docdan

WE will be in Santorini one day in late May (cruise stop) with a party of four and am intersted in Scootering around the island with two scooters. I have an international driver's licence, the other driver doesn't but can get one. Neither of us have a motorcycle specific licence. On an old post on this site there is the following quote:

"The regulations are the same all over the EU. 50ccm and 50km/h max are what is o.k. with a standard "car" license."

So to rent a scooter of 50cc the driver does not need a motorcycle license, correct? Is there still a requriement to have the international driver's licence for my friend? - thanks.
(Also, any suggestions on the whole idea or "neat roads to scooter on" ideas would be welcome)

brotherleelove2004

No MC license is necessary for the smaller 50cc scooters. Greek law does require the International Driving Permit from American and Canadian Citizens as well as from any other visitor from outside the EU. They're easy to get from your local AAA/CAA office.

Extreme caution is necessary when on the road between Imerovigli and Oia as it is full of blind curves and it's narrow with no guardrails in some dangerous spots with deep dropoffs.

docdan

Noted, Brother - THX

docdan

OK, let me re-phrase the question. Upon renting a scotter, does the agency insist on seeing the Int. drivers permit, and will they refuse the rental if you don't have one but qualify for the rental otherwise. (Reason: This would be the only time the other driver would need the IDP and feels that a few hours on a scooter doesn't jsutify the hassle - thx

travelerjan

Well, they may rent without the license. However, if there is an accident and/or injury, or even just a fender-bender and the party is shown not to have the Int. Driver permit, insurance coverage for either person or scooter damage would be void ... and THAT could cost a lot more than the IDP.

docdan

Thx jan - this wouldn't even be a question if we were talking about driving a Fiat down an Autostrada - but a few hours on a scooter on Santorini? Just trying to define a risk/benefit ratio.

brotherleelove2004

The Risk: Being in trouble with the local police in a foreign country where he doesn't speak the language _plus_ being detained until he comes up with the cash to pay for damage to ALL vehicles involved. I've seen it happen.

The Benefit: One less thing to worry about, not having to spend time in jail and not having to spend a lot of extra money unnecessarily because of the "it'll never happen to me" Murphy's Law scenario.

There can be spontaneous traffic roadside checkpoints. Greek law requires that Americans possess the IDP. Even if you don't have to provide one for a careless merchant who rents you a scooter without asking to see it you most definitely WILL have to show it to the police. It's still your responsibility no matter what.

Tell your friend to spend the $20. Accidents are not planned events. They can happen to anyone.

nytraveler

Driving a scooter - unless you're quite experienced - is like driving a car in Greece when you've just started to learn to drive - not really a great idea.

Roads are often not the best and accidents are frequent among tourists who are inexperienced drivers.

lynclarke

I called yesterday. The permit is $15. You can either bring two passport photos with you or they will them for an additional $15. I am taking my husband's photo when he comes home from work tonight.

docdan

so, Lyn, you renting a scooter or more? - I'm going to rent this scooter _AND_ a car in italy. For me its a no-brainer; only a moron would assume nothing will happen in DAYS of driving in Italy. But for the other party this extra increment of cost and hassle for jsut a few hours on a scooter equates to ditching the scooter idea and going by cab. Would like your feedback on how it goes.

lynclarke

We will be in Santorini for a week. I do not have any idea how many times, if any, we will want to rent a vehicle of some sort. For $15 and a few minutes filling out paperwork in a AAA office--it seems like a no brainer to me. I just took the photo and sent it off to Walgreens for 10¢/print. I made 4 copies so we have spare passport photos in case something happens to his passport! (Also, if you can talk your wife into doing a task for you, she can download the form from the AAA website and fill it in for you. All you have to do is walk in the office with the form and the photos.)