The USAREUR Driver's License in Stuttgart

Blue Autobahn direction sign for Heilbronn and Nuremberg above a highway through a forest

If you come to Stuttgart on PCS orders, you need a USAREUR driver’s license to drive in Germany. The good news: most of the work can be done online before you fly. This guide sums up who needs the license, how the test works and where to pick it up.

Your orders, your sponsor and the Drivers Testing office always have the final word on what applies to you. Every rule on this page shows the official page it comes from and the month we checked it. We recheck these pages every three months.

Who needs a USAREUR license

The rule

Who needs it

  • The USAREUR driver’s license lets service members, civilians, contractors and their family members drive in Germany without getting a German license.
  • Anyone arriving on permanent change of station orders falls under the Status of Forces Agreement and must have a USAREUR driver’s license to drive in Germany.
  • For people on these orders, the page says you cannot legally drive a rental car in Germany without a USAREUR driver’s license. This is not a rule for every visitor to Germany.
  • The USAREUR license is also the basis for an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is recommended for driving in other European countries and mandatory in some.
  • When driving in Germany, carry your stateside license, your ID or CAC and your USAREUR license.

Source: USAG Stuttgart Drivers Testing Checked: Nov 2026

On TDY? The official page is written for PCS orders. Ask your unit or the Drivers Testing office which license applies to you before you plan to rent a car.

The test

The rule

Online training and exam

  • You can take the training and the exam online before you PCS, on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). The course is USA 007, the exam is USA 007B. Finish the course before the exam.
  • With a CAC you log in to JKO with your card. Without a CAC, request a sponsored JKO account. Family members use the DoD ID number on the front of their ID card.
  • Your exam score is valid for 60 days and must still be valid when you visit the Drivers Testing office. After 60 days you have to retake the exam.

Source: USAG Stuttgart Drivers Testing Checked: Nov 2026

Where to get it

The rule

Drivers Testing office

  • Location: Building 2913, Room 301, Panzer Kaserne.
  • Testing by appointment only. The office is closed on Thursday mornings for training.
  • Phone: +49 (0)9641-70-5962007 or DSN 314-596-2007. Email: usarmy.stuttgart.id-europe.mbx.dtts@army.mil.
  • Bring your DoD ID card; your stateside, EU/NATO or other foreign driver’s license; your mailing address (unit, CMR, box, APO AE); glasses or contact lenses if you need them (applicants 65 and older need an eye test certificate); and the $30 fee by check, money order or card.
  • Family members also bring the sponsor’s information.
  • Motorcycle applicants bring a stateside or foreign license with motorcycle endorsement, the USAREUR POV license and the $30 fee. Military personnel also need a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certificate.

Source: USAG Stuttgart Drivers Testing Checked: Nov 2026

What often goes wrong

Common pitfalls

Easy to miss

This is editorial advice, not a rule:

  • Taking the online exam too early, so the 60-day score runs out before the office visit.
  • Planning to pick up a rental car at the airport before having the license.
  • Showing up without an appointment and losing a day.
  • Forgetting the International Driving Permit before a weekend trip across the border.
  • Being caught out by German road rules that differ from U.S. habits. Our Driving in Germany guide covers the basics.

Practical tips

  • Time the online exam so your score is still valid when you can get to Panzer Kaserne, ideally in the last weeks before you fly.
  • Book your appointment early and bring every document on the list.
  • For the first days without a license, plan your trips by train and bus. Our public transportation guide explains tickets and routes.
  • Once you are licensed, see our car rental guide for renting in Stuttgart.

Who to ask

  • Drivers Testing officeAppointments, the test and your license. Details on the USAG Stuttgart Drivers Testing page.
  • Your unit or sponsorWhether you can test before arrival and what applies on TDY.
  • JKO help deskLogin and sponsored account questions for the online course.

Not sure which office answers your question? See Who to Ask: Offices for Military, DoD Civilians, Contractors and Families. For the full order of steps on a permanent move, see PCS to Stuttgart: Step by Step. On TDY orders, see TDY to Stuttgart: Your First Week.

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Moving to Stuttgart is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense or USAG Stuttgart. Spotted something outdated? Tell us: info@movingtostuttgart.com