We shall be renting a car in Italy and have read conflicting reports on the requirement for an international drivers licence. I'd appreciate your feedback on whether a Canadian licence is ok.

Italian law does require an international driving permit (IDP). It is not a license--it is a translation of your license into several languages. You must carry both your regular license and your IDP. Most policemen won't bother to ask for it if you are stopped for some reason, but some will. And if they don't like you for some reason they can, at their option, add failure to have an IDP to whatever other offenses you have committed.

In many years of travel to Europe, I've been asked for my IDP twice. Since it only costs a few bucks, I was happy I had it when asked for it.

You don't, however need and IDL to rent a car....only you regualr license.

We were stopped once - I was glad we had it, as the carabinieri didn't speak English.

Where do you get one. I will be renting a car in Italy in September. I thought you could get one through triple A but I am not a member and didn't see this service listed on the parts of the website that non-members can access.

Yes, AAA will issue IDPs to nonmembers. But it can't be done online anyway, they need to see your license. Call or visit your nearby AAA office.