International Drivers License Information on www.idlicense.com

   When you next go on vacation the best way to explore a new country is by car. Renting a car allows you to sightsee at your own pace to tourist spots of your own choice. You can easily rent cars from car rental services, but there are certain things you should keep in mind when you are renting a car abroad.

   It is a good idea to make all arrangements from the USA itself before you embark on your vacation. If you rent directly in a foreign land the language and cultural barriers, the foreign currency conversion rates, unfamiliar rental rules and other differences may utterly confuse you. Instead if you rent right from your home country, you are more likely to catch the hidden costs such as late penalties, gas charges and others.
Make sure your billing starts right from the time of the drop-off. Remember, there are agencies that charge on a full 24-hour basis, even if you use the car for lesser hours per day. Avoid these types of car rental agencies.

   There are various types of discounts that are available on car rentals internationally. For example, the frequent flyer discount, credit card discount, AAA discount or senior citizen discount etc. are the most common type of car rental discounts. Insist on getting the discounts if you qualify for them.
When you are booking in advance, consider the prospective size of your luggage and the number of people traveling with you. In case the luggage and the size of your group are small you can consider a smaller car. But if you feel you are going to travel with a big group or have big or quite a few luggages, then book a roomier car.
   You should carry an international driving permit, international driver license ( international driver licence) with you. In the USA, two agencies are authorized to issue the international driving permit: the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. It is recognized by some 150 countries. However you must be at least 18 years old to obtain an international driving document.

     The International translation of Drivers License is printed in 11 languages: the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese) as well as German, Italian, Portuguese, Sweden. It is also easy to apply for and does not require taking a driving test. Please note that we do not issue International Driving Permits or Licenses nor are these documents intended for legal driving use. You are required to have valid government issued driver's license to operate a vehicle!

   Do not expect to rent a luxurious or automatic car in other countries as you would expect to rent back home. For example, if you rent a car of European make, there is a high possibly that you have to drive a manual stick shift car. However, since you are not familiar with your way around in a foreign city it is better that you insist on renting an automatic car even though it comes at a higher price tag.

  So you see, driving in the foreign land is much more than laughing about driving on the wrong side of the road! Be prepared and carry the right documents (international driver's license )for safe and happy driving abroad.

 

 

An American driver's license is valid in Germany for up to six months. If you plan on staying longer, you will need to acquire a German driver's license.

This requires either simply exchanging your current license for a German one, depending on state of residency, or taking both a written and a driving exam. International Driver's License allows you to travel abroad with confidence. The International Driver Document is recognized worldwide as a valuable document identifying you as a properly licensed resident. No test is required, however, you must have a valid Native Driver's License and be 18 years of age or older to qualify.
    The translation of native Driver's License provided by idlicense.com is certified. The "International Driving License" passport contains pages in 11 foreign languages representing your National Drivers License. This will allow you to drive in almost any country in the world using your International Driving License. The passport of the International Driving Document also contains the list of countries which have signed the "United Nations Convention on Road & Traffic" resolution to accept the International Driving License.  The authorization for the International Driver License has its basis in the United Nations conventions on Road Traffic and Safety held in 1923, 1943, 1949 and 1968, which established standards for the International Driving permit.

When traveling overseas, carry an International Driving Permit,  even if you're not planning to drive. Should you need to communicate with foreign authorities, this recognizable form of identification can help you get on your way more quickly.

Although many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP).  IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the United States. An IDP functions as an official translation of a U.S. driver's license into ten foreign languages.  These licenses are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid U.S. license.  IDPs are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. Before departure, you can obtain an IDP from an automobile association authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs.  Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949) authorizes the U.S. Department of State to empower certain organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses.  The Department designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance as the only authorized distributors of IDPs.

 

 

If you are traveling abroad, then you must have an international driving permit. When you know driving, it is always easier to use your own rented car or a friend's car in a new country. It costs less than twenty dollars to get a driver's permit that is valid internationally.

