International Drivers Licence - A "Dodgey" Document

[robd]

Robdjnr just got an International Drivers Licence. Just about to embark on the final semester of degree in the US and the advice from Pre-Departure Uni session was, if you want to have a drink, an Aussie drivers licence is useless in terms of being a form of ID; better to produce your passport or International Drivers Licence. I was not happy with robdjnr going out drinking in the US using the "lifeline" back to Oz as the form of ID on a night out (already lost/stolen/smashed 3 iPhones in the last 3 years) - obviously not a seasoned drinker (good in some ways, in other ways - not!)

Have you seen the International Drivers Licence? Could have put that together myself.

Interested to know if International Drivers Licence has been accepted or rejected in US as form of ID.

 

[leemin]

I have one. Well, I'm assuming you're talking about an Int'l driving 'permit' as issued by AAA (RACV here in Vic).

I'd be surprised if it was accepted as ID for the reasons you mention. Obviously must be though, if that was the advice.

 

[ozmille]

When renting a car they have never looked at mine.

(OT: When I went to the RTA in Sydney to get an Australian licence they said we don't accept an international licence as anything, form of ID or proof that I had a driving licence at all, had to get the 12 words that were not in English translated from my Belgian one...)

 

[robd]

I have one. Well, I'm assuming you're talking about an Int'l driving 'permit' as issued by AAA (RACV here in Vic).

I'd be surprised if it was accepted as ID for the reasons you mention. Obviously must be though, if that was the advice.

Yes. Int'l driving "permit" issued by RACV.

Doesn't look official, does it?

 

[horseman]

Never bothered with the intl permit, aus license is fine anywhere. As far as ID in NZ & USA some places don't want any, some take license, some need passport, I've gotten to know which of my locals ask for what, and take what I need. If visiting a new pub I won't take passport. If they need it, I won't drink grog, but will remember it for next time. If I was planning a big night out on the piss at places I don't know, I will take both, and only pull out the passport if needed. Im a pretty seasoned drinker though (on my 5th or 6th VB for the night) and no stranger to getting blotto in a strange place in a strange country, wouldn't dream of doing this without my passport.

 

[whatmeworry]

I would get robdjr to go to vicroads and tell them he lost his licence, so he has two copies. Let him have the 1st one issued and keep the 2nd as a backup at home in Melbourne.

 

[leemin]

Doesn't look official, does it?

Not at all. I was quite surprised watching the lady 'make it' in front of me

 

[Stephen65]

There are some countries that theoretically require you to carry and international driving permit in addition to your own licence but I have never ever been asked for one. I stopped getting them years ago and now I just take my Victorian licence. I always thought they were a bit of a scam (expensive for what you get, inexplicably only last for one year).

 

[blackcat20]

Some states require your passport (eg Nevada) but i found most were fine with a standard license. Not sure how the international permit would go...

 

[robd]

There are some countries that theoretically require you to carry and international driving permit in addition to your own licence but I have never ever been asked for one. I stopped getting them years ago and now I just take my Victorian licence. I always thought they were a bit of a scam (expensive for what you get, inexplicably only last for one year).

So you reckon if Robdjnr has International Drivers Licence and Vic Licence and shows them together, that Passport won't be needed? Just don't want Robdjnr to have to take passport.

 

[ashleyn]

Have used my WA DL for ID in the States but not sure if they thought it was Washington

 

[Wezza]

I got one as well for my trip to Russia, yes it looks pretty dodgy. Though I think it's a good idea if you're going to a non english speaking country. It just serves as a translation of your drivers license.

 

[travelislife]

For driving purposes the International Driving Permit has to be presented with the licence otherwise it is invalid. As for drinking in the states you can get away with drivers licence in most states but in others you can't. At a restaurant in Boston they wouldn't let me buy a beer with just a drivers licence and said I needed a passport.

 

[Cynicor]

I would get robdjr to go to vicroads and tell them he lost his licence, so he has two copies. Let him have the 1st one issued and keep the 2nd as a backup at home in Melbourne.

I doubt even an official licence would pass muster. Whenever I have been out overseas the only ID accepted has been a passport. And don't start on the Singapore casinos. You need to have your passport with the immigration stamp for them.

 

[hummel]

So no need to get a intl permit for my trip in a couple of weeks. Driving in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland...?

 

[sutho58]

Id check the requirements in those countries,, in the states you need an international permit to give to the police if you are stopped.. the permit shows which vehicles you are licenced to drive without the police trying to decipher your licence. for id, car rental companies only want to see your dl not your permit.

Sent from my MZ601 using AustFreqFly

 

[ashleyn]

I doubt even an official licence would pass muster. Whenever I have been out overseas the only ID accepted has been a passport. And don't start on the Singapore casinos. You need to have your passport with the immigration stamp for them.

That would be Casino singular Cynicor unless I'm mistaken ?

 

[Mal]

That would be Casino singular Cynicor unless I'm mistaken ?

Two casinos in SIN. Marina Bay and Sentosa.

Both require foreigners to show passport with immigration stamp/paper. Locals and PRs are required to pay $SG100 per 24 hours to visit the casinos.

Local government rules to attempt to prevent problem gambling.

 

[Cynicor]

Two casinos. One is much better than the other if you do not smoke (Sentosa). $100 SGD to get in for locals. But the yearly rate is a bargain at only $2000SGD

Everyone only seems to know about the giant showy boat on three towers.

 

[mella2007]

In Italy you need to show your Int Drivers Licence when hiring a car...they will not accept a foreign licence. Passport must also be shown.

A friend of mine got pulled over in the US (Arizona) a few months ago....and they demanded to see his passport as soon as they realised he was Australia. I would always advise to take your passport (or a copy) to have on you, wherever you travel around the world.

Agreed that the Int Driver's Licence we got from the RACV looks like the dodgiest document ever!