How long does an International Drivers Licence last?

[BruceBris]

I have driven in Western Europe and the US almost every year since 1989. I bought an IDP on the first trip and at that time nobody seemed interested so I ignored it until this year when I was advised by a travel agent that I needed it to drive in Spain. I checked the Government site and verified it. As with other's experience, the hire company wasn't interested but I did not have any interaction with the authorities so can't comment on that. What I can comment on is the extortion cost and limited life which I suspect it artificially enforced. It's also interesting that the Australian Government don't provide them but refer you to your association. Conclusion. It's a rort but I'll continue to "buy" one each year for insurance reasons from now on.

 

[nate89]

My father had one a while ago, but like many of you got a bit pissed off with the short renewal terms.

He now doesn't bother renewing, but he kept his old one when he drives in Thailand. I asked why (I have driven there and didn't bother with an IDP) and he said because they sometimes try and extort money out of you by using your license as hostage. He couldn't give a cough if they took his expired IDP whereas if he showed them his aussie or british license things become much more problematic...

For what it is worth no police in Thailand that I have come across know how to read english anyway so most just look at the photo and give it back.

 

[crm911]

My NSW license has my DOB in the format "xx NOV 19xx". That should solve any Yanks who can't work it out.

The Victorian one uses numerals e.g. 03-12-19xx.

Since a lot of the insurance anecdotes are from memory, does anyone have an actual policy or name of an insurance company that requires an IDL or else the policy is void?

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

My father had one a while ago, but like many of you got a bit pissed off with the short renewal terms.

He now doesn't bother renewing, but he kept his old one when he drives in Thailand. I asked why (I have driven there and didn't bother with an IDP) and he said because they sometimes try and extort money out of you by using your license as hostage. He couldn't give a cough if they took his expired IDP whereas if he showed them his aussie or british license things become much more problematic...

For what it is worth no police in Thailand that I have come across know how to read english anyway so most just look at the photo and give it back.

Hence the IDP which translates it into about 12 languages...

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

The Victorian one uses numerals e.g. 03-12-19xx.

Since a lot of the insurance anecdotes are from memory, does anyone have an actual policy or name of an insurance company that requires an IDL or else the policy is void?

Booked through DriveAway holidays (reasonably cheap car rental, cough service) and they require it in their T&Cs. Not worth the risk of not having it IMO.

 

[jetlagger]

He now doesn't bother renewing, but he kept his old one when he drives in Thailand. I asked why (I have driven there and didn't bother with an IDP) and he said because they sometimes try and extort money out of you by using your license as hostage. He couldn't give a cough if they took his expired IDP whereas if he showed them his aussie or british license things become much more problematic...

Clever tactic.. I should have used the same MO last time the Philippine traffic police pulled me over whilst riding my motorbike with sandals..
My Australian licence went straight in his pocket then the extortion negotiations commenced..
After I mentioned that we can sort it out at the station, terms became more fluid & a more reasonable 'settlement" was obtained.
Now, if those antiquated looking oversize IDPs were wallet sized.. I would carry it on me at all times, as you mentioned very handy in situations such as this.

 

[tyrolean]

Living in Germany I asked my neighbour who is a highway police officer.

Your home license is enough if your home country has signed the UN Agreement from 1968 and is in the International format (have a special format, uses the international letters for licence type (A,B,C...) and the little signs (car,truck,bus..). He said: "If fools like us can read it, it is OK!"

Otherwise you will need a translation. An International Driving Licence is nothing else than a translation.

So as English is commonly spoken, the chance to get trouble is very low. His usual "clients" come from the countries in the east and some are written in the cyrillic alphabet....

On the other hand: Car rental companies can do what they want.

If you live for longer than 6 Months in Germany, you will need a German driving license. In former times you had to do the test in German, but nowadays you just can get a German licence with your Australian one.

The other way round:
I have a German license in the current UN-Form (whith the standard signs on them) and the international license:
Car rental never was a problem.
The Camper rental (Britz, Maui) always wanted my international license.

 

[prozac]

The Victorian one uses numerals e.g. 03-12-19xx.

Since a lot of the insurance anecdotes are from memory, does anyone have an actual policy or name of an insurance company that requires an IDL or else the policy is void?

I think I provided the name of the car-hire company danskauto (Car Rental in Denmark | DanskAutoRent.com) already but here it is in any case;
"Q. What are the demands regarding Drivers License?
At the time of rental, the driver must present a valid national driver's license which has been held for at least 6 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-European Union renters.

If the driving license has been issued in the People’s Republic of China, the license must be accompanied by a notarized translation instead of an IDP. The IDP translates the national driving license into various languages and is not accepted without the national license."
It is not a requirement for an Australian to carry an IDP in Denmark, but if you want to make sure your insurance cover is valid in Denmark however you will require it.

