Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he (a) has had and (b) plans to have with the Italian government on allowing UK residents living in Italy to drive under their existing licence without having to take a test and exchange their licence.

The Government is committed to establishing reciprocal arrangements with Italy that facilitate private motoring with a minimum amount of bureaucracy. UK photocard licence holders do not need to carry an additional International Driving Permit (IDP) when visiting Italy, nor any EU Member State.

Department for Transport officials continue to negotiate exchange arrangements for UK licence holders resident in Italy and vice versa as a matter of priority. I will ensure that GOV.UK pages are updated as soon as future arrangements are finalised (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-uk-licence-holders-living-in-the-eu#italy).

Whilst discussions are ongoing, UK licence holders can continue to use their UK licence until 31 December 2021, or for 12 months from becoming a resident in Italy, whichever is later.