Service transport is not available for home to duty travel and there is no suitable public transport compatible with duty requirements. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you have your own private car for work purposes and to get the maximum enjoyment from your stay in Germany.

BFG Vehicle Registration

On arrival in Germany you have 30 days to register your car with British Forces Germany (BFG).

Refer to the RESG Web - Rheindahlen Support Unit / Motoring page for definitive information on current regulations.

Also, the new BFG Licensing webpage is a great source of information on all aspects of vehicle registration. There you will find links to all the forms you may need and also useful links to the BFG Registration Aide Memoir, Q&A’s and lots of other detailed information to guide you through the registration process.

Matrix Test

The Matrix Test (sometimes referred to as the Tick Test) is a Test on European traffic laws and must be passed before the issue of a BFG Driving Permit and FMT 600 If the applicant is able to prove that he or she passed a German driving test then they do not need to take the Matrix Test.

The Matrix Test can be taken locally in the UK Community Club, print off the results, get it signed and stamped by the MT Co-ordinator and take it (with a BFG Form 9A) to the BFG Office at JHQ Rheindahlen to apply for your BFG Driving Permit (BFG Form 57).

The MT Co-ordinator can loan you a copy of BFG Publication B6 (Manual for Road Users in Germany, Belgium and Holland). It is recommended that you read this before taking the BFG Matrix Test.

FMT 600

Being posted to an ISODET, you will be required to drive Service Vehicles for duty purposes and so it is mandatory that you hold a current FMT 600. If you do not hold a current FMT 600 you will need to fill out the ‘Application for FMT 600’ form and give it to the MT Co-ordinator at Goch.with your Driving License and a copy of your Matrix Test. You may be required to undergo ‘Familiarisation Training’ which can be done locally at the ISODET.

Roadworthiness Inspection (TÜV Test)

TÜV is the organisation responsible for vehicle safety inspections in Germany. For Germans this means mandatory vehicle inspections after the vehicle is 3 years old and then every 2 years. However, the BFG inspection (which complies with the TÜV test) is required every year after 3 years old and is conducted under contract and free of charge by Helmut Günther, a local garage owner in Goch.

Servicing of your vehicle can be done at any local garage but Herr Günther, who speaks good English, has proved very reliable and helpful.

Lighting Test

Vehicles fitted with temporary headlight adapters in Germany, e.g. masks or converters, will not pass the BFG registration process. Vehicles must be fitted with continental headlights. However, once out here continental headlights can be purchased from local German dealers free of VAT or you will find that second-hand continental headlights for most modern cars are advertised in Forces newspapers such as The Sixth Sense, and in NAAFI Shops.

For cars under 3 years old light tests must be carried out within 30 days of BFG registration. For cars over 3 years old lighting tests will be done during the initial (TUV) roadworthiness inspection. Lighting Tests are carried out free of charge through Helmut Günther (as above).

Fuel Coupons

Once your car has been registered through the BFG process, you will be issued with a Registration (F73) card that will enable you to purchase tax free fuel coupons from the Estates Clerk. The Fuel Coupons can be exchanged for fuel at ARAL, BP, SHELL and ESSO garages throughout Germany.

Winter Tyres

Definitive advice on requirements for winter tyres is available via the BFG Vehicle Licensing Office (VLO) Helpline.

Breakdown Assistance

It is worthwhile joining the Allgemeine Deutscher Automobilclub (ADAC) which is similar to the AA or RAC and operates Europe-wide. The ADAC is the largest breakdown service in the country and its network is by far the most extensive.

The yellow ADAC service cars are constantly on patrol on the highways and can be summoned via the Autobahn emergency phones.

Tips

• Keep money in the car for on-the-spot fines!
• A blue Parking Disc (Parkscheibe) can be purchased for a nominal sum (sometimes free!) from most garage forecourts and car accessory shops. You need to display the disc in many car parks and you can be fined for not doing so.
• It is illegal to run out of fuel on an autobahn. Either ensure you don’t or carry a small fuel can in your car just in case.
• Similarly, it is illegal to drive with defective lights, and on-the-spot fines can be imposed. Carrying a selection of spare bulbs for your car is a requirement.
• Carriage of a first-aid kit and red warning triangle is mandatory, as is the use of the latter in the event of a breakdown.