The international driving permit issued by the United States traffic authority is valid for at least 3 years, but you can request a shorter time period also. In the mean time, you can travel any number of times and to any country in the world and use your international driver's permit to drive around.

The international driver's permit issued by the United States government is valid in more than one hundred and fifty countries across the world. It is recognized by all the road traffic associations of the world, and is registered by the United Nations.

Getting an international driving permit is very simple process. You need to take a copy of your driver's license and two recent passport sized pictures, and apply personally or through mail at the local driver's license office. Before that go to the international driver's license website and download the form for license application. Fill in the form accurately and submit it along with the application fee in cash or check. Usually if you apply personally, the license is issued the same day or in a couple of hours. If you apply through mail, then it will be sent back to your address through mail, and you will receive it within a week.

In the US, international driving permit (INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE) is usually issued the same day. If you plan to travel to foreign countries frequently, then it is a good idea to get yourself an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE. It helps to stay mobile and also to rent your own vehicle while traveling abroad. The INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE issued by the United States is valid in more than 150 countries.The procedure to get an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE is very simple. However, the eligible criterion to get one is that you should have a permanent driver’s license issued by the Federal law. A state permit or a learner’s license is not good enough to get an international driving permit.The INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE will carry the same number as the driver's license and will have your picture and the driver's license number and address written on it. The common language the INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE is issued in is English. The INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE, however, will not have the same validity as the driver's license. Usually, in the United States, you can request a validity of up to three years at the most. The cost for a three year INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE is more than one year validity. You can go to the AAA website and check out the details of the forms and the proof that you will need to submit for obtaining an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE. You can do it at the local State drivers' license office also.Usually, you will be required to fill up the form and submit two recent passport sized photographs taken on a plain background. You should not be wearing a hat or a goggle while taking the picture.

When you travel the world, carry an International Driver's License.

The International Driver Document or International Driver's License issued by idlicense.com is an official translation of a national or domestic driver's license, which allows motorist to drive in different territories without experiencing difficulties with various language barriers.

This International Driver's License, however, is valid only with the original driver's license, which must be currently valid and not suspended or expired. The International Drivers License also indicates that you are a holder of a valid drivers license from your home country, fulfiling the right for a person to drive in another country when accompanied by an original and valid driver's license.

The authorization for the International Driver License has its basis in the United Nations conventions on Road Traffic and Safety held in 1923, 1943, 1949 and 1968, which established standards for the International Driving Permit.
    
IT TAKES LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION!  Click here to order inrenational drivir's license
    

International Drivers License  Samples

Samples of International Driving Licence, International Driving License, International Drivers Licence,International Driving Licence

International drivers license Regular style International Driving Licence

International drivers License booklet International driving licence book

  

The International Driver's Document issued by IDLicense.com is an official translation of a national or domestic driver's license. You are not permitted to present IDL as the main document because it is only a translation of your original driver's license. This International Driver's License, however, is valid only with the original, domestic driver's license, which must be currently valid and not expired or suspended.

International Driver's License allows you to travel abroad with confidence. The IDL is recognized worldwide as a valuable document identifying you as a properly licensed resident. No test is required, however, you must have a valid Native Driver's License and be 18 years of age or older to qualify. 

    

 

   International Driver License can be used as identification in most places worldwide. It is common if a police officer for some reason stops you, or you need identification, you can present both documents - the IDL and your valid driver's license that will be in the appropriate language, or at least can be understood. Travel officials in Europe and other parts of the world state that International Driving License is advised for most countries. In many countries worldwide, you are unable to rent a car unless you have this document. While the IDL is not a requirement for driving in some countries, it is still great advantage for a motorist. Whether you travel on business, vacation or honeymoon travel, the International Drivers License is recommended by most countries, and mandated by many; for driving, and car or bike rental. 
    
  Enjoy access to convenient online service that keep your account safe and make your life a little easier. 
    
