Patente C1 quiz: how the theory exam works and how many mistakes you can make

For the C1 and C1E licences the theory exam has 20 statements. Each statement is a sentence that can be true or false: for each one you choose True or False.

The time you have is 20 minutes, and you pass the test with at most 2 mistakes. Few mistakes are allowed: every answer counts, so read each sentence calmly.

For the patente C1 with code 97 the theory exam is shorter: 10 statements in 20 minutes, passed with at most 1 mistake.

With only 1 mistake allowed you need to be very precise: read each sentence again before you answer. If you do not know which test applies to you, ask the office of the Motorizzazione (the vehicle licensing office) before you book the exam.

With the C1 you can decide later to move up to the patente C. In this case you do not start again from the full exam: if you already have the C1 and apply for the C, you take a test of 20 True or False statements in 20 minutes, passed with at most 2 mistakes.

You find how the exam works for people who apply directly for the C in the article on the patente C quiz.

For the C1, C, D1 and D licences the theory exam is only in Italian or in the languages of the protected minorities, that is French and German.

If you come from another country, study with the statements in Italian from the start. Keep a notebook with the new technical words and their translation into your language, and review them every day.

The C1 theory is about the heavy vehicle and the work of the driver. On PatenteInTasca the theory for the C and C1 licences is divided into 17 chapters, including driving and rest periods (periodi di guida e di riposo), the tachograph (cronotachigrafo), loading vehicles, brakes and tyres, and receiving, transporting and delivering goods.

Some practical tips:

• Study one chapter at a time, then answer the statements on that topic.
• Then move on to the exam simulations (simulazioni d'esame): 20 statements in 20 minutes.
• After each simulation, read the explanations of the wrong answers again.

PatenteInTasca is not affiliated with the Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti (MIT, the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport) or with the Motorizzazione, and it is not a driving school.