I've seen the International Drivers License (IDL) topic discussed here before. Some say they are indispensible in Europe, others have claimed they are a useless waste.
I have driven without one in Italy, France, and Switzerland, and never had a problem. This Spring, we'll be visiting Central Europe for the first time, and one of our travelling companions found a thread on another travel forum stating that they are a necessity in Austria...has anyone here experienced the need for an IDL in Austria, or Germany for that matter?
Thanks for your help.

Like insurance, they are useless until needed.
Saying you've driven many times and never needed one is like saying, "I think I'll cancel all my auto insurance. I haven't needed it in years!"
My opinion is that for about $10, it sure is worth some peace of mind if you happen to be stopped by a non-English speaking policeman.

I echo Patrick.
Got IDL two years ago, didn't need it, senseless waste of $20
Got IDL last summer, had accident in Slovakia, cops came, I showed them map/diagram of accident scene and my IDL (speaking no words), blew a 0.00 on the drunkometer, 2 minutes later they fined other driver on the spot. Best $20 I ever spent.

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as an International Drivers License. It's an International Driving Permit (IDP) and it is not a license--it is a translation of your regular driving license into several languages. You have your regular license in order to drive--whether or not you have an IDP. And the IDP is handy to have even if you're in a country where it is not required by law.

I'm quite certain Austria is one of the countries that require an IDP. Get it. Just because you "never had a problem" without it in the past is no reason not to fork over the $10 to get one. The only reason you haven't had a problem is presumably because you weren't stopped. Your experience could have been completely different if you had been.

no

We had to show it to rent in Austria last year...cost $10 from AAA. Since the law says you have to have it, even if most people are never asked for it, I'd say to get it! I'd hated to have listened to everyone saying we didn't need it, only to get to the rental counter and be refused because we didn't have it!

Anne

I've always had one and never had to use it - that's a good insurance policy.

AAA at Heathrow, Fl. 2 pictures and a copy of your current state license. Download application.
European police like impressive documents. Card size state licenses are unimpressive. Poland regularily mounts casual vehicle checks..first aid kit, stopped vehicle warning device and etc., including car title!

The only thing I have against IDP's is the fact that they expire after one year.
Have the different languages changed since last year?

Thanks for all your help. I didn't realize it was only $10 or so, guess it makes sense to have one.

Not that it's a real big deal, but I checked 4 or 5 websites offering the International Permit, and they are all around $35. Can someone point me to where they can be had for $10, as referenced by several messages above?

We have driven without an IDL several times in France, Switzerland, Germany & Italy and have never had a problem. One must purchase a registration tag upon entering Switzerland for a nominal sum, and post it in the windshield.

I have been round and round on this subject, also. The Swiss do require a special decal for which you pay, if you are going to use the freeways (Autobahns). In Austria, I have received a little conflicting information. The Austrian government agency in Vienna told me in no uncertain terms that an IDL was mandatory. The Avis guidelines say that it is required if the license is written in a language other than German or English. I asked Avis and its rep stuck by the printed guidelines.

I decided that I would get the IDL to avoid any difficulties. (I an risk averse when the cost is minor.)

Austria does require a "vignette" for your car if you use the freeways, as do the Swiss. I have read on these pages that the fine is stiff if you get caught.

My guess is this: If you get caught without the vignette and without an IDL, you probably get shafted with a fine.

It hits me as a protection scheme. But the last place I want trouble with the cops is in a foreign country.

www.auto-france.com states that it is recommended to have the IDL in Austria, Italy and Spain. I would extend that to eastern Europe. The site is the lease site for Peugeot, and gives reliable information regarding what is needed or desirable when leasing a car.

The IDP is free is you are a Plus Member of AAA (including the 2x2 pictures, which they usually take right in the AAA office).

Larry--AVOID THE WEBSITES--THESE ARE PROBABLY NOT VALID IDPs. Each nation's government determines which entities can provide IDPs to the public--in the USA there are two: AAA (American Automobile Association) and another national auto club I can never remember the name of. Any other ads you see for "IDLs" or IDPs are not official.

The IDP costs $10 at AAA--you need 2 passport photos. They will take the photos for you if you want to pay them to do so.

By the way, the IDP has to be issued in the same country as your driving license.

Note: Some countries, like Spain, don't specifically require an IDP, but do require a written, certified translation of your driving license--which the IDP provides. Other countries, like Hungary and Italy, require an IDP. In any case, you still need to carry your regular DL.

Just for the record, realize that the IDP is only good if accompanied by a valid driver's license. I believe it was here that I once read a post where somebody only took their IDP, was stopped and got in a lot of trouble because they didn't have their "real" license with them.