I traded my Arizona DL for a German Fuhrerschein, but they didn't include...?

Question

The motorcycle endorsement that was on my license. When I asked why, they said they only honor the drivcer's portion. Anybody know how I can get the license upgraded without spending 1200 Euros and weeks of tests?

Answer 1

Nope.  In fact, you're lucky they converted your stateside licence to a German one.   Sorry, but there is no way to get a motorcycle licence in Germany without taking the test.

Answer 2

Maybe this information might help you (I recently found it on a website):

All About Cars



In order to drive a car in Germany you have to have a full driving license. Apart from a German driving license, "full" driving licenses include EU-driving licenses, national licenses issued in your own country (in many cases a German translation is required) and international driving licenses issued in your own country. The translation of national driving licenses has to be done by a German diplomatic mission, a national automobile association or the German Automobile Association (ADAC). Rather than having your national license translated, it is recommended to get an international driving license.

Important: foreign (non-EU) and international driving licenses are usually valid in Germany for only one year. You must have a German license if you wish to continue driving. You are liable to very high fines if you are caught driving without a valid license. If you wish to obtain a German drivers license, you are strongly advised to apply to the driving license issuing section of your local Road Traffic Licensing Department (Ordnungs- und Straßenverkehrsamt) at least 3 months before your own license runs out. Processing and testing often takes considerable time. Inquire in advance which documents you should bring with you when you make your application.

Automobile Associations and Driving Schools

There are several automobile associations in Germany. The most famous is the ADAC which has 12 million members and is the largest automobile association in Europe and the second largest in the world. As well as assisting at breakdowns, the ADAC provides advice on everything to do with driving, offers its members legal advice and protection, organizes substitute cars when you have a breakdown abroad etc. You can get more information from the local ADAC office or from other automobile associations.

Important: Before coming to Germany you should ask your national automobile association for any information on particular aspects of driving in Germany. For example, all passengers have to wear seat-belts in Germany and children under the age of 12 are required to sit in the back seat of the car. Furthermore, many foreign drivers be aware of the cycle paths which are a feature of many German towns-when turning a corner you do not only have to look out for pedestrians but for cyclists, too! If you feel nervous you should seriously consider having a few lessons at a driving school. If you do not have a driving license you can attend one of these schools, but learning to drive is expensive.

Traffic Regulations

Germans are passionate and rather aggressive drivers. They often ignore the recommended top speed of 130 km/h on German motorways. When it comes to traffic regulations, however, they are taken very seriously and observed. Traffic offenses are punished with high fines, penalty points and loss of license. If there are no signs to the contrary, top speed in towns is 50 km/h, on main roads outside towns, 100 km/h. You should definitely respect any speed restrictions in force on certain stretches of the motorway as there are often radar traps.

Drinking and Driving

The blood alcohol limit in Germany is 0.05 percent. Iif you are over the limit and drive, your license is in jeopardy.

Parking

There is a dearth of places to park in most Germans towns and improper parking can be very expensive. A parking ticket (Knöllchen) for incorrect parking currently costs up to 40€ and, if your car has been towed away, this may cost 120€ or more. In most car-parks there are spaces close to the entrance especially reserved for women drivers.

Importing your Own Car

You are allowed to import your car into Germany without paying duty if you have owned it for at least six months and you will be registered as resident in Germany. It is then part of your removal goods. Importing a car by sea is very expensive and involves a lot of bureaucracy. If you are staying in Germany for less than a year an international or foreign motor vehicle registration certificate with a German translation will suffice. After this period you have to register the car with a German registration plate at the motor vehicle licensing office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle), take it for an M.O.T. test (TÜV - the organization responsible for regularly checking on the technical reliability of motor vehicles) and insure it in Germany. You should consider carefully whether it is really worth the effort. If you only need a car occasionally, you can rent one from a car-hire or rental car agency.

Breakdowns and Accidents

The breakdown vans belonging to the German automobile associations help all breakdown victims. On the motorway you can ring from one of the emergency call boxes which are located every 1.5 to 3 km along the hard shoulder. Watch out for the arrows on white posts beside the motorway showing you the direction of the nearest call box. All you have to do then is lift the receiver and you are connected to a breakdown service.

If you are involved in an accident, you must not leave the scene until the police arrive. So-called hit-and-run offenses are very serious in Germany. Even the slightest damage is defined as an accident. If you are in any doubt as to the extent of the damage, insist that the police are called.