Ever wanted to drive a bus? For anyone aged 18-35 gearing up to get their lorry or bus driver’s licence, there’s a new government subsidy called bonus patente. Applications are now open.
The new bonus patente initiative is a voucher-based subsidy aimed at anyone under the age of 35 taking lessons and exams to obtain one of the higher driving licence categories (C, D and CQC/FQN, i.e. the so-called driver qualification card). As much as 80% of the costs incurred to obtain a professional driving licence (Carta di Qualificazione del Conducente or CQC for short) can be reimbursed – up to a maximum EUR 2,500. Candidates wishing to apply must be at least 18 years old and meet all the legal requirements for driving motor vehicles.
Apply through the government portal
As South Tyrol Mobility Minister Alfreider explains, the application process opened on 13 February 2023 on the official portal of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. In addition to measures introduced by the South Tyrol government and the benefits recently agreed upon with a number of trade unions, this financial support could create yet another incentive to take up the profession of bus driver: “After all, to offer more connections and more journeys by public transport, we need not only means of transport but most importantly people in the actual profession – one which combines technology and contact with people”, Alfreider highlighted.