International Driver's license
 

A friend and her husband are leaving for a European Honeymoon on May 24, and the question is do they need to have an International Driver's license when driving in Germany? They are also going to Prague and of course are renting a car in Munich. She has heard from other young Americans that our own licenses are ok these days. it has been eight years since I rented a car in Munich and I did not even drive.

Thanks for your help. also are there any trains from Munich to Prague or the Czech Republic?

Jen.

An international driver's "license" is merely a translation of your US driver's license. If stopped by the police, you give it and your American license to the officer. The intent is to make it easier for the police to determine whether your license is authentic or not (i.e., expired, restricted, etc).

I have not rented a car in Germany, so can't comment specifically on whether it is required there. However, the cost of an international license is minimal ($15-$20), and may save you a hassle down the line. IMO, it is worth getting, even if it is not required.

It is an IDP -- International Driving Permit (not license). One is not required in Germany (it is in several countries including Italy). Not sure about Czech - but I agree w/ walkabout. They are inexpensive and easy to get (at an AAA office) so why not have one.

>do they need to have an International Driver's license when driving in Germany?
No, they don't. Germany and the US have never singed or made any mutual agreements on international driving licenses/permits. So far, your national license is accepted.

Very few US states (read "Georgia") illegaly require Germans to hold such a thing when driving on their territory.

I believe that Italy is the only place that requires them in Europe. You should be fine without one in Germany.

Austria also requires an IDP.

Thank you all...I have informed my friend of your advice and she has decided that she and her husband will be headed to AAA to get the permit ASAP--just in case.

Thank you all for your wisdom!

Jen

Italy, Austria, and Spain do require an IDP by law.

Germany and France do not. I don't know about other countries.

From the Czech Embassy:
"Every person who drives a motor vehicle in the Czech Republic must carry either a driver's license issued by the Czech Republic itself or another European Union (EU) member state, or an international driver's license that is accepted in the Czech Republic including one from his/her home state. Driver's licenses issued by the individual states in the U.S. without the international driver's license component are not accepted in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic only recognizes international driver's licenses that fit the requirements prescribed in the following international agreements:

• Agreement on Road Transportation signed in Geneva on September 19, 1949 (enclosure No. 10)
• Agreement on Road Traffic signed in Vienna on November 8, 1968 (enclosure No. 6)
• The EU Committee's Guidelines No. 91/439 of July 29, 1991, on driver's licenses

Since the U.S. is a contracting party only to the Geneva Agreement on Road Transportation from 1949, we suggest that before leaving for the Czech Republic, individuals get an international driver's license in accordance with this agreement. Do not forget to also bring your home state driver's license. American Automobile Auto club (AAA) has the authority to issue international driver's licenses in the U.S."

It's always a good idea to get an IDP if you might need it in Europe. Years ago I got stopped by the police for driving 15 miles over the speed limit on a totally deserted road at 2 am..... My license was taken, of course. That was less than a month before our scheduled trip to Scotland, for which I rented a car... I was quite nervous, till I got my license back shortly before leaving for Scotland....

...Of course, the point is, even if you DON'T need an IDP in Europe, you want to get one, in case the cop HERE takes your driver license away...

...Unless you're a saint and never commit any driving violations...

15 miles above should be considered a crime in this country too.

mamamia2: "<i>you want to get one, in case the cop HERE takes your driver license away...</i>"

An IDP wouldn't help in that case. It does not replace one's state-issued/official DL. It is only used <u>with</u> a valid license and is totally useless by itself.

While in Greece we were asked for our IDP once out of 3 times renting ATVs. I got the impression the one that asked would not have rented to us without it. So saves some time for a small price.

So, Quark, were they asking you to show BOTH your original DR and the IDP? Or just the IDP?

mamamia: I know you doubted my post -- but an IDP is totally useless w/o the license. It is merely a translation of one's 'official' DL. It is not a legal document/license.

Many agencies will rent w/o asking to see an IDP (even when having one is a legal requirement) -- NO agency will rent w/o seeing a valid driver's license.

Janis, your note does make sense, I admit. And it's good to know (= one should drive more cautiously if one plans flying abroad, rent a car there....)... I am just curious, that's all.....