Again you will need an IDP if an Australian tourist and driving in Germany - http://www.sydney.diplo.de/contentblob/3035064/Daten/1179934/Drivers_Licence.pdf
Updated: Juli 2011
Recognition of an Australian Driver’s Licence in Germany
1. Temporary stay
If staying in Germany on a temporary basis (e.g. as a tourist), you are permitted to drive
a motor vehicle under the following conditions:
· You have a valid Australian-issued International Driver’s Licence (also called
International Driving Permit – IDP) together with your Australian state/territory
licence, or
· You have a valid Australian state/territory licence together with an official
translation into German.
The Australian International Driver’s Licence (International Driving Permits – IDP) is
valid for one year and is issued to holders of current Australian driver’s licences who are
over 18 years of age. The International Driver’s Licence is a requirement for renting a
motor vehicle in many countries, and is very helpful for tourists who find themselves in
need of identification or assistance. The International Driver’s Licence can be obtained
at the branches of Australian automobile clubs, e.g. from any RAC or NRMA branch. An
International Driver’s Licence is not a stand alone document or a substitute for a valid
driver’s licence – you are required to carry your Australian state/territory licence with
your International Driver’s Licence at all times. More information is available on the
websites www.rac.com.au and www.mynrma.com.au.
Translations of Australian driver’s licences can, for example, be obtained at the ADAC,
a German automobile club. You can submit your Australian driver’s licence to an ADAC
office in Germany or send it by registered mail to the ADAC at the following address:
ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.
Abteilung Führerschein-Übersetzung
Bundesallee 29-30
10717 Berlin, Germany
Ph: +49 (0)30 86 86 274, Fax: +49 (0)30 86 86 470
Email: [email protected] , Website: www.adac.de

 

[aussiedom]

I've researched this quite a bit over the years. Most of my driving overseas has been done in the USA, and there is definitely no requirement there (either from the state governments or rental agencies) to have an IDP, providing you have a photo-licence written in the 'Roman' alphabet. Meaning a Russian or Chinese national or someone from an Arab country would need one, unless their licence was also written in English. An Australian, NZ, French, German or Brit (except for those old non-photo licences I think the British may still have) would not need an IDP.

I found that the rules were quite different in some parts of Europe though. Preparing for our 6 weeks in Italy (2011), I found that not only did the rental car agencies require the IDP, but having one was a legal requirement for a (non-EU) foreigner to drive in Italy, whether or not it was a rental car you were driving. I don't recall rental firms asking for the IDP in UK or Croatia or Greece, even though I did have it with me.

 

[here2go]

Does your QLD license have the even dodgier renewal sticker on the back of it ?

Last time we were in the states (month or so ago) my wife and I were carded at a bar and all we had with us were our QLD licenses. The bartender took them both, looked at us and went to talk to his manager. Eventually got the drinks without a problem, but he did say the only reason they let it fly was because a) neither of us looks under 21 and b) despite both of them looking like, as you said, childish forgeries, two of them together lends a bit more authority to the situation.

The other thing I find that always gets the yanks is the order of month and day in the date. Especially since my birthday is the 13th.

I've rented cars in numerous countries throughout Europe and also in the US and never needed an international permit - even with my dodgy looking QLD license.

I remember watching a 17-year old friend who wanted to get into pubs in the late 90s scan their Queensland Learners (even less security that Ps and Opens) dodgy the name and DOB on the computer, use an iron to peel open the licence, replace the contents, and iron it back together. Lots of his friends were on the act. They then wandered down to Queensland Transport, and pay $30 to replace their "lost" permit.
This taught me how to spot fakes when selling cigarettes at the front counter at the supermarket, and the Germans (may the deitie(s) bless their "intenseness") have every right to question how dodgy the old licences are!

 

[TheRealTMA]

I found that the rules were quite different in some parts of Europe though. Preparing for our 6 weeks in Italy (2011), I found that not only did the rental car agencies require the IDP, but having one was a legal requirement for a (non-EU) foreigner to drive in Italy, whether or not it was a rental car you were driving. I don't recall rental firms asking for the IDP in UK or Croatia or Greece, even though I did have it with me.

Never been asked for an IDP in Italy, France or Germany in over 30 years of renting cars in those countries. Passport and Australian licence all that is ever asked for.

 

[chrisb]

I've researched this quite a bit over the years. Most of my driving overseas has been done in the USA, and there is definitely no requirement there (either from the state governments or rental agencies) to have an IDP, providing you have a photo-licence written in the 'Roman' alphabet.

The thing that keeps getting me is that the AAA document says it's Recommended for the USA. Unfortunately there's no good explanation on why it's recommended rather than not required. At least Florida has sorted itself out now.

http://rac.com.au/Travel/~/media/Travel/Travel_PDFs_10/AAA_HandbookInternationalDrivers2010.ashx

 

[drron]

The first time I travelled OS and rented a car I had the IDP.Have not had one for the 30 years since.never been asked for one.That includes germany,Italy,Greece,Singapore,South Africa and even in Florida after they changed the law.
Ghana was different.With Avis you have to get a driver as well.Just as well though.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Never been asked for an IDP in Italy, France or Germany in over 30 years of renting cars in those countries. Passport and Australian licence all that is ever asked for.

