The practical exam — what the examiner wants, and what they ask
Last updated: · ✓ Checked against its sources
The vehicle requirement below is verified against MIT. Most of what follows about the exam’s structure comes from driving-instruction sources — the ministry does not publish a minute-by-minute breakdown. Last verified: 15 August 2026.
Theory passed, foglio rosa in hand — now the practical exam. Here is a realistic picture of what happens, so the day itself is not unfamiliar.
The vehicle requirement — this part is official
“Veicolo della categoria B capace di sviluppare almeno 100 km/h e dotato di doppi comandi”
A category B vehicle capable of at least 100 km/h, fitted with dual controls (doppi comandi). If you take the exam through an autoscuola, they provide the car.
What to bring on the day
Worth repeating, because it is where things most often go wrong: the documents you submitted with your application have to come with you in original on the day of the exam too. Full list: Documents you need for the Patente B
How the exam is structured — what is usually reported
⚠️ The structure below is drawn from driving-instruction sources and from how autoscuole describe it. The ministry’s own publications do not contain this breakdown. In practice it varies somewhat by examiner and by region. Ask your own autoscuola about the local practice.
Stage 1: a few questions about the car
Before you set off, or just as you get in, the examiner will usually ask about the dashboard controls (lights, wipers) and two or three practical questions about looking after the car — tyres, brakes, the engine. These are about real use, not textbook theory.
Stage 2: the compulsory manoeuvre
The examiner may pick any one of the following:
- Reversing in a straight line or around a curve (marcia indietro)
- Parking (parallel or angled)
- Turning the car around using reverse
Small steering corrections are normal. Large, uncontrolled movements or repeated corrections can create a problem.
Stage 3: driving on ordinary roads
This part covers different kinds of road — inside town, outside town, possibly a main road or motorway. The examiner is watching for:
- Obeying the rules (speed limits, signs, right of way)
- Caution in risky situations
- Gear use and control of the car
- Mirror use and awareness of what is around you
A serious breach — failing to give way, ignoring a signal — can fail you on its own.
The Italian instructions you will hear
The examiner gives instructions in Italian. Knowing these in advance helps a great deal:
| Italian | What it means |
|---|---|
| Vada dritto | Go straight on |
| Giri a destra / a sinistra | Turn right / left |
| Si accosti | Pull over (bring the car to the side of the road and stop) |
| Si fermi qui | Stop here |
| Faccia retromarcia | Reverse |
| Acceleri / Rallenti | Speed up / slow down |
| Frenare | Brake |
| Attenzione | Careful |
Recognising these immediately removes a lot of hesitation on the day — taking a moment to understand the instruction is often what makes people nervous, not the driving itself.
One last thing
I am still studying for the theory exam myself and have not reached the practical, so I cannot tell you from my own experience how the day goes. Where the structure above comes from is stated at the top, and the most reliable information will come from your own autoscuola — they see this exam every day.
Knowing the road signs in advance helps in both exams: Italian road signs explained
Sources
- MIT — Conseguimento patente B (the vehicle requirement)
For the exam’s structure, these were consulted — they are not official sources, they are driving-instruction guides: Sicurauto.it — esame patente B, prova pratica, Portale Patente — esame pratico