POVs on the Peninsula

POVs on the Peninsula

Links:

Motor Vehicles USFK Regulation 190-1

Exam Study Guide

When the Plane Lands – How to pick up a POV at Yongsan and register it in Pyeongtaek and Camp Humphreys

Updated May 1st, 2017

Quick FAQ’s

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Parking is an art form here in South Korea and it is polite to have a phone number tag in your windshield. It’s better to get a phone call than to be towed.

  • Vehicles are driven on the same side of the road (right) as America.
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents occur more frequently here so auto insurance is much higher. 
  • SM and dependents may drive without a USFK driver’s license for up to 30 days after landing in Korea. Be sure to have a copy of pinpoint orders in the vehicle at all times.
  • The most popular Auto Insurance are USAA, Geico (request their special military department) and Korea’s AIG.
  • If the POV will be driven off post a lot, it’s a good idea to put a good contact phone number in the windshield. It is courteous and it can prevent you from getting towed in case you parked in the wrong spot. Phone number tags can be bought at Daiso’s, grocery stores, office supply depots, craft stores etc.
  • Single Service Members are not authorized a vehicle. They rely upon the shuttle buses, taxes and bumming rides off their friends.
  • Command Sponsored SM and their families may have one vehicle shipped and dependents can receive a USFK driver’s license. A second vehicle will require an exception to policy letter.
  • Non-Command Sponsored SM and their families, E-6 and below, must receive an exception to policy letter to own a vehicle and obtain a USFK driver’s license. Please go to the Command Sponsorship vs Non Command Sponsorship Matrix for more information.
  • All vehicles must be registered at DBIDS and at the Pyeongtaek DMV. Please visit my page When the Plane Lands to better understand the process of picking up a car at Yongsan and registering it on and off post.

How to Obtain a USFK Driver’s License

  • A USFK Driver’s License is for SOFA members and is not the same as an international driver’s license. All USFK license holders must follow the SOFA rules for PoV’s (one car per family, no vehicles for unaccompanied solders etc)
  • SM and dependents must pass a written exam, a vision test (BRING YOUR GLASSES) and a reflex physical to obtain a USFK driver’s license.
TMP Humphreys Drivers Testing

TMP Humphreys Drivers Testing

  • Driver’s test are available at the new TMP in building 7320, Mon-Thurs at 0800. See directions below.
    • Be there 15 minutes early before the 0800 start. It’s the military, if you aren’t 15 minutes early then you’re late.
    • Updated March 2017: The new TMP office/ Driver’s Testing Center is located deep in the construction zone of Camp Humphreys and now that Airfield Road is complete it’s fairly simple to get there From the main gate turn right then take your first left after AMC and Splish and Splash. Turn right down Airfield road and follow it until you get another opportunity to turn right. towards the end of the airfield. Keep going past all of the motorpools and the TMP will be a few buildings down on the left with a lot of white shuttle buses in the parking area. There should be a sign for the TMP. No POVS’s are allowed in the TMP parking lot. Drive around to the other side of the building and there is a parking log next to the shuttle bus stop.
  • Documents required for Dependents:
    • spouse-orientationa valid US state driver’s license/ a ROK driver’s license or an international drivers permit.
    • a memorandum from the commander (O-5+) for Non-command sponsored E6 and below.
    • Have signed in at the Newcomers Brief before coming to take the test, which is held every Tuesday from 0900-1600 at the Humphreys Fitness Center, aka the Super Gym.
    • NEW There is now a dependents only Newcomer’s Briefheld every Friday from 0900-1400 at the Humphreys Fitness Center, aka the Super Gym. Dependents must sign in at the brief to be eligible to take the driver’s test.
  • First part of the written exam consists of multiple choice questions. Some of the questions are quite specific regarding distances and speed so study hard!
  • The second part of the written exam is all road signs. Drive around Korea for a few days before taking the exam to become familiar with the street signs.
  • The reflex text and eye exam comes directly after passing the written exam. Any failures from the written portion of the exam will be asked to leave and come back next week. Only one private failed during my exam of 20 people. REMEMBER TO BRING PRESCRIPTION GLASSES! I was surprised how many people forgot their glasses.
  • Find the Study Guide at the 8th Army Korea webpage: http://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/g1_ag/WelcomKorea/Driving_In_Korea.htmIMG_2618

 

 

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