Being from Detroit rocks for a variety of reasons, but being able to sneak through the German Driver’s License system is pretty darn high on the list of awesomeness. Several states have license reciprocity with Germany – but only ones that have significant auto industry presence. This is due to the number of execs and engineers that have to go back and forth between Germany and the US – you can only live somewhere for so long before you have to get a local license. To apply for a German license, you need a valid state license that’s more than a year old, a “translation” of the license that converts your endorsements  like CDL or Chauffeur into the German equivalents, and proof of residency in the country (a big sticker in your passport). I hit up the Strassenverkehrsamt (German DMV) last month, filled out the appropriate paperwork and paid my fees. Best part of this? It’s good for life! Turning in my Michigan license was a bit bittersweet – that pic was always good for a smiling cop, this one, I don’t think so.

If you’re not from an auto-making state, you have to find a driving school with a nice instructor, as it’s the actual instructor you choose who will test you and certify that you are qualified to get a license. Some people get through the program in a few short months, but some people take years – I know a guy who spent two years and took the test three times before he was signed off!

The strange blue sign in the background of the pic above occurs in two variants – as shown, and with a diagonal red line through it. Like most signs in Europe, it relies on a pictogram rather than words. In this case, it is supposed to warn you that you are entering a “play street”, and are likely to mow over small children and soccer balls if you are not careful. Note that the house is protected by what appears to be a curb. Below it is a “T” sign that indicates a false dead end. A real dead end sign would have a red bar as the top of the T. What makes this one a false dead end? If you have the right tool, you can remove the bollards from the end of the road and pass through. If not, well, you’re going to back out a long way! Let me know if you like this, there are plenty of bizarre signs over here waiting to be blogged!