Who can be an accompanying driver for accompanied driving?

MIT allows up to three designated accompanying drivers. They need a valid Category B or higher licence, the required years of experience and no recent suspensions under the official rules.

Requirements

For accompanied driving at age 17, you may designate up to three people. MIT requires them to be no older than 60 and to hold a valid licence of at least Category B, with no suspension in the past five years. An Italian licence must have been held for at least ten years; a recognised EU/EEA licence, for at least five. The office lists the approved names on the authorisation.

An accompanying driver must not have a suspension recorded in the specified period, and cannot continue in the role if their licence is revoked or suspended while the authorisation is valid. If they turn 60 before the authorisation expires, its end date may be brought forward to their birthday. Always check the wording on the document.

How to designate them

Name the accompanying drivers when the authorisation is issued, after the preparatory course. Submit the list required by MIT with the attendance certificate and lesson logbook. Check names, licence numbers and categories, and issue dates: an error may mean the accompanying driver is not recognised during a traffic check.

If you want to replace or add someone, do not write the new name by hand. MIT requires a request for a duplicate or update to the authorisation, with the applicable payments and attachments. Ask the UMC how to submit the change and wait for the new authorisation before driving with someone who is not yet listed.

Their role during practice

The accompanying driver must be named on the authorisation and sit in the required position. They need to watch the road and give verbal guidance, helping the young driver plan and correct mistakes without taking over. Practice must comply with restrictions on the vehicle and route; accompanied driving does not allow the tutor to hand the car to another driver.

A good accompanying driver agrees on a route in advance, sets a simple goal and chooses traffic conditions that suit the learner. If the young driver is tired or upset, postponing the lesson is safer than insisting. Avoid late or conflicting instructions: clear communication reduces the load while driving.

Check before setting off

Before every drive, check that the authorisation is valid, the person is listed as an accompanying driver, the adult’s licence is valid, and required signs and documents are in the car. If a requirement is no longer met, do not drive until the UMC updates the application.

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