Does anyone have experience driving in Rome, Italy?

Question

Is driving in Rome, Italy doable for a person living in Los Angeles, or is it best not to risk it. I have heard that it is best to avoid it and take public transport because of the crazy Italian drivers.

Answer 1

I live in Rome and would suggest that you did not drive.

It would take a de-training period of a few weeks to lower your driving and ethical standards to what is generally accepted here.

Italians don't seem to find laws and rules agreeable with their constitution.

I'm am still quite confused as to why one has to pass any sort of drivers test to be able to drive here!

Stop streets are at best 'give way'.

Lines are sometimes painted on the road, and where they are they are usually faded beyond recognition.

Lanes are at best guidelines.

Scooters are above and beyond any law or comprehensibility, not even pavements fall short of their prowess.

Helmets are usually worn back to front and supposed to look cool and show that you disrespect the recent helmet law - but to outsiders this practice looks like said driver is handicapped.

Following distances on highways is generally 0.05 seconds.

Indicators are standard in Italian cars - although I'm not sure why they install them.

Police, gaurdia di finanza and carabinieri consider themselves above all state laws, traffic or otherwise.

Showing courtesy while driving is considered a weakness.

Have fun, but don't think too long or hard about the whys and ifs of Italian culture, they are barely European.

The old saying "Africa ends at the Alps" is very true.

Add.

I can't wait for all the thumbs downs, but before you hit thumbs down button prove me wrong!

Answer 2

I recommend you take public transportation. You'll be able to enjoy the sites without unnecessary stress.  It's not that Italians drive crazy (although it may appear that way). It's more like they don't drive like people from Los Angeles.

Answer 3

I have driven in Italy and in Rome. To do so you must learn to drive with both feet. Gas pedal all the way to the floor and brake at the ready to stop instantly. This is very difficult to learn since the cars are not automatic and you must keep your other foot ready for the clutch.

You also need two hands to drive One hand (preferably the right) must be firmly pressed on the horn button at all times while the other hand must be extended out the window signalling your contempt for all other drivers within sight of you.

In other words ride transit you will enjoy your vacation much more calmly.

Answer 4

I was in Italy last month and the people driving over there were crazy and I don't know how they do it! Especially in Rome.. It's way different driving over there.. so I would advise taking public transportation.. or maybe you can practice driving outside of Rome, where there is less traffic.. but in Rome, not only will you have to watch out for drivers but also pedestrians!

Answer 5

yes I have lived and driven in Italy and Rome quite a bit. If you are naturally an aggressive driver than you will fair well. If you are not then stay out of the way - don't drive. To sum it up -- imagine driving in a major U.S. city and all the drivers drive like cab drivers. In Naples it was even worse. I remember driving behind the commuter train on the rails on the side of the expressway at least once a week to bypass traffic. But I liked especially driving on the sidewalks and never stopping for traffic signals during rush hour.

Answer 6

I have driven in many cities in the world, including Tokyo, New York City, Paris, and other cities where the driving is not for the faint of heart.

There are two cities in which I absolutely refuse to drive, Rome and Naples.

I recommend taking public transportation in Rome.

Answer 7

Italian traffic is a nightmare, and the parking is even worse.  You are better off taking public transportation.  If you do use public transportation just make you sure to look out for children who pickpocket they are everywhere and they are very good.