International Drivers License Information on www.idlicense.com

  Even though traveling overseas seems to be a great opportunity because of the fabulous experiences that you are going to be able to be a part of however, there are some things that you need to know about your auto insurance.

  There are many people that actually think that their auto insurance policy that they have in the United States will actually cover them when they are overseas. However, this is not the case all of the times. So what you are going to need to do is take the time to read your policy so that you are able to determine that if you are covered when you are traveling abroad. It is a known fact that most of the auto insurance providers that are based in the United States are not going to offer coverage when you are renting a car overseas. If you are planning to go overseas you are going to need to talk with your current auto insurance provider in a timely manner so that you are able to plan to get insurance so that you are covered overseas. You may have to take the time to consider international auto insurance so that you are able to be covered while you are overseas. When you are talking with the agent or the broker you are going to need to discuss with your options so that you are able to purchase the auto insurance coverage that you are going to need.

  Another major factor that you are going to want to consider as an overseas traveler is the situation of a car rental. There are many of the overseas agencies that deal with rental cars that will not take the time to provide you with rental auto insurance unless you have an international driver’s license (international driving licence) or international drivers permit (internationalk driving document).

  However, it is not necessarily a driver’s license it is more along the lines of a permit. What you are going to need to take the time to check with the country that you are going to be traveling to so that you are able to find out whether or not you are going to need a permit. Overall if you find out that your insurance company is not going to cover you when you are overseas you are going to make sure that you are going to need to check on some international auto insurance so that you know what you have to do to be covered while you are overseas.

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.

 

When driving in Europe there are a few things to keep in mind. Consider the following ten items;

1. Radar. The use or possession of radar detecting devices is illegal in most European countries. The penalties can be steep, including a fine, driving ban and even imprisonment. GPS systems that shows the location of fixed speed cameras are also illegal. Simply deactivate the "fixed speed camera" function.

2. Tunnel Safety. European tunnels can be quite long. The longest is the Laerdal tunnel in Norway which is 24.5km long. Before entering a tunnel be sure to check your fuel level, turn the radio to the traffic station and switch on your headlights. Pay very close attention to the speed of the  vehicles in front of you and if there is a sudden hold up, turn on your hazard lights. Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front of you and make a note of the safety equipment and facilities, like the emergency exits and phones.

3. Paperwork. Be sure to have all necessary documents to hand at all times including your  full  Drivers licence  (Provisional Driving Licences are not valid abroad)with paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence , International Driving Permit, International Drivers License (International Driving licence),motor insurance certificate and your passport. You may also need a visa when visiting certain countries. 

4. More Paperwork. If the  vehicle  you are driving is borrowed, hired or leased,  you must take the V5 registration document with a letter from the owner authorising you to drive  it .

5. Crime. Keep purses and other items that would be easy to steal out of obvious view.  Always lock the doors and  never leave anything in an unattended car. 

6. Credit. If you are planning on using a credit card for the trip and are relying on it, it is a good idea to check ahead of time if it is accepted in the countries you are visiting.  should they also make sure that there is a sufficiently high credit limit?

7. Mobile Phones. Do not use a mobile phone while driving. It is prohibited in many countries.

8. Reflective Jackets. Visiting motorists have to carry reflective jackets when traveling. It is recommended that there  is one jacket  per person kept in the passenger compartment.

9. Warning Triangle. It is also compulsory in many European countries to carry a warning triangle.

10. Most of important of all – make sure you have a European breakdown cover and that your motor insurance policy covers you for all of the countries that you will drive in.

There is special auto insurance for the drivers who want to commit the trip abroad. You must be covered in other country as well as you are in your own one. So it is not reasonable to go with your usual coverage because in different country the different conditions of the car insurance are possible.

Quite often those drivers who make up their minds to cross the border don’t want to put at risk their own vehicles. As a rule they prefer to rent a car. By the way in this case a driver needs the international driver license( international driver licence ) or international driver permit. You will be able to visit 150 countries having this kind of the permission ( international driver's license, international driver's licence, international driving permit). The data which is in your usual license( licence ) will be translated into 10 widely spread languages. Being stopped by the road police in the country you are visiting at the moment you will have a lot of troubles without the international driving license (international driving licence). The car insurance companies that can provide you with international drivers license(international drivers licence ) will put in front of you some special conditions. For example you will have to obtain a valid U.S license within 30-45 days.

 

You shouldn’t forget that the car insurance policy for the International Drivers is going to cover and to protect only the car but the driver. You can avoid such a situation if some friend of yours makes a call from the country you are going to visit and gives his or her agreement for adding you to his or her own car insurance policy. But this scheme work in case you decided to borrow you friend’s car. You must have at least a basic knowledge of the laws regulating car insurance in the foreign country you are going to visit. Besides the international drivers liscense ( international drivers liscence ) you will need the local valid driving license(valid driving licence).