  
Drive a car in almost any country in the world.
Rent a car, wherever you are.
Useful backup for identification purposes.
Register your vehicle title, insurance or general documents of a motor vehicle. *
No test required, you only need your valid domestic/national Driver's License.
Lost or stolen IDL? Call us to arrange for a free replacement card to be mailed to you. **
 
    
  The IDL consist of the following 2 documents:  
     
  1. Translation of International Driver's License presented in a form of a passport size booklet translated into 9 international languages. 
    
  2. For security cause a plastic card with a size of credit card accompanies the booklet, which also extends driver's identity information. To avoid any forgery - every plastic card is covered by our Security Shield Hologram which protects and prolongs the life of the card eliminating any possibility of counterfeiting. Each plastic card has newly developed 2D barcode (PDF417) which contains encrypted information and is fully readable by police scanners.

 

Requirements to driving in Spain:

As with many countries in Europe, you are permitted to drive with your normal native driver's licence at hand, provided it is written in the Roman Alphabet. Holders of driving licenses written in another alphabet are obliged show an International Driving Permit in English (widely available through motoring organisations such as AA, AAA, RAC, etc.) or International drivers license translations.

Remember, you'll need your drivers license with you at all times, and if your driver’s licence has no photo you'll need another valid form of Photo ID with a picture of you (your passport for example). Finally, remember to have your vehicle registration document (V5) a and certificate of motor insurance at hand.

EU citizens are in luck and spared from having to go through the whole process. As a nonresident, an EU driver’s license is valid in Spain, and vice-versa. If you are a resident, then you must alter your license. There are two options: either get your EU driver’s license “stamped” or you exchange your driving license for a Spanish driver’s license.

As a non-EU citizen, you have our condolences; you will need to get that Spanish driver’s license after all. Depending on your nationality, non-EU driver’s licenses may be valid for the first year after arrival in Spain. After that, you are officially required to have a Spanish driver’s license. (Some expats, however, have been known to use their home-country license for years without problems. Not recommended, but possible.)

For US drivers, bear in mind that because each state has its own rules, foreign countries make agreements with individual states! That means that your New York driver’s license is valid (for the first year) in Spain, but your Massachusetts driver’s license is not (whether the police know which states are valid is another question).

For Canadian drivers, you are currently required to have both your provincial driver’s license and an International drivers license, which are valid for up to a year of living in Spain. If and when you get your residence, these are valid for only six additional months at that point. You can get your International driver’s license from many registry offices or CAA offices (or the provincial equivalents) by showing your valid provincial license, spending a half hour.

To get a Spanish driver’s license you must:

 join a driving school and pass a medical exam, written exam, and behind-the-wheel exam.

Age requirements for driving in Spain:
Some Spanish car companies emlpoy age restrictions, and you may be charged extra for being below the minimum age or above the maximum age. Remember, we'll include this in your quote so you won't be hit for charges on arrival - just check your quotation for a break down.

If you have a driving licence from any other EU country, it is automatically valid in Spain. All other countries (including the USA), can drive for just 6 months in one calendar year but must then obtain a Spanish licence. A driving school will handle all the paperwork for you. To apply for a test you will need to present a copy of your residencia, passport photographs, a completed application form and the fee of 160.95€ and a medical certificate obtained at an official medical centre (24€ fee).
Driving Licences for residents of Spain

If Resident in Spain you have to either change your driving licence or put an inscription on your EU licence at your nearest 'Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico' (in Madrid at C/Arturo Soria 143, Tel: 913 018 500)

If you are a resident by means of working i.e. you don't hold a residents card, but are paying taxes and Social Security in Spain and working for more than 185 days in Spain per year, you have to either change or put an inscription on your EU Licence.

