Starting from July 2024, important changes have been introduced in the exams to obtain a B license. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has revisited the theory quizzes, introducing significant changes to improve the comprehensibility and accessibility of the questions. These changes, although temporary, are part of the reforms envisaged by the new Highway Code 2024. In this guide, we will examine in detail the changes in force and how these will affect the theoretical exam for
the B license.
New rules for the B license from July 2024
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), with circular no. 19281 of July 5, 2024, introduced new quizzes for the B license theory exam, extending the changes also to category licenses A1, A2, A, B1, B with code 96 and BE. The changes are aimed at making the questions clearer and more accessible for all candidates.
In particular, new applications must:
- Be formulated in a clear and understandable way for all candidates, to ensure equitable access to obtaining a driving license.
- Avoid complex technicalities and bureaucratic terms, encouraging a simple and direct language, also useful for those with specific learning disorders (DSA).
- Get straight to the point, with precise and immediate answers.
These changes are the result of a collaboration between MIT and the Department of Communication and Social Research of the Sapienza University of Rome (CORIS).
How does the B driving license theory exam work in 2024
The theoretical exam for the B license includes a quiz of 30 questions answered ‘true’ or ‘false’. Candidates have a maximum time of 20 minutes to complete the test and can make up to 3 mistakes. Since July 2024, the test has been structured according to the new communication criteria established by MIT, with the aim of overcoming the linguistic problems encountered in the past and of adapting the questions
to the new regulations.
Other driving license news in 2024
In addition to the clearer and more direct quizzes, the approval of the new Highway Code will introduce further changes for obtaining a B license:
- Pink sheet: it will no longer be issued only after passing the theoretical quiz, but will require a minimum number of guides on the highway, on suburban roads and under night vision conditions.
- Automatic speed limiter: from July 2024, every new car model marketed in Europe must be equipped with an automatic speed limiter, as established by the EU Commission.
- Questions about electric scooters: the new Code will include specific questions about this means of transport, requiring the obligation to wear a helmet for all drivers, not just minors.
- Bicycle certification zone: questions will be introduced related to this new roadway configuration, reserved for cyclists waiting for traffic lights, with specific stop lines.
Changes for new drivers in 2024
The new Highway Code 2024 also provides for changes for new drivers, who will not be able to drive vehicles with a specific power greater than 75 kW/t and with a maximum power of 105 kW, compared to the current limits of 55 kW/t and 70 kW.
When do the new features come into effect
The changes for obtaining a B license will come into force with the operation of the new Highway Code 2024. The text was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 27 March 2024 and is currently being examined by the Senate. The changes will become effective once the text is published in the Official Gazette after the final approval of the Parliament
.
In the meantime, the changes to the B license quizzes have already been operational since the publication of circular no. 19281 of July 5, 2024.
Conclusion
The changes introduced for the B license in 2024 represent an important step towards a clearer and more accessible examination system, in line with new road safety requirements. It is crucial that candidates prepare properly, taking into account the new rules and changes in place
.