Your USAREUR Driver's License: Everything You Need to Know
Before you can drive in Germany as a SOFA-status individual, you must obtain a USAREUR (United States Army Europe) driver's license. This applies to all military members, DOD civilians, and dependents age 17 and older who want to drive. Your US state license alone is not sufficient for long-term driving in Germany.
Where to Get Your License
In the KMC area, the Vehicle Registration Office is located in Building 2135 on Ramstein Air Base. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 0730-1530, though you should verify current hours as they change seasonally.
You can also test at other locations including Landstuhl and Kaiserslautern (Kleber Kaserne).
Requirements
- Valid US state driver's license (must not be expired, suspended, or revoked)
- Military ID (CAC or dependent ID)
- PCS orders or letter from unit commander
- Completed application form (AE Form 190-1A/B)
- Vision test (available at the testing center or bring results from an optometrist)
The Written Test
The USAREUR written test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. You must score 70% or higher to pass. The test covers:
- German Road Signs — Approximately 30-40 questions. You must recognize all standard German and international road signs. Priority (right-of-way) signs are heavily tested.
- German Traffic Laws — Right-of-way rules (Rechts vor Links), speed limits, alcohol limits (0.05% BAC, effectively 0.03% to be safe), mandatory equipment, and winter driving rules.
- Autobahn Rules — Passing on the right is illegal, minimum speed requirements, no stopping on the Autobahn, emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse) requirements.
- Environmental Zones — Umweltzonen (environmental zones) in German cities requiring emission stickers (Umweltplakette).
- US Forces-Specific Rules — Blood alcohol reporting requirements, accident procedures for SOFA personnel, USAREUR vehicle regulations.
Study Resources
The single most important study resource is the AE Pamphlet 190-34: Driver's Handbook for Germany. This is the official handbook and the test is drawn from it. You can obtain a copy from:
- The Vehicle Registration Office
- Your unit's orderly room
- Online through the USAREUR website
Study Tips:
- Focus on road signs — Memorize every sign in the handbook. Many test questions are sign identification.
- Learn the speed limits — 50 km/h in towns (built-up areas), 100 km/h on rural roads, recommended 130 km/h on Autobahn (unless posted otherwise).
- Understand right-of-way — "Rechts vor Links" (right before left) is the default rule at unmarked intersections. This concept does not exist in the US and is heavily tested.
- Study alcohol rules — Germany's legal BAC limit is 0.05%, but for US Forces personnel, the practical limit is even stricter due to command policies.
- Take practice tests — Several websites and apps offer USAREUR practice tests. Take them repeatedly until you consistently score above 85%.
Test Day Tips
- Arrive early — the testing center can get busy, especially during PCS season.
- Bring all required documents (ID, orders, US license, application form).
- The test is computerized with multiple-choice answers.
- Read each question carefully — some questions test nuances (e.g., speed limits in different zones).
- If you fail, you can retest after 24 hours (some offices require a 3-day wait).
After You Pass
Your USAREUR license is issued as a card that you carry alongside your US license. It is valid for the duration of your assignment in Germany. Key points:
- The USAREUR license covers standard passenger vehicles (Class B equivalent).
- Motorcycle endorsement requires a separate written and practical test.
- Your license is valid only in Germany and certain other NATO countries (check before traveling).
- If your license is revoked (DUI, excessive tickets), you lose driving privileges in Germany and it is reported to your commander.
Vehicle Registration
After obtaining your license, you can register your vehicle at the same office. You will need:
- Proof of insurance (USAA and other military-friendly insurers offer coverage for Germany)
- Vehicle title or POV shipping documents
- USAREUR vehicle inspection (similar to a US state inspection)
Your vehicle will receive US Forces plates (starting with "AD" for Air Force, "HK" for Army, etc.). These plates identify your SOFA status and exempt you from German vehicle tax.
Getting your USAREUR license is one of the first hurdles to clear after arriving. Study hard, take practice tests, and you will be driving on the Autobahn in no time.