Accompanied driving from 17 (GA)
At 17 years old behind the wheel, with an adult alongside
What can you drive?
Motor vehicles whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3500 kg and designed and constructed for the transport of no more than eight persons in addition to the driver.
The "Guida Accompagnata" (Accompanied Driving) is not a true licence, but rather a driving authorisation for minors over 17 years of age who hold an A1 or B1 licence, with a supervising driver beside them. It can be obtained after completing a programme of compulsory hours at the driving school: below you'll find how it works.
How much does it cost and what to bring?
Required documents:
- A1 or B1 driving licence
- Driving licence for accompanying persons (maximum 3)
- Residence permit (non-EU citizens)
Rates:
The mandatory 10-hour driving program with the driving school, plus the authorization procedures.
- Registration
- € 350,00
- 60' driving lesson
- € 60,00
- Driving permit application for driving lessons with the driving school.
- Application for the Accompanied Driving authorisation.
- «GA» mark
The path, step by step
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1
How it works
In order to be able to do the "Accompanied Driving" you will have to complete a COMPULSORY programme at the driving school lasting at least 10 hours of driving, which includes:
- Use of the vehicle (1 hour)
- Behaviour in traffic (3 hours)
- Night driving (2 hours)
- Driving on extra-urban roads (2 hours)
- Driving on motorways or extra-urban roads (2 hours)
Upon completion of the required certified driving hours, the driving school can ask the Motor Vehicle Department (Motorizzazione) to issue the relevant driving authorisation, which automatically expires when the candidate turns eighteen. To obtain it, the names of 3 supervising drivers must be given; they may sit beside the candidate during practice in their own vehicle. No other person not named in the authorisation may sit beside the candidate. Supervising drivers must not be over 60 years of age and must have held a driving licence for at least 10 years.
The vehicle used for "Accompanied Driving" must have the characteristics set out in Article 177 of the Highway Code (motor vehicles with a specific power, referred to the unladen weight, greater than 75 kW/t. In the case of category M1 vehicles, for the purposes of the previous sentence, a further maximum power limit of 105 kW applies) and must display the "GA" sign.
Vehicles used for the practical test
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an "Accompanied Driving" license without going to a driving school?
NO, you must complete at least 10 mandatory hours at a driving school with a qualified and authorized instructor. After that, you can drive without a driving school.
I don't have an A1 or B1 license. Can I take the theory test at 17 and drive until I'm 18?
To drive accompanied, you must already have an A1 or B1 license. Therefore, you cannot take the theory test for a B license before turning 18.
Once the names of the companions have been communicated, is it possible to change them?
Yes, it is possible to replace one or more authorized companions by requesting a duplicate authorization from the DMV, noting the new names.
Once I turn 18, can I continue driving while waiting to get my permit for a category B driving license?
NO, Accompanied Driving automatically ceases upon reaching the age of eighteen. A permit must be requested to obtain a category B license.
Is it possible to carry passengers?
NO, with a GA permit, you cannot carry any passengers. You can only travel with a companion.
Can you drive all cars?
NO, during the GA you are subject to the restrictions imposed by art. 117 of the Highway Code: you cannot drive motor vehicles with a power output greater than 105 kW or a specific power output relative to the tare greater than 75 kW/t.
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