will accept your SETAF license or even a U.S. license, you are strongly encouraged to get an international driving permit (IDPs). IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the U.S.
Driver’s Licenses
1. Drivers Orientation: All newly-assigned personnel and dependents who wish to drive must complete a mandatory driver’s orientation course. The two-and-a-half hour course provides an overview of driving laws in Italy, traffic patterns and how they differ from other locations, precautions to take, what to do in case of an accident, DUI laws and more. The Orientation Course is held in the Central Processing Facility and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The course is Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 pm to 4:30.
2. Driver’s Test: The test is a written exam covering traffic laws and signs. It’s highly recommended that you study for the driving exam. You can download the Drivers Testing Manual to get a head start.
Driving exams are held at set times in the Central Processing Facility, and are first-come, first-served, although first-time testers have priority over those who are retaking the exam after failing. You can contact the Driver’s Testing office for testing times or you can find out at the Driver’s Orientation Course.
3. Documents
For a SETAF license, you must:
- Bring a signed form 190-2a issued at the Driver’s Orientation Course
- Bring your valid U.S. drivers license (learner’s permits are not valid)
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Pass the written exam. This does not apply to those transferring from another European command.
Obtaining a Motorcycle Endorsement
1. You must first have a valid stateside or country motorcycle endorsement on your license. You will need to present this endorsement to DTS personnel. Learner’s permits are not valid.
2. You must adhere to the following age requirements:
a. A1 Up to 50 cc, 18 years or older
b. A2 Up to 250 cc, 18 years or older
c. A3 350 cc and above, 21 years or older
To obtain a motorcycle endorsement to a U.S. Armed Forces in Italy certificate of license or be issued a motorcycle certificate of license, military and civilian personnel and their family members must have a motorcycle license or endorsement issued by civil authorities of a country or by a U.S. State or territory of the United States and a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training card. Personnel with expired MSF training cards must complete the MSF course again in order to qualify for a motorcycle endorsement. The location of the training is immaterial to the issuance. Any MSF card presented to meet this requirement must be legible, unaltered in appearance, and its validity is subject to verification. An endorsement or license will only be valid for three years after the completion date of the MSF course. Therefore, an MSF course must be completed every 3 years to operate and register a motorcycle. Speak with the Driver’s Testing center for more details on MSF locations and requirements.
Government TMP license
For a TMP license, you will need a signed memo from your supervisor or commander stating that you need a government license for your job. This is not for tactical vehicles, only for government-owned cars and vans. Use a USASETAF Form 109-2 LINK FORM for the commander’s memo. You will also need proof that you have passed the Accident Avoidance Course within the last four years.
For a TMP license, you will need a signed memo (Form 190-2a) from your supervisor or commander stating that you need a government license for your job.
The course is located at the Army Learning Management System. To access it:
1. Log on with your AKO credentials.
2. Type “traffic” in the Catalog Search space and click “Go”.
3. Click “Register” for the course and the system requirements sections and follow the procedures to begin your training.
4. Click “Launch Content”.
5. Click “Army POV 1-3".
Operating Military Vehicles
A SETAF POV driver’s license or a civilian POV driver’s license is not valid for the operation of a military vehicle, either Tactical or Non-Tactical (NTV). Standard Form 46 (SF 46) or Optional Form 346 (OE 346) is required to operate a military vehicle and must be validated for each type of military vehicle one is authorized to operate. To operate an IFMS vehicle, operators must possess either SETAF POV license or Host Nation driving permit.
Speed limits for Military vehicles may be different than those for a POV. Speed limits for military sedans on the Autostrada is 74 MPH and in cities 31 MPH. The speed for all vehicles (POV) on the Autostrada is 130 kph and 50 kph in cities and communities.
Other Courses Provided
1. Remedial Drivers Training (First Thursday of every month), 1:30-3:30
In conjunction with the PMO, the DTS provides a Remedial Drivers Course for those personnel who have accumulate 5 or more points in traffic violations in a 12 month period, have been recommended by their commander/supervisor to attend, or for any other traffic violation as determined by the Military Police or Local authorities. The ID card of personnel who are required to attend Remedial Drivers Training will be flagged in IACS - stating "Contact law enforcement". When arriving at the PMO, the Desk SGT will check the ID card and provide a memorandum that the customer is ordered to attend the next RDT session. Personnel will attend Remedial Drivers Training and retake the written Drivers Test. DTS will record the passing score and sign/stamp the memorandum. Personnel must report back to the PMO to be removed them from the RDT list and date of completion recorded.
NOTE: Failure to attend the session will result in suspense of the license pending a passing RDT course.
2. Bus Drivers Course (3 Courses every fiscal Year 40 hours)
3. Forklift Training (Individual Request)
4. Master Driver Orientation (once per fiscal year 5 hours )
5. Intermediate, Supervisor, Advanced Drivers Training (ATSTP)
Other forms and information
5. National Guards ODT Rotations
6. Army Safety Training Program
7. POV Risk Management Tool Box
Driving in other European countries
See the U.S. Army Europe Drivers Training Program website for information about driving in Germany and the Benelux.
Mission
The Driver’s Testing Office’s Mission is to provide driving instruction, techniques and license control to the US and NATO forces assigned within, SETAF US Army Africa AOR. Work and Partnership with USAG Vicenza Safety Office and IMCOM Europe in a the common goal to boost awareness in the operation of vehicles (POV & NTV) and Motorcycles. Maintain administrative and clerical support of all driving records. Test and evaluate all newly arrived, remedial, and re-entry drivers of their knowledge and understanding to area regulations and the Italian Road Code. Provide customer service in relation to license issue, renewal, and replacement IAW applicable regulations and the Italian Law.