Getting your licence
Driving school or private candidate: which route should you choose for category B?
Compare administration, support and verifiable costs before choosing how to obtain a category B licence.
A driving school coordinates lessons and paperwork; a private candidate handles more steps independently. The choice depends on your time, the support you want and local quotes.
What actually changes
The main difference is who organises the process. With a driving school, you have one contact for registration, theory lessons, bookings and driving practice; services vary by school and should be confirmed in writing. As a private candidate, you submit your application to the Civil Motorisation Office and handle forms, payments, appointments and preparation yourself. The same legal requirements, tests and medical checks apply either way: choosing one route does not shorten the syllabus or guarantee faster timing.
Compare realistic total costs, not just the registration price. List administrative fees, the medical, any study materials, lessons, compulsory practice, use of the test vehicle and retest fees. Ask what is included, how many lessons, how to make up a missed lesson and whether the school books your tests. As a private candidate, factor in time to understand the procedure and coordinate services with the UMC. Prices and availability vary locally; an undated national average without details would be misleading.
How to assess a driving school
A useful school answers clearly about schedules, instructors, waiting times for lessons and test arrangements. Ask for an itemised quote before signing and check the terms for pausing or transferring your application. Do not rely only on reviews or promotions: the number of lessons you need depends on your driving, and your instructor should explain the goals before recommending extra packages. For a standard category B licence, MIT currently says at least six hours of compulsory instructor-led practice. Decree 294/2025 provides for eight hours under a new scheme linked to ministerial activation of a platform: check with the UMC which rules apply on your learner's permit issue date.
If you choose the private route, check in advance what vehicle the test requires and how the UMC wants to receive the paperwork. You can still buy individual lessons or specific services from a driving school. This hybrid option can suit someone who wants to study independently but needs an instructor for practical driving. Make the decision based on real time available, your ability to handle paperwork and comparable quotes, without assuming either route is always cheaper or easier.
Questions to ask
- Which items are included in the price and which cost extra?
- How are compulsory driving lessons recorded?
- Who books the tests, and what are the current local waiting times?
- How much does it cost to use the school's car for the practical test?
Are you preparing for your driving licence? Study and practise with Quiz Patente Ufficiale: exam-style quizzes, topic explanations and review of your mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start as a private candidate and then switch to a driving school?
You can generally ask a school for services or lessons during the process, but first check transfer arrangements, documents and bookings with both organisations.
Which option is faster?
It depends on test slots, lesson availability and your local UMC's schedule. Ask about recent wait times at your specific office; they are not a guarantee.