Driving Netherlands and Belgium

[large]

Getting a lot of mixed info online. I haven't driven in the EU since 2006 (except IRL in 2017), am looking at a car rental in NL and doing a day trip to Belgium (Bruges).

International Driving permit required?

Thanks in advance....

 

[drron]

I got away with out it many years ago. I would now take an IDP because if you have a meeting with the police you may need it.

 

[ZigZagWanderer]

I've never been asked for one. Having said that, I've never had a reason to be asked.

I've never had an international driving licence as such, although I still have my old uk 'European' version licence from many, many moons ago.

 

[VPS]

You can ask that question of dozens of people and they are usually adamantly yes or no. Personally I think it's a rip off but in the big scheme of things it's only $49 and it may save you hundreds or you may waste your money. It saved my bacon last year in the UK so the answer is yes I just consider it part of travel costs.

 

[drron]

You can't rent a car in Japan without it though.

 

[jase05]

I think it’s a bit of a scam but I just get one for piece of mind.
At FRA a few years back we were told it was requirement to have one to rent a car and indeed they asked me to produce a IDP.
We were stopped randomly by police twice, once in Germany and once in Austria and the Germany cop asked for it but the Austrian cop didn’t bother so YMMV

 

[jastel]

Never been asked for it but I normally have one.
Im hiring in the USA shortly and the only thing most sites say is if the license is NOT in english and roman alphabet then IDP needed. Also noticed several sites saying NO digital license either.
Been stopped once in USA and he never wanted it.

 

[auriga]

What really bugs me about IDP is it is only valid for one year.
How stupid is that!

 

[OZDUCK]

What really bugs me about IDP is it is only valid for one year.
How stupid is that!

Not for the issuing 'agency' - a nice little earner for typing in a few words and numbers.

 

[michaeljm]

I rented a car from SIXT in Amsterdam 2 weeks ago. I had an international drivers permit but they said an Australian drivers license is considered valid in the Netherlands.

I drove through Belgium and France but don't know what their rules are. I would still probably get it just in case.