So, if you are looking for images, text or videos about stereotypical "italian driving", you are on the wrong page-wrong website and may as well move on. On the other hand, if you one of the countless number of tourists who are planning to visit italy and are considering renting a car, well... then read on.
The reality is that italian drivers are not any better or worst than any other driver in any other country. Depending on where you are in Italy, traffic or drivers' behaviour may be comparable to what one could find in major metropolis, whether Paris, Amsterdam, Seattle, New York, Montreal or Toronto. I learned how to drive in Italy as a teenager, and drove a Vespa as well as several cars. When in North America, I felt major apprehension driving for the first time in Toronto and Seattle. Not much different from the way a Canadian or American may feel when driving in Italy!
Everywhere, once you are behind the wheels of a moving vehicle you have to be careful, more so depending on traffic and driver's behaviour around you, and even more when you are not familiar with the area you are driving in. If it is of any reassurance, when adjusted for population density, the rate of traffic accidents in Italy, both minor and with fatalities, is comparable to the rate in other countries (Source).
Indeed, in all major cities in Italy vehicular traffic can be chaotic, road signs are frequently ignored, vespas and motorcycles are all over, and one-way streets, together with city center traffic restrictions, may drive a visitor crazy. But, how is that different from driving in Toronto or Los Angeles. However, outside major cities, as long as you are careful, driving will not pose any major challenge but will allow you to explore, at your own pace, the countryside and the myriads of small cities and towns, each with its own art, history and attractions.
Renting a car is fairly straightforward. We suggest you use an online reservation system in advance. We have used AutoEurope and found it to be hassle free, reliable and offering a large number of options where to pick up or drop off a vehicle. Others may be just as good, but we are not familiar with them. Remember: An International Drivers license is required to drive in Italy.
Here are a few tips and suggestions when driving in Italy (and other continental Europe countries)
- Unless you are used to drive in congested areas, avoid renting a car in a major city (e.g. Rome, Florence, Milan, etc.). If you do have to pick up or drop off a vehicle in any of these cities, find a location as close to the periphery as possible. The objective is to be able to leave the city as easily as possible and avoid traffic and congestion.
- Consider pick up/drop off locations either at airports or in small cities which are just a short train ride away from the major cities you intend to visit (or where you may have landed).
- Cars do speed, so be aware and apply basic defensive driving technique (these are basic driving skills taught by most Automobile Association in NA), i.e. be aware of what other drivers around you are doing.
- On highways, stay on the right lane AND don't simply look in front of you, but, AS WELL, use you rear view mirror (i.e. defensive driving)! Fast drivers may come upon you very quickly and may tail gate, while flashing their headlights. This may be unnerving, but it is of no consequence if you stay on the right lane or quickly move back there.
- In Italy, drivers do not necessarily pay attentions to either traffic signs or street lanes markings (they are indeed seen as "suggestions"... :-)). Don't be surprised if you see 4-5 cars beside each other while only two should have been.
About GPS. If you are renting a car, a GPS may be a very useful tool. And we would suggest you consider getting one. However, a GPS is just a tool. Be aware that it may take you for a trip a long way around regardless of the system setting you select (e.g. shortest time, fastest route, etc.). In areas where there are many different classes of roads that intersect (primary, secondary, locals, etc.), navigating can get very confusing and you may find yourself on a route that is not the one you would have selected. If, while you are following gps direction, you are also using a map and looking at signs (plenty of them! ), you will find yourself second guessing the GPS direction and get completely lost.
Whether it is in Rome or Florence or in other city in Italy, most of the major attractions are within walking distance. However, there might be circumstances where you need to take a cab or a public transportation. If you take a cab, make sure that the meter is not already running. Before stepping in, ask how much it would cost to get to your destination (if you are heading back to your hotel, a business card of the hotel with the address will help communication with the driver). Also carry small cash so not to expect change from large bills. By far, most people are honest, but there are always people who try to take advantage of a tourist, no matter where you are traveling. A few years back you could wave a taxi and jump on where that was convenient. That is now frowned upon. You will have to find a taxi stand. Finally, if you tend to worry about the traffic, and the driving style overall, close your eyes.... It will be ok! If you take a bus, and if at all possible, avoid crowded ones....see our #6 suggestion for enjoying Italy....
TIP: If you do have to take a crowded bus, try to wiggle to the back and position yourself with your back to the wall of the bus/subway/light transit. That will help you protect your valuables if you are carrying them along. Remember, the few petty criminals around will identify you as a tourist, hence you could be a target. Why be one?