I have always picked up an International Driving Permit for anywhere in Europe - France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain .. and have never once had to show it, even in Italy where it is supposed to be required.

Will be driving in Scotland for the first time this September, and I've seen on another website that the IDP is not required where English is the main language. Is there any reason to get one this time?

Thanks

In Scotland they speak (a manner of) English so they wouldn't need a translation - which is all an IDP is. A couple of websites (including one rental agency I'm aware of) say you need one -- but nope -- no need at all.

Not for UK which includes Scotland. Only if you have a licence in non-Roaman script (like Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese etc) will IDP be recommended, as you may not be able to rent a car without it.

janisj and Alec - Thank you!

As far as I know, you don't need an IDP for France or Germany either. Nevertheless, its a good idea to have one.

IDP isn't required for the UK, but car hire companies may insist on you having one before they'll rent to you

>>IDP isn't required for the UK, but car hire companies may insist on you having one before they'll rent to you<<

In more than 100 rentals in the UK I have never ever (not once) been asked to show an IDP.

Only if you have a licence in non-Roman script.

A UK car rental agency will never ask for an IDP from someone with a US drivers license. Why would they?