All incoming personnel eligible to drive must go to the Driver's Testing Station in Bldg. 220, Room 104, on SHAPE, to sign up for the mandatory class. To obtain the SHAPE driver’s license applicants must pass tow written tests on driving rules and signs (DTS provides study materials) in Belgium.

Upon passing both tests DTTS will issue a certificate. Present the certificate to the SHAPE Registration Office in Bldg. 210  to receive your SHAPE driver's license

2: Getting a Belgian driver's license (Belgian Protocol ID Cardholders) 

Step #1 Go to Driver’s Testing Station

Note: The station does not issue Belgian driver's licenses, but provides support with the application process.

Provide the following:

• A statement of residence (which can be procured from the SHAPE Federal Police in Bldg. 210)
• Two European Union passport photos (3.5 centimeters by 4.5 centimeters in size) Photos may be taken at the SHAPE Registration Office for a nominal fee.
• SHAPE ID
• SHAPE driver's license
• U.S. driver's license

Step #2: Submit the application at city hall

Submit application paperwork in person at city hall in the commune you reside in with the application paperwork. People must be in the national registry (Registration Office personnel submit the application for the Belgian protocol ID, in order to be issued a Belgian's driver's license).\

Note:  Updates in the national registry take time. It is recommended to wait a few weeks after receiving the Belgian protocol ID to submit the application at the city hall.
Belgian driver's license fees and expiration dates vary. Some communes issue a driver's license valid for 10 years while others may issue the license valid for the person's date estimated return from overseas, or DEROS, listed on their SHAPE ID, Depending on the commune, a card may be issued the same day or a person may pick up the card at a later date.

3: Getting an International driver's license (Non-Belgian Protocol ID Cardholders) 

Service Members without a Belgian Protocol ID may apply for an international driver's license (not applicable to Family Members and DOD civilian employees).

Service Members need to provide their SHAPE driver's license to the Driver's Testing Station personal for assistance with required paperwork. Complete application and fee need to be submitted at the city hall in Mons.

The international driver's license is valid for three years and in all European countries.

#1 Obtaining the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux in Schinnen Driver's Permit

Note: Only valid in The Netherlands

Incoming personnel age 18 and over must report to Schinnen Bldg. 4 to sign up for a mandatory driving class and receive study materials.

• Provide the following documents:
• U.S. ID card,
• AFNORTH ID Card,
• Valid U.S. or other driver’s  license or another license
• Copy of assignment orders.

U.S. personnel is required to attend a four-hour mandatory class, typically held on Wednesdays starting at 8 a.m., to learn about driving rules in Europe. Attendees must pass both the Dutch I European Law test and Dutch I European Road Signs test. The driver’s testing station will issue the USAG Benelux in Schinnen driver’s permit.

#2 Obtaining the NATO driver’s license

Personnel need to present their U.S. Army Garrison Benelux in Schinnen driver's permit to JFC Brunssum Bldg. H-102 to get a NATO driver’s license. No additional testing is required.

Note: The NATO driver’s license is valid for three years, and valid in all NATO countries. Drivers need to keep their U.S. driver’s license and NATO driver’s license with them at all times.

#2 Obtaining the official Dutch driver’s license

Note: U.S. personnel age 18 and over are strongly advised to get an official Dutch driver’s license in addition to the Schinnen driver’s permit and NATO driver’s license if they plan to drive in Europe throughout their tour. The Dutch driver’s license is valid for life, but it must be renewed every 10 years.

Provide the following documents to the Driver's Testing Station on Schinnen:

• U.S. ID card,
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• Schinnen driver’s permit
• Two EU passport photos
• Medical statement, or Eigen Verklaring in Dutch (Need to be obtained at the city hall for a fee)
• Pre-stamped envelope.

Driver's Testing Station on Schinnen will help with completing and mailing the necessary forms for the Dutch government.. After the application is approved, the Dutch driver’s license will be sent to the Driver’s Testing Station in Schinnen. The station staff members will notify applicants when the driver’s license is available for pick-up. The entire process takes two to three weeks.

Phone:  CIV: +32 (0)65-32-6603/DSN: 314-366-6603

Operating Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - noon & 1-4 p.m.

Closes Friday at 3.15 p.m.

Closed on SHAPE holidays

Location: Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Bldg. 3213, room 20

Phone: CIV: 0611-143- 528-2433/2432/2436, DSN: 528-2433/2432/2436

Hours of Operation:

Monday 1-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 a.m. Written Test (First Come First Serve) 8-11.30a.m. and 12:30.30 p.m.  All Other transactions

Monday: 7.30 a.m.-noon (Driver’s Orientation).

Closed on U.S. and German Holidays. 

Closed on Dutch federal holidays