What is the Foglio Rosa? A Clear Guide for Expats
In simple terms: what is the Foglio Rosa?
The Foglio Rosa (meaning "pink sheet") is the Italian version of a driving learner’s permit. You receive it after you pass 'la teoria' (the written theoretical exam) for your driving licence. It is a long, narrow sheet of flimsy pink paper that gives you the right to practice driving before you officially obtain your license (patente).
It is delicate, easily ripped or damaged, so I recommend protecting it. Although it is long enough not to conveniently fit in a standard wallet, I was assured that it is fine to fold it for a more secure fit.
How long does the Foglio Rosa last?
For patente B, the Foglio Rosa is normally valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. During these 12 months, you must complete 6 hours of training with an autoscuola. After which you may take 'la pratica' which is the actual driving exam.
How long after la teoria until you get the foglio rosa?
This will depend on whether you work with an autoscuola or directly through motorizzazione. Since I paid a lot of money to an autoscuola, I received my foglio rosa the day after passing la teoria. According to signs I saw posted at motorizzazione, those that did not go through an autoscuola could pick up their foglio rosa TEN DAYS after passing the italian written drivers license exam.
What happens if you lose the foglio rosa?
The best piece of advice I can give anyone acclimating in Italy is... always ask. The internet knows nothing, and things are done differently from place to place. According to the internet, if you lose the foglio rosa you must file a police report, then take the police report to il motorizzazione with un bollo, and request a replacement.
So when I lost mine (I know...) I dutifully went to the local carabinieri to file a report. Only, I couldn't, because I needed to give them the number on the foglio rosa, which I didn't have. It was a Sunday, so my autoscuola was closed. On Monday when I spoke to the autoscuola to request the number, they let me know that they could reprint it without the report or bollo. Is that technically what they were supposed to do? No. Did it save me a lot of hassle to do it their way? Hell yeah... always ask.
Can you drive alone with the Foglio Rosa?
For patente B, the general rule is no, you cannot drive completely alone. You must be accompanied by:
- a qualified driving instructor, or
- another driver that has had their licence for a minimum of 10 years and is under 60 years old.
The car must also show the letter “P” (for “principiante” – beginner) clearly displayed and adhering to size and format requirements. These conditions exist to protect you and other road users while you are still learning.
How the Foglio Rosa fits into the whole patente process
The big picture for patente B usually looks like this:
- Medical certificate and documents.
- Application to Motorizzazione (directly or via an autoscuola).
- Theory exam – 30 true/false questions, 20 minutes, maximum 3 mistakes allowed.
- When you pass the theory exam, you receive the Foglio Rosa.
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With the Foglio Rosa you do:
- driving lessons with an autoscuola, and
- extra practice with an accompanying driver.
- Practical exam – up to three attempts within 12 months.
- If you pass, you receive your patente (driving licence).
Want structured help preparing for the theory part?
The Foglio Rosa only comes after you pass the theory exam. If you’re still at the theory stage and feeling overwhelmed by thousands of questions, my Teoria Study System is designed specifically for English speakers in Italy.
It helps you:
- Understand the Italian questions even if your Italian isn’t perfect yet,
- Use spaced repetition and memory markers to actually remember the answers,
- Study in a focused way so you’re ready for exam day.