Driving in Italy is not as easy as you think but there are always trips and tricks that you can follow and you’ll have a more enjoyable road trip in this beautiful country.

Italians drive fast: yes, that’s true but don’t let them intimidate you. Stick to your own speed and never drive faster than you feel comfortable.
Get a good map: I know that GPS is very popular but a good map is very important when you are on a road trip in Italy. Michelin maps are the best so buy one and plan your trip with ViaMichelin in advance.
About directions: it’s not easy to find them in Italy. When you drive, you drive in the direction of the largest cities. Many signs post the larger cities that the road is traveling toward and don’t post the smaller ones until you’re almost there. So it’s a bit tricky. Follow your map and always check the larger cities. There’re signs at the round about too. Good to know: towns and cities are marked with blue sign, B&B’s and agriturismos are inwhite, historical sites are marked with brown signs, autostradas and major freeways have a green sign.
Roads and tolls: when you drive on the autostradas you have to stay to the right. The autostradas are marked by green and an A. You have to pay a toll when you use them. You have to stop at a booth, push the red button and grab a ticket. When you exit the autostrada you have to find the queue called “Biglietto”. Most of the time you can pay by credit card, cash. Look out for the Telepass sign and don’t use it because these lanes are for commuters who have prepaid cards.
Parking: Just as in any other countries there are pay machines in Italy. You’ll need change to use it and you’ll get voucher for the amount of time you’ll be there.
Getting fuel: remember to fill up your tank before major holidays because they usually close earlier as usual on these days.