Italy's Maximum Driving Age: 75 with Mandatory Medical Checks

Italy does not set an absolute maximum driving age, but imposes strict medical renewal requirements after age 70 that effectively limit most drivers.

License Renewal Rules by Age

Medical Commission

Exams conducted by Commissione Medica Locale (CML)—public health doctors. Assess: vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, cognitive, medication effects. Can impose restrictions (daylight only, radius limit, automatic transmission, no highway).

Practical Effect

• Many voluntarily stop driving in late 70s due to exam difficulty/cost
• No "age 75 cutoff"—a fit 85-year-old can drive with annual certification
• Doctors can revoke immediately if unsafe; appeal possible

European Context

EU Directive 2006/126 harmonizes medical standards but allows national age thresholds. Italy's are among the strictest. Spain: 10-year renewals until 65, then 5 years. Germany: no age limit, but mandatory fitness-to-drive checks if reported.

Tourists

Foreign licenses valid per Vienna Convention. EU licenses: same rules as Italians. Non-EU: IDP recommended; check rental age limits (often 75 max).