I am carrying a California driver license. Do I need to get the International driver license in order to drive in Europe?

Hi ctang, it is actually called an International Driver's Permit. It merely transalate your California drivers license into about ten different languages. Where will you be driving in Europe?

There are only two countries in Europe that require the IDP, Italy and Slovenia, according to the latest information in the New York Times. Italy because for some reason they think that their police, for some reason, don't seem to understand any other language besides Italian, and Slovenia just because then can. Or maybe they feel left out for some reason?

Hi ct,

An IDP is like insurance, you don't need it until you need it.

You won't need an IDP to rent a car, except for Italy and Slovenia.

However, if you are stopped by a police officer you might have to produce an IDP.

It's easy to get and not expensive.

See http://www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp

On our trip to Italy last year, as we were driving through the countryside on a remote two-lane road and were stopped by two armed police standing in the middle of the road, we were exceedingly happy that my husband had taken the 10 minutes necessary to obtain the permit from our local AAA office. He was also asked for it when we picked up our rental car.

Not sure what would've happened if we didn't have it, and glad we didn't have to find out. As the previous poster said, you don't need it until you need it. WE've never bothered with one in extensive driving through England, Ireland and Wales, but now we have it and will take it on future trips.

<<now we have it and will take it on future trips...>>

In what seems to me to be a rather egregious case of rip-off, your IDP expires in 12 months, as I recall... even though none of the info on your DL has changed and its expiration may be years away.

I've never heard any urban mythology as to what would happen if one were to present an "expired" IDP.

Best wishes,

Rex

Austria is another country that requires the IDP, unless that just recently changed.

It all depends how "stubborn" those officers in Austria are. I have an old West German license. You wouldn't think you'd have any problems as it's in German.

Yet, some want to see the IDP. My alternatives are 1) getting a new license (no way!) or 2) taking an idp with me (mine expired a few months ago (3 years validity) or 3) taking a copy of the austrian law, making clear to them that my license is in fact valid!
Some Gendarms know the regulations, but unfortunately some don't and arguing with them won't lead to anyting...

So get the IDP!

We will be driving in Germany, Denmark, & Sweden. Looks like the IDP is not really necessary.
Thanks for the info.

For general info:

According to the Austrian National Tourist Office website, an IDP is required in Austria. It might be that there was a recent change and the website hasn't been updated since, but it is still there.

> IDP is required in Austria
It's not needed for Germans, (any valid license, even the oldest one) and as far as I know for all EU member countries (EU standardized license) too, but then all that counts is what the officer says.

It definitely wouldn't be needed for Germans visiting Austria as German is the official nationwide language of Austria.

The thing is that my license is older than the officer checking it. They don't know their own laws, havn't see such a document before and can't tell weather it's valid or not. This is anything but uncommon in Austria! The IDP clears things up. Did you ever try arguing with a state official knowing you're right and he is wrong? ;-)

I've rented cars in Italy and never been asked for an IDP... Have others been asked for this at rental time?

Hi JC,

I think the law went into effect early this year.

The problem is not that the rental agency won't give you a car - it's what do you do when a police officer asks for it?

We rented a car at Avis in Palermo last May and no one mentioned the IDP. Chances of an officer asking to see your permit are pretty small. And if they do ask, I doubt that they would arrest or fine you for lack of it. That said, you can get one for about ten dollars from the AAA with two photos.

Sure Ira... I understand the police officer aspect. It's just a different level of risk compared to getting to Italy and not being allowed to rent a car at all.

ekscrunchy:

If you are stopped by a policeman in Italy and you don't have the IDP, in fact it is HIGHLY likely you will be fined.

Whether or not the car rental agency asks you for it is completely irrelevant. Italian law requires you to have it - end of story.

Ok, thanks. I will get one from AAA before we go in January.

What about in the Czech republic or Poland. I plan to be in Dresden next month and both are close by