New driver: can an experienced accompanying driver change the power limit?

During practice, Article 117 provides an exception to new-driver power limits if a supervising driver sits next to the learner, is no older than 65 and has held a valid licence for the same category for at least ten years or holds a higher category. Check every condition.

The exception has specific requirements

Article 117 of the Italian Highway Code states that new-driver vehicle-power limits do not apply during practice if a person acting as instructor sits alongside the driver, is no older than 65, and holds a valid licence for the same category for at least ten years or a higher category. It is not enough for the accompanying person to be an adult or to have informal driving experience.

Check the person’s age and licence, and make sure one of the alternatives specified by law applies. They must sit alongside you in the role of instructor during the practice. This exception is tied to practice; it is not general permission to use a car outside the limits without conditions. If you are not practising or the accompanying person does not meet the requirements, the ordinary vehicle restrictions for the new driver apply.

Do not confuse it with accompanied driving

The power exception does not replace the learner-permit requirements, practice conditions or insurance obligations. Confirm that the accompanying person is permitted for that type of practice, the vehicle is insured for your use and all conditions are met. If someone else owns the car, also check the policy terms.

For example, having a parent with many years of driving experience beside you is not enough if the parent exceeds the age limit or lacks the required licence; likewise, an eligible supervisor does not turn an ordinary journey into a practice session. Carry the documents and ask the driving school or UMC if your circumstances are unusual. Checking whether the vehicle is within the ordinary limits is still useful for driving without a supervisor and after practice ends. Keep the requirements for the vehicle, licence and insurance separate.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers theory chapters, exam quizzes, mistake review and statistics to help you review new-driver limits. Check the exception’s requirements and the accompanying driver’s eligibility in the law.