AFTER eight years of bilateral negotiations, the Philippines and Italy have officially signed an updated driver’s license conversion protocol, easing the requirements for thousands of Filipinos residing in the European nation, and Italians in the Philippines.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Rome, the updated agreement applies to Philippine driver’s license models issued between 2017 and 2023.
Filipinos who have resided in Italy for less than six years may automatically convert their valid driver’s license to an Italian equivalent without taking theoretical or practical driving examinations.
Automatic conversion for Filipino immigrants or workers who have lived in the country for more than six years does not apply. They can only convert their drivers’ license after passing a practical driving test to verify their technical fitness in accordance with Italian legislation. They will have six months from the time the agreement takes effect to apply for the conversion.
‘After this 180-day window closes, the standard six-year rule applies with no exception,’ the Embassy said in its advisory.
Philippine Ambassador to Rome Neal Imperial and Nicoletta Bombardiere, director general for Sub-Saharan Afria, Latin America, Asia and Oceania at the Italian Foreign Ministry and International Cooperation signed the new protocol.
The protocol amends the core framework originally established under the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding on the Automatic Exchange of Driver’s Licenses.
The 2006 MOU ‘remains valid and in force.’ However, the Italian side paused automatic conversion pending the signing and entry into force of the Protocol, as there were driver’s license models from both sides and certain provisions that ‘needed to be reflected and updated in the agreement.’
Once internal procedures and ratifications are completed by both nations, the protocol will officially enter into force 60 days following mutual notification through diplomatic notes.
‘This conversion protocol will benefit an estimated 2,000 Filipino drivers in Italy, especially those who depend on driving for their livelihood and those who drive across EU borders,’ Ambassador Imperial said.
The Filipino community is one of Italy’s largest migrant communities.
Technical discussions between the Philippine Embassy and Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport remain ongoing to expand coverage to license models issued from 2024 onward, Imperial added.