Drivers license ? Will our Texas license be accepted to rent a motorcycle? or do we need an international license?
Sep 16th, 2007, 07:00 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Drivers license ? Will our Texas license be accepted to rent a motorcycle? or do we need an international license?
Does any one know if we need to get the international license for a one day motorcycle rental?
Sep 16th, 2007, 09:04 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi ms,
You always need your own driver's license. You must have a motorcycle license.
The International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver's license.
Available at www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp
You always need your own driver's license. You must have a motorcycle license.
The International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver's license.
Available at www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp
Sep 17th, 2007, 07:16 AM
#13
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just returned from a motorcycle tour of Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. My husband had a IDP from our local AAA (took 5 mintues), but never needed it while we were in Europe. He just needed his California drivers license which shows he is licensed to drive motorcycles. One day? You are going to wish you had much longer to see Europe on a motorcycle. We've gone 3 times on motorcycle trips and are convinced it is the only way to see Europe. Have fun!
Sep 17th, 2007, 12:19 PM
#14
re martyharly's comment - it is true you usually do not need an IDP to rent a motorcycle (or car for that matter). But it is a legal requirement to drive it. An IDP is a requirement in Italy, Austria and Greece. If you are stopped you will be VERY glad you have one.
Sep 17th, 2007, 12:29 PM
#15
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The explanation that you need it to DRIVE rather than to RENT is a good one. And incidentally I'm not sure if it's just me but in Italy I see an awful lot of motorcycles stopped by police -- many more than cars. I'm not sure if the police just check them more for licenses or if all those motorcycle drivers are really breaking laws.
Sep 17th, 2007, 05:13 PM
#16
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have toured with Edelweiss Tours (a motorcycle touring company based in Austria) 3 times, all over Europe, including Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany, France,Austria,and Switzerland. We had no probelm renting or riding. The local police were more interested in our passports, than an IDP.
Sep 17th, 2007, 05:38 PM
#17
martyharly: Are you actually advising the OP to break the law?? You may not have had any problems - however it is a requirement. I can just see it -- "Sorry officer, but a nice person on Fodors told me I didn't need an IDP"
Sep 17th, 2007, 06:26 PM
#18
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
martyharly, while you were there did you have an accident and need to collect on insurance? If not, then by all means you should suggest they not get any insurance in Italy either. After all you didn't need it, so why should they?
Sep 17th, 2007, 06:41 PM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I get so tired of this explanation, but here it is again: It's the LAW that you MUST have an IDP in Italy. Car rental/motorcycle rental companies don't give a rat's a** whether you have one or not, and in all likelihood won't even ask you about it. BUT, if you get into an accident, get pulled over in one of those random police stops, or get stopped by the police for some infraction of the law and you do not have the IDP, you are liable to pay a considerable fine and possibly not be allowed to continue driving until you obtain an IDP. WHY ON EARTH would you not obey the law and shell out the meager $20 to obtain one in advance so that you will not end up in trouble in a foreign country?
The fact that a million idiots or ignoramuses have gotten away with not having one is so totally, completely irrelevant....YOU now have the information so you can't claim to be ignorant. Get the IDP.
The fact that a million idiots or ignoramuses have gotten away with not having one is so totally, completely irrelevant....YOU now have the information so you can't claim to be ignorant. Get the IDP.
Sep 18th, 2007, 08:11 AM
#20
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"The fact that a million idiots or ignoramuses have gotten away with it". Nice (not!) language, but not what I've learned to expect from well mannnered Fodorites. My motorcycle company, which is an Austrian based company, has never recommended an IDP even though we have always obtained one. Insurance is all together another issue. We have always obtained insurance in addtion to the IDP. Never thought this was such a hot issue or required such a nasty reply. Have just reflected on our own experience which has been based on many miles of riding through Europe. Mellow out StCirg, take a ride.
