My UK driving licence expired more than 5 years ago, so I cannot exchange it for an Italian one without having to sit the bl--dy test again.

However, does anyone know if I can take the test in German, possibly in South Tyrol? I have no problem reading in everyday German and can brush up on my knowledge of some specialist terms. Listening comprehension should be just fine too.

Cheers!

Per fare la patente italiana bisogna avere la residenza in Italia. L'esame di teoria per la patente è scritto, al computer, e le domande sono sotto forma di quiz (vero o falso) in italiano. Si può chiedere la traduzione in francese o in tedesco e si può chiedere, se si hanno difficoltà nella lettura, il supporto audio, cioè si possono ascoltare in cuffia le domande. Per preparare l'esame della patente, se sei straniero ti consigliamo di andare in un'autoscuola SIDA e di chiedere un MANUALE BILINGUE per studiare la patente su un libro tradotto nella tua lingua.

Could you just go and take the test in Germany - or would you need to have residence in Germany?

You have to take the test where you have residency. Best ask ACI and/or a driving, but I think that you can take the test anywhere in French or German. However, you need to apply to take it in either language. You can't just roll up.

Americans seem to be able to get through the test in Italy. Even if you move location you will still have prepare for the test. German examiners might be more demanding.

? It's the same standard theory test, but in German.

Thanks for the link! I'll look into the German version of the theory test.

Alternatively, I'll just have to wait until I move back to England and get a photocard licence from the DVLA. (I passed my test in the UK in 2007 - and I still have the old paper counterpart and a DVLA certificate of entitlement that expires in the 2050s.)