rental car and driver's license
 

I made a reservation to rent a car in France through Kemwel. However, I just read the reservation agreement and it says I need to have had a driver's license for at least 2 years. Well, of course I've had a valid license since I was 17, but I recently moved and my current license was only issued in January. Any suggestions as to how I can demonstrate that I have indeed had a driver's license for more than 2 years? Or will they even bother to check on this so long as my license is valid? Any help will be appreciated -- I leave in two days!

Hi A,

I don't expect any trouble. However, do you still have your old license?

((I))

Does the site say that you have to have had your <b>current</b> license for two years or that you've been <b>licensed to drive</b> for at least two years?

It says &quot;Drivers license must be held for a minimum of 2 years (some exceptions may apply).&quot;

I wish I still had my old license, but when I got my new one the DMV did not give me the old one back.

That means one must have had a valid drivers license for 2 years. Not that the current one is more than 2 years old (many DL's don't even have a starting date on them - just an expiration date so in those cases how would the rental agent know).

They are just covering themselves that you are an experienced driver and that if you lied about it they could void the insurance if you had a problem.

If you're a U.S. citizen go to AAA and get an International Driver's Permit. Showing that and your passport will get you a car anywhere. You should have the IDP with you when renting a car in a foreign country since they're technically required of all U.S. citizens. If you have an accident and don't have the IDP your insurance will be invalidated.

I'm sorry - but that last from brotherleelove is complete rubbish. An IDP is only required in a <b>few</b> countries - Italy being one. France - not.

Not saying you might not want to get one - but there is absolutely no legal requirement for you to have an IDP in France . . . . .

Unfortunately, B is mistaken on all 3 points.

You need the IDP in Austria and Italy, but only if the police ask to see it.

The rental agency doesn't care.

Not having one will not void your insurance.

It is not required in France.

((I))

My personal experience in renting a car in Italy (Hertz at PMO) is that they did ask for an IDP. I have one, so I don't know what will happen if I say i don't have it.

Ira, I only rented a car in Austria once and they would not give me the car at the rental counter without the IDP.

Maybe it was the company I used (Europcar) or maybe things have changed since then (2005).

Amelie, does it not say somewhere on your license when you were first issued one? I have no idea what a US license looks like but on my Dutch/European license which is valid for 10 years it also includes the date the first one was issued to me.

Thanks to everyone who responded, especially the person who said it is just to protect the company. I'm going to assume it will be okay. At worst, this is a family trip and there will be another car, so if I can't rent this car I won't be stuck. But it sounds like it will go okay. Thanks everyone!!! Amelie

Hi S,

I think that it was the rental company.

Folks that I have spoken to have told me that they rented cars in Austria and Italy (both require the IDP), and that the rental agency didn't ask to see it.

This was for travel between 1999 and 2006.

((I))