Many Bangladeshis arrive in Italy with a driving licence from home. It is important to know that Bangladesh is not among the countries with which Italy has a conversion agreement. The list updated in July 2026 includes, among non-EU states, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Morocco, Tunisia, Ukraine, Brazil and Japan, for example — but not Bangladesh.
What this means
- With a Bangladeshi licence, together with an international driving permit or an official translation, you can drive in Italy for a limited period.
- One year after registering your residence, the foreign licence is no longer valid for driving in Italy.
- To keep driving you must obtain an Italian licence, passing the theory test and the practical exam.
How to prepare
You can enrol in a driving school or sit the exams privately at the Motor Vehicle Office. The theory test is taken on a computer with true/false questions. Many driving schools in cities with large Bangladeshi communities offer lessons with instructors who speak Bengali or English, but the exam must be taken in one of the permitted languages.
Be careful
Driving with a licence that is no longer valid counts as driving without a licence: very high fines, vehicle seizure and insurance problems in case of an accident. For riders and drivers, an Italian licence is often a condition of employment.