Whether you have been asked for it doesn't speak to the requirement to carry it under local laws.

 

[LiamR]

I remember watching a 17-year old friend who wanted to get into pubs in the late 90s scan their Queensland Learners (even less security that Ps and Opens) dodgy the name and DOB on the computer, use an iron to peel open the licence, replace the contents, and iron it back together. Lots of his friends were on the act. They then wandered down to Queensland Transport, and pay $30 to replace their "lost" permit.
This taught me how to spot fakes when selling cigarettes at the front counter at the supermarket, and the Germans (may the deitie(s) bless their "intenseness") have every right to question how dodgy the old licences are!

I knew people that did that a lot more recently, and even thought the new design QLD licences are around, there are still a lot of the older ones in circulation!

 

[TheRealTMA]

Whether you have been asked for it doesn't speak to the requirement to carry it under local laws.

Never been asked for it by police or after accidents either.

 

[RAM]

International Drivers Licence NOT needed in Germany

Had one when I lived overseas in the '70's. I was asked to produce it on 4-5 occassions in the UK. Each time the plods had no idea what it was even after reporting back to HQ on their radios only told to let me go with a warning.

I recently investigated hiring a car in Denmark where an IDP is not required. The Danish hire car company (I think it was DanskAutoRent ) said it required production of an IDP and that failure to hold one could void the vehicle insurance. As I would be driving in Germany also where an IDP is required this did not bother me particulalry.

Essentially the IDP is required where Englsh is not generally spoken and it is an interpretation into the local lingo of your Aussie licence. Of note is that you must produce your Aussie licence together with the IDP for the IDP to be considered valid. Some will respond that they have never been asked for the Aussie licence when showing the IDP and I will not argue with what you have experienced. Just stating what the rules outline. Do with it what you wish. I never carry an IDP in Netherlands as it is not required as in many other EU countries.

Although I have not hired cars in every hire location in Germany - over the years I have hired cars in Munich (& suburban Munich locations) as well as Frankfurt.

I have never needed an IDP.

If in doubt I suggest liasing with Aust based international car hire consolidators like Driveaway.com.au just to provide expert advice. FYI - hired a car specifically asking for WINTER tyres from Munich (driving to Switzerland via passes and then to Austria ski resort. Asked on picking up car if it had them on, counter guy took me outside to car, looked at tyres and said yes they were winter tyres. Nearly two weeks later after driving on ice and snow covered roads (and high Alpine passes) as the car was sliding backwards to the edge of the road on a hill - I guessed he did not know what a winter tyre looks like.

They were summer tyres, illegal to drive on in Austria (hefty fines) and Switzerland. Car stopped right on edge of road (luckily).

Long story short - forget about IDP BUT learn how to identify a winter tyre if you're going to drive in Winter in Europe.

 

[prozac]

Re: International Drivers Licence NOT needed in Germany

Although I have not hired cars in every hire location in Germany - over the years I have hired cars in Munich (& suburban Munich locations) as well as Frankfurt.

I have never needed an IDP...................
..........Long story short - forget about IDP BUT learn how to identify a winter tyre if you're going to drive in Winter in Europe.

This is an extraodinary statement to make! You have been lucky so far.

It is a legal requirement for an Australian, if a temporary resident (tourist) of Germany to carry an IDP as well as your Australian drivers licence.
Not my opinion. http://www.sydney.diplo.de/contentbl...rs_Licence.pdf

 

[jastel]

Does your QLD license have the even dodgier renewal sticker on the back of it ?

Last time we were in the states (month or so ago) my wife and I were carded at a bar and all we had with us were our QLD licenses. The bartender took them both, looked at us and went to talk to his manager. Eventually got the drinks without a problem, but he did say the only reason they let it fly was because a) neither of us looks under 21 and b) despite both of them looking like, as you said, childish forgeries, two of them together lends a bit more authority to the situation.

The other thing I find that always gets the yanks is the order of month and day in the date. Especially since my birthday is the 13th.

I've rented cars in numerous countries throughout Europe and also in the US and never needed an international permit - even with my dodgy looking QLD license.

Yep has the sticker too.

 

[drron]

30 years ago when I still lived in NSW I hired a car from Thrifty in N'orleans.The woman asked where I was from and I said Australia.She said Austria?She then went through at least a dozen other countries.Exasperated she asked for my licence.NSW then had the big bits of paper you folded up to fit in your wallet.She said"you call that a licence?"She still didn't ask for an IDP.
She then very slowly read my address-Maitland,New South Wales.A smile spread across her face-"Why didn't you say you are from Wales".OK I am from Wales.