I think the most important thing to start with- Italians are not joking around on the roads. Especially on the freeways. You do NOT go into the fast lane, without #1- actually driving fast and #2, actually looking over your shoulder as well as in the mirrors twice. Three times would be better. Cars will come up on you without you even realizing it and whiz by you. The first time this happens, you're probably going to be shocked, or think it's a police chase. Maybe it's a rocket ship? Do not, for your safety and others and the road, do not enter the fast lane without checking if it's clear to merge over...three times. From there, you can use that lane to pass the other cars and then move right back over to the slow lane in the right. It's not like America, people don't dilly dally on the freeway and enjoy whatever lane they want. Freeways and roads are used for getting places.
The lines in the street are a suggestion, not a rule. People will drive in the middle of both lanes, they will cut over the middle line while going on a curve and they absolutely will tailgate you without giving it much thought. This is just another day in Italy. I don't even know if there is a word for "tailgate" in Italian, because they all do it hahah! It's not really a big deal. It won't be just cars doing it, but also semis- also normal. If you're really bothered by it, time to pull over, let the person pass and continue on your day. Especially if you're following directions with a navigator and trying to figure the roads out, no need for that extra pressure. I’m saying this from experience, after just driving around for 5 days.
Italians have the need for speed, but you’re also going to encounter that sweet little nonno, that is out for a Sunday ride. Be cautious of tractors, vespas and bikers while driving. Lots of people enjoying cycling in the countryside and it’s best if you just let them lead the way if you don’t know the street well, only pass when you are able to.
I advise everyone to drive with their lights on, even during the day. There are many many tunnels throughout Italy when driving and it’s best just to play it safe to have those on. If you ignored my first rule and you’re camping in the fast lane and someone drives up behind you, they will simply flash their lights at you, for you to get over. I find this very considerate and very smart. This gets your attention in the mirrors and you simply get over for them to pass you. I’ve done this to someone in the states, not thinking much of it, I didn’t get one bird when I passed them, but two birds. If ya know what I mean. Yikes.
Now lets talk about one of my favorite things about driving in Italy! I love roundabouts. I don't love them in the states, because (most) Americans don't really know how to go through them. So people stop or have to go around again. It kills me. Stop signs are the biggest waste of time, so roundabouts are such a smart use of the roads to keep the flow of traffic going. Learn how to use them and love them, because they are great!
We might as well bring up the subject of parking, which is one of my least favorite things in Italy. They do NOT mess around with extra space. What we would consider being blocked in, they make it a normal parking space. It's normal to have inches within your car and another, at least when you're in a city it is. Which means they are ridiculously skilled and that they probably tapped your car backing into that spot. Normal? Normal.
Whatever else can I be forgetting? I’ll be sure to add more tips, but questions are certainly welcome! Fun fact: I learned how to drive stick in Italy, that’s a story worth telling over a glass of wine. Grazie Cecilia for your patience and laughter…when I stalled in a round about. Four times.