Find out where the lever to open the petrol tank it.
Take it slow and easy - street signs are confusing at first, and every lamp post seems to have a street sign
There are speed cameras - look out for large grey boxes on road signs. That is them! And they do chase for payment (so I have heard)
It isn't as bad as it may seem, really it isn't!
Have lots of change for the toll roads and approach these fairly slowly - there are lanes for prepaid tickets, and you don't want to go through them if you don't have a ticket!
The roads can be pretty twisty turny there so take sick bags. The views are lovely though!
And the italians do love to drive up your exhaust pipe!
Check where you are driving for congestion charges. Florence and Arezzo have them,so watch out!
Some stations have petrol attendants - but may close at lunchtimes and have self-service. We have never figured out how these work!!
Fill up the hire car to whatever level they ask before you get back, or they charge a much higher fuel charge than other stations.
Its not that bad - the cards are small and nippy and they tend not to be too impatient - Rome is another matter.
Oh and prepare to get lost loads and loads of time. Often signs point to the same place in opposite directions, especially on the motorway. Its just a fact of life there!!
And get a decent map if you are going rural. We gor a cheaper one and half the roads weren't on it!