Take the test, relieve some stress

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra M. Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman recently received the capability to issue the special driver's license test which allows members to fulfill the requirements for a U.S. Army in Europe driver's license prior to making a permanent change of station move overseas.

The new testing process for the USAREUR license will allow active-duty Team Holloman members PCSing to Germany to take the test here as opposed to waiting until they arrive overseas. They can then easily apply for and receive their driving privileges upon arrival.

"[This capability] can reduce the stress level knowing they have already completed this task," said Kenneth Derenzy, 49th Force Support Squadron, force development flight chief. "Also, they can provide the pamphlets to their dependent spouse so they can, at least, be studying the material and be able to test upon arrival at the new duty location."

The test is only available to active-duty members slated to PCS to Ramstein or Spangdalem Air Base, Germany, within 120 days.

A passing grade on the USAREUR driver's license test is a requirement before active duty personnel and dependents can apply for a USAREUR driver's license and operate a motor vehicle on or off base in Germany, stated Lt. Col. Paul Pellegrino, 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron commander in a previous article. Failing it can cause unnecessary stress on both the servicemember and the sponsor who is responsible for transporting members during the first weeks after arrival.

"Not only does obtaining a USAREUR driver's license prior to PCSing cut down on the stress of moving, but it also provides members with valuable insight of the different customs and courtesies of driving in Europe," said Ms. Chandell Gill, 49th Force Support Squadron, education and training chief.

Statistics show Airmen on their first assignment to Europe will be challenged by the USAREUR driver's license test. More than 30 percent of all first-time testers fail to meet the minimum passing score of 85 percent.

Why is this test so difficult?

"Europe uses the metric system and many of their signs contain metric measurements," said Ms. Gill. "Additionally, there are some road signs that we do not customarily see in the states that it may be good to be familiar with."

Since most of the German and European traffic patterns, speeds, signs and laws are different than those in the United States, it requires some studying to pass.

Study materials for the test can be found on the Air Force Portal at https://wwwmil.usafe.af.mil/dlt/. At the top of the page menu, click on "Official Test" tab.

Currently, the test can only be taken on a computer connected to a military network. For more information or to schedule the exam, contact the base Education Office at 572- 3971.