The driving school market | Italy

1.1 Definition and presentation

The first version of a “rules of the road” code of conduct dates back to 1898 in Milan. The code mentioned a primitive version of a driving license, defined as "concession" and issued by a special municipal commission after preliminary checks on the applicant, about his psychophysical and technical management of the vehicle. Three years later in 1901 an official national regulation was established, with mentions on the obligation to pass specific tests and consequently obtain a license. 

From 1901 until today the normative has undoubtedly undergone a number of transformations, although the conceptual and functional meaning of a license, whatever its form or name, remains. A driving license was and is indeed aimed at assuring the ability to drive a specific vehicle. In Italy the preparation for the driving examinations can be done individually or through a driving school. Driving schools therefore provide a specialized training and education, both theoretical and practical, in view of the driving test.

A number of forces are believed to play a role into shaping the current and potential developments in the industry. The business is expected to leverage from the great majority of aspirant drivers in Italy who choose to prepare through driving schools or the increasing number of owned vehicles on the territory. On the other hand, the small size of the players and the progressive changing perception of owning a vehicle, are variables which could counterbalance those potential positive effects.