New online driver’s test could “open up” German roads

Air Force members making a permanent change of station move to Germany may be able to drive sooner thanks to an online driver’s test that’s currently being beta tested.

If approved, the system will provide a means for all inbound-Germany personnel to accomplish the U.S. Army Europe driver’s license test before arriving at their new base, said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Freeman, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Network Operations and Security Center software development team NCO.

Presently, members moving to Germany have to wait to schedule a driver’s test until after they arrive in country, said Sergeant Freeman. Because of the large volume of inbound people needing to take the tests, these appointments can often be several weeks after an individual’s arrival.

“By utilizing the new online system, inbound personnel would be able to schedule and accomplish the test at their local stateside base education center within 60 days of their report-no-later-than-date to Germany,” Sergeant Freeman said.

People who have successfully completed the on-line test would still need to go to the base licensing facility to receive the local conditions brief, take the eye exam and pay the licensing fee upon arriving in Germany, said Sergeant Freeman. However, the new system would eliminate having to rely on other people for transportation or request a commander’s waiver for a temporary 30-day permit.

Online testing results will also be accessible by the USAFE test facility, so the member would not need to show a certificate or proof that they passed, he said.

Although the test itself must be proctored at the education center, personnel are able to access the Web site from any .mil or .gov computer to obtain study guides, practice tests, regulations and important information about registering the vehicle.

“Our goal was to make not just an online test, but a comprehensive Web site with everything you need to know to prepare for driving in Germany,” said Sergeant Freeman. “By placing all of these resources at people’s fingertips, we hope to improve the pass rate for the test as well.”

Currently, five stateside bases are participating in beta testing of the new online testing system.