Licence codes: how to read a glasses requirement

Harmonised code 01 indicates a vision correction or protection requirement. Follow the specific prescription recorded on the back of your licence, based on the medical assessment.

Code 01 does not specify one single aid

A vision-related code may appear in the harmonised-code field on the back of your Italian licence. Group 01 covers vision correction and protection; its subcode specifies which aid is required. For example, the prescription may refer to glasses, contact lenses or an allowed combination of the two. Seeing “01” alone is not enough to choose what to wear freely: read the complete code and its description.

The requirement follows an assessment of the visual standards for driving. If the examination requires glasses, driving without them may breach the condition on your licence even if you feel that you can see well. If you normally wear contact lenses, check whether the subcode allows that option; do not assume that any lens can replace glasses where the entry is specific. The code records an administrative driving condition, not a diagnosis or a judgement about your eyesight outside driving.

If the code is unclear or your needs change

Check the line on the back of your licence, keep the medical documentation and ask the certifying doctor or UMC to clarify an unreadable or unfamiliar subcode. If your vision changes or the prescription no longer suits you, seek a new medical assessment and, if needed, an official document update rather than ignoring the entry. At renewal, the doctor checks your requirements again and may confirm or change the conditions.

For example, if your licence requires vision correction and your glasses break during a trip, do not continue as if the condition were optional: stop safely and resume only when you can comply. You do not need to memorise every harmonised code to understand your case; you need to read the one actually assigned to you. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review B theory with chapters, quizzes, explanations and error review, but it cannot interpret medical prescriptions or replace a doctor's advice.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale supports B theory review with chapters, quizzes, explanations and error review; check vision codes on your document and with your doctor.