KayF

We've driven before in Europe with just our UK drivers licenses but something I read on a trip report here recently made me wonder if we need international drivers licenses as well for our next trip. We pick up our car in Trieste (next month, in April) and drive through Slovenia to Croatia, then back to Trieste. Most of the time will be spent in Istria.

Can anyone tell me of their experience or point me to a website that would tell me?

Thanks
Kay

maitaitom

As you will see from my Slovenia experience last year, the answer is Yes!

"Overcast skies greeted us on this morning and after breakfast at the B&B Slamič, we were on the highway for the short one hour jaunt to Lake Bled. As we neared the Bled turnoff, the highway quickly shrunk from four lanes down to two, and after another 100 yards, off to the side of the road, I spotted a man in uniform.

As it turned out, he had spotted me as well, and, holding a little sign, he waved me toward him. Knowing he was not the official Lake Bled greeter, but not thinking I had committed any driving infraction, I pulled over.

I rolled my window down and said, “Dober-Dan.” Well, I think that’s what I said.

DIGRESSION: By the end of our four weeks in the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Croatia, we were pretty messed up with which language we were attempting to speak, especially when it came to saying “Good day and hello.”

In Czech, it was “Dobrý den.” In Polish, it was “Dzień dobry.” In Croatian, it was “Dobar dan” and in Slovenian the aforementioned “Dober-dan.” With all the brain cells killed throughout these countries, we had been known to mix up our “Dobers” with our Dobrýs and our “dans” with our “dens.”

So, by the time I encountered the officer, I could have said something like “Daffy Duck” or “`Dizzy Dean” for all I know, but I think he knew what I said, because he just said “Hello.”

This guy had a really cool voice. If you are a fan of Magnum P.I. (or even if you’re not) he sounded exactly like the Soviet agent who blew up Magnum’s buddy Rick in the Ferrari and who called Magnum “Thomas” in an inimitable way (until today). It is the greatest Magnum P.I. episode ever; a two-parter entitled “Did You See The Sunrise?”

The officer asked me for my driver’s license, international license and my passport. Fortunately he did not ask for my first born because I don’t have one. On the outside I was Magnum cool. On the inside, I was Don Knotts’ nervous.

“Thomas,” he said slowly in his unmistakable movie star voice. “Do you know what you did?"

I did not.

“When you see signs that the highway is narrowing to only two lanes, it is a ‘No Passing Zone’.” I hadn’t passed any other cars, and he was around a corner so I don’t know how he would have known if I passed a car anyway, but getting into an argument with a Slovenian cop did not seem like the prudent course of action.

After checking all of our passports, he continued. “Thomas (although nervous, I really enjoyed hearing him say my name),” usually the fine for what you did is 20 euros.”

Like a great Shakespearean actor, he then took a dramatic pause, looked away for a split second, turned back toward me and added, “But today is your lucky day and I am going to let you go with just a warning.”

Slovenia and Croatia roads are easy to navigate. Have fun.

bobthenavigator

Tom, love that story---same thing happened to me. I just got out the wallet, turned it upside down, and $6 worth of Korunas fell out. I smiled, he smiled, and I got in the car and left.
Yes, you want the IDP--why not?

LittleVicky

I have been stopped by police in Slovenia and Croatia, never been asked for an international licence.

maitaitom

My advice: For peace of mind, pay the ten bucks.

Dubrovniktravelady

You will be driving "internationally." The police seem to be impressed with the international licence, don't know why.

KayF

Does anyone know where we'd get them in the UK? Do you just walk in and pay and walk out with it or is there some time before you receive it?

(We have UK drivers licenses if that makes any difference.)

Thanks, Kay

LittleVicky

An IDL is not required by law in any of the countries mentioned but you will need the green card.

KayF

I usually err on the side of caution but not convinced an IDL is necessary. We've driven in Europe many times without one.

LittleVicky - what is a green card and where do we get one?

Thanks. Car hire is not usually so complicated!
Kay

alanRow

Slovenia & Italy are members of the EU therefore a British licence holder doesn't need an IDP by EU law. You don't need one for Croatia under local law

Green cards is a document issued by insurance companies so that people taking their own car abroad have proof of insurance. Note that for EU countries you don't need one as UK insurance automatically gives basic cover in other EU countries

As OP isn't using their own car, the point is rather moot

LittleVicky

Lets be clear, you need to get a green card with the car as you will be driving in Croatia, a non EU country.

Dubrovniktravelady

Interesting that the law of Croatia does not require IDL. That's true, however it's the police man who is looking to line his pocket with some extra cash who can stop one from going over the border. These guys seem to be a little more impressed with those who have IDL and can sometimes help eleminate a fine, which is going into his pocket. It's the Balkans....

KayF

LittleVicky, do you know if the car hire company (Hertz) will provide the green card? We have advised them we're taking the car into Slovenia and Croatia.

If not, where do we get one?

Thanks
Kay

LittleVicky

Car hire company will provide the green card.Try www.economycarrentals.com, we have used them for years and have no complaints.