ROME –  Britain and Italy have reached an agreement for British driving license holders in Italy to exchange them for Italian driving licenses, signaling the end to a thorny headache caused by Brexit, British Ambassador Lord Llewellyn said.

 Under the deal Uk driving license holders resident in Italy will be able to continue to drive in Italy until the end of 2023 pending formal promulgation of the agreement.

  "I am delighted to announce that, after intensive work between London and Rome over many months, an agreement has been reached with the Italian authorities which will enable a UK driving licence to be exchanged for an Italian one for UK licence holders living in Italy without having to take any exam, either written or practical," the ambassador said. "This is great news for British citizens and UK licence holders living in Italy."

"This has been a complex negotiation. The agreement we have reached is the result of very close cooperation with our Italian colleagues, reflecting the close ties between our countries. I would like to thank the Italian Government, as well as my colleagues in London and at the British Embassy in Rome, for all they have done to deliver this agreement."

"We are now working hard with the Italian Government to bring the agreement into effect as quickly as possible after ratification on both sides. In the meantime, we are making arrangements with the Italian authorities to ensure that UK licences will continue to be recognised beyond 31 December 2022 for a further 12 months."

 jp