Hi Theresa,

As long as you have the intent to seek work in Italy you are automatically residence. Just take your Passport to the office that issues a Social Security Number and tell them you are looking for work and that should give you access to the Italian Social Number.

For you driving license, under EU Law you can exchange your British License for an Italian one. You don't need to re-take any test.

I hope the above helps

 

In order to be registered as "resident", you should go to the "ufficio anagrafe" of the Comune where you live, bringing your (and your children's) passport(s), your "codice fiscale" and a proof of health insurance or other document granting cover for health services in Italy (for UK citizens a E106 or E109 form will do, to be applied for beforehand at HMRC).

In your case, a signed statement from your host (see the relevant form), together with a copy of his ID document, will provide proof of your residential address.

Once you register your "residenza", you became eligible for the SSN (the Italian version of the NHS), and as a single mother of three school-age children you could also be entitled to other available benefits.

Converting your UK driving license into an Italian one is expensive only if you go to an "agenzia pratiche auto", whose purpose is to take care of the paperwork on your stead (for a fee). If you have time and an Italian speaking friend, you could try to go to the "ufficio motorizzazione civile" (Italian equivalent of the DVLA local office) and try to file the application by yourself.