International Driver’s License
If you’re planning on driving in Europe, you’ll need an International Driver’s License in addition to your local one.
Due to regulations from the European Community (since Jan 01, 1999) all non-Europeans who intend to drive in Europe require an International Drivers License. This is simply a translated document of your local driver’s license into some 20 different languages.
Problems in the Past for European Rental Car Companies
In the past, many car rental companies have been sued as a result of the various types of driver’s licenses requirements and conditions in the world. Thus, many car rental stations won’t rent their vehicles if they can’t read the driver’s license.
For example, a customer may have a driver’s license certified only for automatic transmission but receives a car that has manual transmission. If a car rental personnel can’t understand what the driver’s license indicates, difficulties and risks to their property can arise.
Renting a Car or Motor Home in Europe Today
If you happen to find a rental car location that is able to read your driver’s license and information, you should have less of a problem renting a car through them. But having an International Driver’s License is a huge benefit that will avoid problems and extra costs.
The worst case scenario in the case that you don’t have your IDL is that you may have to pay a fine to the police if you are stopped and cannot show an IDL. However, if you drive a car under wrong conditions, then you are fully responsible for any damage or costs that are incurred.
This can also happen when you rent a motor home. Because many bigger motor homes are larger in weight (more then 3.5 tons), this requires a specific drivers license – i.e. class 3 or C1, which are for vehicles with a permitted total weight of more than 3,500 kg.
Thus, it is strongly recommend that you purchase an International Drivers License if you are planning on driving or renting a car or motor home in Europe. It’s not too expensive and it can save you headaches.
For North Americans, companies like CAA and AAA offer an IDL for around $20 to $30.
For more information about driving in Europe, please visit: www.driveeurope.com; www.holidaycars.info; or www.motorhomerentals.info .
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