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Contact information for key programs and services at this installation.
Figuring out the best way to get around is important when you’re in a new installation. It’s useful to understand the various regulations, local laws as well as license and registration requirements. Whether you need a driver’s license, transport a car overseas or want help buying a car, there are people to assist you at your new installation. Check out the topics below to find information and regulations on vehicles and registration at your base.
Vehicles of armed forces personnel must be registered in their own names.
Please contact the Geilenkirchen Vehicle Registration Office for registration details. DSN 314-458-4476
Joint Knowledge Online Website, has training for people to practice their driving in Germany. "Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany," covers vehicle registration and driver training matters in detail. Your sponsor can get one to send you, if you want to study it before you arrive at Kalkar, or you can download a copy of it from the Army website. You will get both your driver's license testing and vehicle inspection at Geilenkirchen. If you are stationed in the CONUS, visit the USAFE Driver's License Exam website to take your driver's license test online. You have to request a proctor for the test. Make sure to print out a copy when passing the test. If you are stationed overseas, keep your license that was issued to you or make a copy of it. This will prevent you from having to re-take the test.
The exam is made up of 75 multiple-choice questions on European rules and driving procedures, plus 25 traffic signs that must be identified. The test is difficult, and more than 30 percent of all first-time testers fail. Practice exams and information about the test can be found on the Air Force Portal.
Normally, before you get your USAREUR Driver's License, you must watch a video in order to take the exam. You must also have a valid stateside driver's license to get a USAREUR POV license. There is a $20 fee for the USAREUR license that you will have to pay by credit card.
US Forces personnel stationed in Germany may not operate a POV in Germany unless they hold a valid USAREUR POV operator's license. NOTE: non-active duty spouses may legally operate a rental car using just their International Driver's License but active duty military personnel must have the USAREUR license before they can legally drive that car. WARNING: Local Rental Car companies will allow you to rent vehicles without the USAREUR license.
Individuals without a valid stateside driver's license cannot get an USAREUR license or drive in Germany. Teenagers who have a valid stateside driver's license can take the USAREUR course and tests when they are 17, but must be 18 before they can drive without a licensed adult in the car. They also can only drive in Germany.
There are two options for training an unlicensed driver. They can go to a German driving school, which is very expensive--as much as $1,700--and the student must speak German. The other option is to get licensed in the US and then take the USAREUR course and tests. The military doesn't pay for or provide driver training for learners.