Spanish Driving Licence - Documents needed:

Residents: Copy of residencia, Driving licence (original), 2 photos and a signed form which can obtain from police station. If it is being renewed at the same time - an eye test from a doctor.
Working resident documents needed: All of the above but instead of copy of residencia, the following: copy of passport, copy of NIE certificate, copy of contract (minimum of 6 months), if self employed proof of Social Security payments, justification of address (cert Empadronamiento / proof of residence of min. 6 months).

Time: 2 Weeks (approx.). Price: 46.40 euros

Inscription on Driving Licence - Documents needed:

Residents: copy of residencia, Driving licence, signed form.
Non-residents: copy of NIE certificate, copy of passport, justification of address (cert Empadronamiento / proof of residence of min. 6 months).

Time: Photo card driving licence 2-3 months (approx.) or Paper licence 2-3 weeks. Price: 46.40 euros

In both cases a justificate (copy documentation) will be given to the client, which is valid for 60 days and proves that the original is with the traffic police. This can be extended if necessary.

 As an a tourist, to drive a foreign registered vehicle in Spain you must have with you, and you can be fined for not obeying the following: 

1. your passport, current until after your return home
2. Current driving licence, preferably the EU type with the ring of stars
3. Two EU approved, red warning triangles
4. Approved reflective jackets that must be worn by all outside the car at anytime, day or night, outside the vehicle at the side of any highway not in an urban (street lights?) area. The jackets must be kept inside the car so they can be put on before getting out and also must be visible from outside the car. The pocket in the back of the front seat is a good place.  The jackets are inexpensive and can be bought at most supermarkets if you do not have them already
 
5. A set of spare lamps/bulbs for your car and the tool/s to change them
6. If you wear corrective glasses for driving, a spare pair
7. Your number plate should be an EU one with the ring of stars containing your country code, or a small plate/sticker with your country code (GB, etc) should secured to the rear of the car
8. Valid insurance
9. All vehicle documents relating to the car (legally certified copies are OK).
Recommended, but not mandatory is a First Aid kit and a fire extinguisher
 
If you are from outside the EU, you will need an International Driving Licence issued by the correct authority in your home country. It must have one page of information in Spanish.
Remember that your “tourist status” in a foreign country usually applies for only three months as far as insurance is concerned, so for any longer periods, do not forget to discuss this with your broker.   The roads in Spain vary from very poor to very good, the latter especially since Spain joined the EU and has benefited from the funding from other countries over the last 20 years. The main connecting roads are generally excellent. Roads are classified thus, and they can be easily clarified on a road map.

Legal Driving Ages and Permit Types:

Mopeds and vehicles for people with reduced mobility: 14 years
Permit A1 (motorbikes maximum power 11 KW and 125cc): 16 years 
Permit A (motorbikes, with at least two years experience driving motorbikes of category A1): 18 years
Permit B (vehicles with a maximum weight of 3.500 Kg and with a maximum of 9 seats, including the driver's): 18 years
Permit C (vehicles with weight over 3.500 Kg): 21 years
D (vehicles for the transport of passengers): 21 years

Validity and Licence Renewal

A standard Spanish driving licence for a private car or bike is valid for ten years when the holder is aged 18 to 45 years of age, from 45 up to 70 it is valid five years, and two years from 70 on. A person over the age of 70 will be asked to present a medical certificate whenever the driving licence needs renewal.

The periods of validity may be altered for drivers with certain progressive illnesses or disabilities.

Driving

Be aware of thieves who will want to steal anything from your vehicle. Never leave anything of value in view, lock them away. If you want to rent a car and do not have a driver’s license from a non EU country then you will need to have a 12 month International Driving Permit. Gas is expensive.

You will drive on the right side of the road, and the speed limit is shown in km/h. If you drive a motorbike then you will need to have your headlights on at all time. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%. Breath tests are becoming more common, and if you are found guilty you will find yourself facing a fine, and even losing your license. This will take place within 24 hours, and the fine will be up to 600 Euros or more. As a visitor you will be expected to pay 30% of the fine immediately when you are found guilty.