Driving in Europe
 

Do I need a special license or anything to drive in Europe?

Beats me. We used to get an international license through AAA every trip because we would read where it is advised. However, no one ever wanted to see it. When we would rent a car, they only wanted to see our state drivers' license. My husband would give the car agencies the international license and they would return it immediately asking for our state license. Some friends of ours were involved in a minor automobile accident in England, and the police weren't interested in their international license. It is a mystery to us. We try not to drive anymore and use buses and trains to get from point to point so it really isn't an issue for us anymore.

Without knowing where you intend to drive in Europe, the question is impossible to answer. Different nations have different requirements.<BR>

ME, most countries no longer require an international driving license, but a few still do. Research where you are going and you should learn what you need. That said, you should get one anyway. If you were to be stopped by local police and they demanded your license (and depending on the infraction they may keep it) then you give them the international one and NEVER give them your state issued one.

ME,<BR>I think you should visit sites that have info. on driving regulations for the countries you plan to visit.<BR><BR>And keep the following in mind:<BR>- Police in Europe are judge, jury and executioner - they collect fines on the spot. If you don't have the required amount, expect to play "dialing for euros" at the local ATM.<BR><BR>- Many cities/towns and some highways have cameras. Break a speed/traffic law and your rental car bill will reflect the fine amount.

All I can tell you is that I've rented cars in Italy, and no one ever asked me for an international license.

A rental agency will never ask for an international license, but that's not the point. If you get stopped by the police in a country where the international license is a requirement and you don't have one, you will be fined. Generally, a written translation of your US license into the local language will suffice if you don't have the international license. The number of countries requiring it, however, has dwindled to only a couple, and since I haven't checked on them in a couple of years, could have dwindled to none.

I definitely know you need an international driver's license in Austria. You don't in most of Europe. I've rented a car in Ireland, England, Germany, France, and Belgium, and used my U.S. License Check with AAA. I know Austria is one, and there are a couple others.

Spain requires an International Drivers License but no one asks for it or cares. If you have one and don't speak the local language, it can save you some hassle regardless of whether one is required or not.