Is Driving In Italy A Safe Choice?

For a foreigner, driving in Italy can be daunting, but it is safe if you are prepared and follow the local driving laws.

Even though taking the train between major cities is more convenient, hiring a car is occasionally the best choice. For instance, a car may be required if you wish to tour smaller towns in Sicily, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast. A car may be a more economical choice if you are going in a group.

The best way to rent a car in Italy is online. The pricing will be lower and the possibilities are a lot. Before choosing the car you wish to hire, be sure to read the fine print. Less expensive is not always a good choice. In Italy, many vehicles are still manual (use stick shift). You must make it clear if you require an automatic vehicle. A good rental car company will also provide auto insurance in case of any issues.

You must have a valid international drivers license in order to drive in Italy. This application is available on the AAA website. The permit is valid for a year.

Having a GPS in your car is always a smart move in Italy. Particularly in Tuscany, there is poor phone reception on many of the country roads. With a GPS that can provide you with directions without an internet connection, you are safer. Italy's roadways are not numbered according to North, South, East, or West, but rather according to city directions. For instance, on roadways from Rome to Florence, the word "Firenze" will be shown with an arrow in place of the word "North."

Before you start driving, make sure you are familiar with the traffic signs. A road does not guarantee that your car will always have access to it; certain roads only allow a certain type of vehicle or just pedestrians. 

You should also familiarize yourself with a few Italian words. "Destra" means right, "Sinistra" means left, and "Uscita" means exit, for instance.

Developing bravery is the most crucial aspect of driving in Italy. In comparison to other countries, Italians are renowned for being aggressive drivers. They drive quickly, change lanes frequently, and scooters zoom by all the automobiles. To someone who is not from Italy, this may appear chaotic, but this is how people drive. Italians expect you to drive like them, and it is safe and legal. In fact, driving defensively often puts you and other drivers more in danger than driving the Italian way.