The Italian transport sector – like the wider European industry – is struggling with a severe driver shortage. To make it easier for young people to enter the profession, the government has introduced financial support to help cover the costs of courses and examinations.
The scheme is open to individuals aged 18 to 35 and applies to all licence categories required in road transport: C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE, D1E, as well as the Italian equivalent of the CPC training and exam. Categories A and B are excluded.
Expanded eligibility: foreigners included
In a major change from previous editions, the programme will also be available to non-Italians from 2025, provided they hold a valid residence permit. The decision follows a March 2024 ruling by the Turin court, which found the earlier restriction – limiting support to Italian and EU citizens – to be discriminatory.
There are no income limits, and the subsidy will not be counted as taxable income.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted online through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s dedicated platform: patentiautotrasporto.mit.gov.it/bonuspatente
- Applicants must log in using SPID (Public Digital Identity System), an electronic ID card, or a national service card.
- Once approved, candidates receive a voucher that can be used at accredited driving schools and training centres. The voucher must be activated within 60 days, and the training must be completed within 18 months.
Budget and limitations
For 2025, €4.7 million has been allocated, with an additional €2.5 million set aside by the government as a supplementary budget. From 2026, the scheme will be supported by an annual fund of €5.4 million.
However, funding is limited. Previous rounds of the scheme have shown that the available resources can be exhausted within hours of applications opening. Candidates are therefore advised to apply quickly.
Industry stakeholders also warn that financial incentives alone cannot solve the sector’s problems. With reports suggesting that ten hauliers go out of business every day in France, the shortage of professional drivers remains an urgent challenge across Europe.
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