Whether you live in Italy or are just visiting, driving here is often a necessity, especially if you find yourself in areas with stripped-to-the-bone public transport and just the occasional bus passing by once every hour. 

But from tailgating, speeding, and dangerous overtaking, there are some common behaviours on Italian roads that foreign nationals often find hard to adjust to.

That’s why we asked our readers in a recent survey to share some of their best insider tips on how to successfully cope with typically Italian driving habits.

We received answers from all corners of the country, from Piedmont to Tuscany to Umbria, with dozens of international residents offering their hard-won advice and personal experiences.

Keep your eyes peeled

Many readers pointed out the importance of being exceptionally alert and observant at all times.

“Watch out for everyone, walking across the road, on any sort of bike and cars and lorries,” warned Linda White in Sanremo, Liguria.

“All can come from any direction, so don’t drive too fast but with eyes open and stay fully alert!”

READ ALSO: What’s the craziest thing about driving on Italian roads?

Ian Nettle, in Spello, Umbria, advised drivers to be “even more attentive than normal” and to ensure the have “no distractions in the car”, while another reader said: “Never take your eyes off the road, even for a second!”

Jacqueline Gallagher, living in Modena, Emilia Romagna, also emphasised the need to “keep eyes and ears open at all times”.

Coping with die-hard tailgaters

Another issue that came up over and over again was tailgating.

The overwhelming advice from readers was to concentrate on the road ahead and avoid panicking.

“Don’t let yourself be pressured when they tailgate you. Pull over and let them pass if they’re being really difficult,” said Celia White in Certaldo, Tuscany.

But other respondents had different tips for dealing with inveterate tailgaters.  

Michael Robinson, in Tuscany, advised drivers dealing with high-speed tailgating to “turn on the hazard lights to warn them that you will not give in to this behaviour which can best be described as bullying”.

Adam in Faenza, Emilia Romagna, had a more left-field solution: “[The] best and easy thing to do is clean your windshield and then the spray goes onto theirs, if first time doesn’t work go for it a second time and they get the hint that way.”

‘Go with the flow’

Some of our readers pointed to the importance of accepting things just as they are as opposed to losing your cool over questionable moves from fellow motorists. 

“Go with the flow and don’t be intimidated. But stay defensive and aware of the immediate driving environment,” reader John Gayley advised.

READ ALSO: Reader question: Can I drive a friend or relative’s car in Italy?

Julie Maguire in Lucca, Tuscany, had similar advice, saying: “Don’t get angry. You are not going to change Italian driving habits so go with the flow. Remember these are people descended from Roman chariot drivers!”

And an anonymous reader in Milan said: “Relax, accept things, and enjoy as much as possible… or join in on the fun of the madness!”

‘Treat it like a dance’

Readers also said adaptability, and specifically being able to adjust to unexpected events on the road, was essential when driving in Italy.

Shane, living in Tuscany, advised motorists to treat driving ‘like a dance’. 

He said: “Everyone just adjusts to whatever happens. If someone takes the lead they just adjust and roll. If no one is taking the lead they’ll adjust if you decide to do it yourself.”

From a dancing-related metaphor to a musical one, an anonymous reader compared driving in Italy to “playing an instrument in an orchestra”. 

They said: “When approaching a busy intersection with cars merging from all directions, I try to feel the flow of the traffic, and interject myself in harmony with everyone else. 

“This method of giving to others when it’s their turn, and driving with authority and confidence when it’s my turn makes the entire driving experience fulfilling and less stressful”.