Piloting a two-wheeler in Germany requires a licence of its own, but, as with a regular driving permit, you may be able to convert a foreign motorcycle licence – all the same rules as above apply. If you don’t have a motorcycle licence yet, you’ll have to attend a driving school. You can save about half the cost of the licence if you get a German car licence first. If not, the costs are similar to other licences.

If all you want is a touch of Italy while you’re in Germany, a regular driving licence permits you to ferry around on a scooter or moped.

Motorcycle licences carry some peculiar age limits. Anyone 16 or older can get a licence for a moped or a scooter (known as a Class M licence) or a limited motorcycle licence (known as an A1), which restricts the size of the bike, as well as the top speed to 80kph. Between the ages of 20 and 25, you’ll need to say you’ve ridden a bike for two years, usually under a limited A1 licence, in order to gain a full motorcycle permit. And don’t forget – wearing a helmet is mandatory in Germany.