International Driving Permits

When you are going to rent a car abroad, you might want to think about getting an International Driving Permit. You also need to know about traffic laws abroad. There will almost always be some variations from home.

Some countries say that they require an International Driving Permit. Will that help you know about traffic laws abroad? The short answer is.... NO. There is no test on the rules of the road for an International Drivers Permit. No booklet to read.

You must have a valid driver's license from your home country or state. All that this permit (the IDP) does is translate your license into ten foreign languages.... English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese.

This makes it easier for police to read. It also certifies the validity of your license; proof to the police abroad, so they don't have to try to figure out licenses from all over the world.

The IDP shows information in a standard format that is internationally recognized.... It will have your name and other driving license information. Since this IS just a translation and not a driver's license, you must carry your license along with the permit.

We've never been asked for one, even when we were stopped for a minor traffic infraction in Croatia. We're reading more often that they are required, and that you can be fined if you can't produce one. While you may never be asked for one, our feeling now is to just get one.

We've rented cars in Italy often, with no permit, but the rules have changed. The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Italy states that "Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driver Permit before leaving the U.S."

You may or may not be asked for it by the car rental companies wherever you are. We helped Belgian friends pick up their rental car here in the U.S. The car rental agency here in California didn't want the International Driving Permit... they wanted to see their Belgian driver's license.

It is, after all, that driver's license that is proof you are qualified to drive. You want to be able to produce both, though, if you are asked for them.

Americans can get one from the American Auto Association or the National Auto Club. You need two passport size photos and $15. The Permit is valid for one year.

Citizens of other countries can get them from government authorized organizations such as national auto associations. Over 150 countries recognize the IDPs and most have agencies which will issue them.

Beware of internet scams. Most of those will try to sell you an "international driver's license". Remember, the real thing is not a license... it's a permit, with translations. If you can't get a driver's license at home, even if you DO buy something through these scam artists, it's not going to do you any good... and it could get you into trouble.

So even if, like us, you've never had to bother with an International Driving Permit, it's probably time to check traffic laws for the country you're going to visit... and think about getting one.


This travel tip is brought to you by AvocaAccommodation.com, the website about Avoca accommodation and Avoca Beach accommodation on the NSW Central Coast. See us for Central Coast accommodation including Avoca hotels, Avoca Beach resorts, Avoca Beach b&b, Avoca Beach apartments, Avoca Beach cabins, Avoca Beach motels, Avoca Beach resorts, Avoca beach hotels and Avoca Beach cottages.