International Drivers License
 

Do I really need one of these?

I recall that there is quite a bit of information on this subject on this site; try doing a search. When we used to drive on trips, we would always get one, but no one ever asked to see it. In fact, my husband would try to show it to the car rental people, and they would just hand it back to him without even looking at it.

In Italy, for sure.

As above "do a search". But the bottom line is this.
No you don't NEED one. Just like you don't NEED insurance. People say they've had one and never needed it. Well, the same thing is true about having insurance, not getting in an accident -- therefore you didn't NEED it. For a little peace of mind, isn't it worth the $10 or so to get one from AAA?

The International Driving PERMIT is essentially a translation of your license.

Thus, no need at all in English-speaking countries. Rental agencies wouldn't be interested, but police might be. Even in countries where it's not required, a translation would be handy in case you're stopped or in an accident, wouldn't it? AFAIK, only Italy and a couple of other countries actually require it.

Parick is on the mark. My recommendation is to get one. Although car rental agents at Airports ignore them, others do not. I did get stopped at a police roadblock once in France, and although I am not sure what the rapid conversation was about, the translated data in the AAA license seemed to help. I went on my way quickly and with out hassle - I did not get the sense that was true of veryone that had been stopped. (perhaps they were just checking for valid licenses???)

Hi
I hust wanted to reply about the International Drivers License. I always look at the guidebooks driving requirement section. If it states that one is required, we get it, if not we don't bother. Never been asked about it. Customs is more interested in the Green card [insurance] than in the IDL.
alan