Can I drive any car as a new driver?
No: stricter limits apply in the first years. With the new Highway Code, the new-driver period was extended from 1 to 3 years from getting the B licence. In this period there are vehicle-power limits (you can't drive cars too powerful for their weight), blood alcohol must be zero (absolute tolerance), and speed limits are reduced: 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main rural roads. Also, point deductions for offences are doubled. These limits aim to cut the risk for those with less driving experience. Always check the specific power of the car you want to drive against the set limits.
📋 The rules
- New-driver period extended to 3 years (new Code)
- Vehicle-power limits (power-to-weight ratio)
- Zero blood alcohol (absolute tolerance)
- Reduced speed: 100 km/h motorway, 90 rural
- Doubled point deductions for offences
🔓 Exceptions
- The power limit doesn't apply if the new driver is accompanied by a suitable adult (where provided)
- Vehicles adapted for people with disabilities: own rules
- The reduced speed limits apply throughout the new-driver period
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving a car over the allowed power limits, or exceeding the reduced speed limits, entails sanctions specific to new drivers, harsher than usual. Driving with any blood-alcohol level (even minimal) is sanctioned, as tolerance for new drivers is zero, with fines, point deduction (doubled) and suspension. Since points lost are doubled, it's easier to hit zero and a licence re-test. To avoid risk, choose a suitable car for the power limits, don't drink before driving and strictly respect the speed limits for new drivers.
📎 Official sources
- MIT · New Highway Code (new drivers) →
- Normattiva · Highway Code (new drivers, art. 117) →
- State Police · Road safety and young people →
❓ Frequently asked
How long does the new-driver period last?
With the new Highway Code it was extended from 1 to 3 years from getting the B licence. During this period the vehicle-power limits, zero blood alcohol, reduced speed limits and doubled point deductions apply.
What car can a new driver drive?
A car meeting the power limits, i.e. with a power-to-weight ratio within the set thresholds: you can't drive cars too powerful for their weight. Check the vehicle's specific power in the logbook before driving it in the first 3 years from the licence.
Can I drink anything as a new driver?
No. For new drivers (and under-21s and professional drivers) the allowed blood-alcohol level is zero: any alcohol detected triggers the sanctions. The safest rule is to drink absolutely nothing if you have to drive in the first years from the licence.
What speed limits do I have as a new driver?
The limits are reduced compared to other drivers: 100 km/h on motorways (instead of 130) and 90 km/h on main rural roads (instead of 110). These limits apply throughout the new-driver period, regardless of the vehicle's power.
Is it true points are lost double?
Yes. For new drivers, during the initial period, point deductions for offences are doubled. This means it's easier to hit zero points, with the duty to take a licence re-test. It's one more reason to drive carefully.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “new-driver limits 3 years”
- “new drivers car power”
- “zero blood alcohol new drivers”
- “new-driver speed 100 90”
- “doubled points new drivers”
- “new highway code new drivers”