How to Drive While Vacationing in Italy

The best way to see the loveliness of Italy is by car. Driving and exploring will allow you to get lost in the beauty of the country. A sense of humor is definitely required since driving it Italy can be confusing if you've never done it before.

Things You'll Need

• Phone number for your rental car agency
• Insurance
• Maps of Italy
• International driver's permit
• Italian phrase book
• Gas money
• Driver's license

Instructions

1. Apply for an International Driver's Permit (IDP) at any American Automobile Association (AAA) branch. Check the local phone book to find the AAA closest to you. To get your permit, you must be at least 18 and have two 2-by-2-inch photos, your driver's license, the fee and your AAA application. You must have an IDP to drive in Italy.

2. Rent a car. Your travel agent can help you find a good deal, or you can book your own car at a rental car company website. See the Additional Resources section for more details.

3. Know what kind of gas your car takes. Most rental cars either take benzina (unleaded) or gasolio (diesel). If you go to a full-service station, be sure to tell the attendant what type of gas to use.

4. Familiarize yourself with the Italian highway system. The Autostrada (autostrade) roads are tolled interstates that usually run north and south. Follow the green signs when looking for an Autostrada. Strade Comunali are local roads, and Strade Statali are state roads.

5. Know how to read traffic signs. Italy follows the Geneva Convention and uses international road signs. "Uscita" means exit. "Entrata" means entrance. "Divieto di" means prohibited. Use your Italian phrase book to translate other signs.

6. Know what to do if your car breaks down. Move your car to the right side of the road. Foreign motorists can call 803 116 for breakdown service. You also need to contact your car rental agency.

Tips & Warnings

• Gas stations on the autostrade are open 24 hours, but gas stations on regular roads usually close during the day for a few hours.

• Most gas stations in Italy are closed on Sunday.

• Use the left lane for passing on the autostrade. If a car comes up behind you with flashing lights, that's your signal to move over.

• Be sure to ask you local insurance agent if you need to purchase special insurance from the rental car agency.

• Keep your low-beam lights on while traveling on motorways and four-lane highways.

• You may park on the right-hand side of the road everywhere outside cities except on an autostrade, at crossroads and in places where visibility is reduced.

• Not all gas stations take credit cards. Always have cash handy.