If you decide to rent a car after you arrive the country you must obtain a special coverage for it. Of cause you can refer to your current car insurance provider but it would be better for you to get insurance from the company where your rental car is from. You must be ready for the situation that your own provide doesn’t have this type of coverage at its disposal.

New driving license( driver's licence) as a rule mean the new car insurance policy. Driving without the car insurance coverage is not only a dangerous thing for your future financial state it is illegal in any American or European country. You will have a lot of problems with the local law system. It is better to think it over in advance and to get your car properly insured for the period of your trip or visit abroad.

Anyone who is realistic about finding auto insurance must start from a simple step – go and gather auto insurance quotes all over the Internet. As much as you can.

There is a good network of well maintained highways and roads between major towns and most of the north-south route is dual carriageway. Road signs follow international standards and are in both English and Thai. Motorists drive on the left hand side of the road most of the time.

Heavy trucks dominate the main roads at night so night driving is not usually recommended as truck drivers in Thailand have little respect for cars. Tourist coaches often think they are driving Ferrari’s so be aware.

 

The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km per hour and varies between 90 and 120km per hour on main and country road outside the city centers and the police apply regular speed checks. Seat belts are compulsory and drink drive laws apply which makes insurance invalid if drivers exceed the legal limit.

Speed limits:
Urban areas: 45 - 60kph/28 - 37 mph
Highway: 90 - 110kph/56 - 68 mph.

There are about 64 600 kms/40, 141mls of paved roads in Thailand as well as an extensive network of dirt roads (especially in the north). Major roads radiate outward from Bangkok to all major cities, with most of the north-south route consists of road. Interconnecting roads to smaller towns and cities are generally wide, and a single-lane two-lane sections on trade.

Parking in cities is usually in the street for a small fee or, for the most part, covered parking in the hotel / shopping plazas. More to the parking lot outside the city centers are generally free, if you can find a space. Do not block access government building or you are likely to be towed.

All kinds of fuel are readily available with petrol stations being in plentiful supply. Most of the larger ones will accept major international credit cards. In remote locations cash will be needed.

All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an International driving license(International driving licence). A valid passport must be carried at all times. You will need a Thai driver licence(driver's license) as opposed to an international drivers license (international drivers licence) once you have been in Thailand for more than 3 months.

If you get stopped by the police you will almost definitely get a fine of about B400, about £6, but if you are lucky it will be just B200, or £3. To get stopped you have done something wrong ‘maybe’ even if you don't know what it was! It is advisable to discreetly pay the money and never argue or lose your temper as it will cost your more.. Don’t expect a receipt for the money and you will never know if it is a genuine fine or whether it is being pocketed for that special occasion.

 

Be very wary of your speed and use every visual aid at your disposal, always check every direction before turning. Look well ahead on highways and one way streets they will come towards you on the wrong side for sure – heart stabilizing pills are a must. Unlike many Western countries, it is easy to pass a driving test here or even buy a license(licence), many of the drivers have little or no experience at all. This is changing with many checks and Police road blocks daily in the attempt to eradicate this problem but I fear it could take some time.

Since Thai motorists are notoriously ill-disciplined to give way or observation of traffic rules, motorists are advised to drive to a 'gentle pace' (50 kilometers or less) in urban areas. In the case of an accident, Thai perfer to resolve the legal outcome on the ground and often expect the wealthier motorist to absorb the cost, this includes foreigners.

Stay away from downtown Bangkok, traffic is terrible and the roads are confusing, to say nothing of road users who have a general disregard for other vehicles. Do not drive too close to the roadside on any road as motorcycles often enough to drive the wrong way, and stay out of the path of buses and trucks.

Having a car is the best way of seeing Portugal.

Driving is on the right with overtaking on the left and you can be fined more than 1,000 Euros for passing a driver on the right. On the motorways there are three lanes with the middle one being for overtaking.

Give priority to traffic from the right unless otherwise stated. Vehicles in roundabouts have priority over those which are about to enter. There is also a large fine for failing to stop at a stop sign.
Roads and some cars are not that well lit at night so you should drive carefully. Should you break down and attempt to carry out repairs you are supposed to wear a reflective jacket to do so. It is also necessary to put out a warning triangle if you have broken down. If your hire car does not have this equipment and you get a fine then the rental company should be able to pay it for you. At night in rural areas look out for horse drawn carts. When a tram stops and there is no island for passengers to disembark at, drivers must give way to them. Avoiding rush hour traffic in the cities is to be advised.

A fine of 600 Euros can be imposed on anyone found to be using a mobile phone while driving, as can a 300 Euro fine for littering while driving. Fines can be collected on the spot. It is also possible to lose your licence if you ignore a policeman, cross a white line or jump a red light. It is safest to drive defensively in Portugal, which has one of the less impressive driving safety records in Europe.

It is mandatory to for all passengers to wear seatbelts in the front seat and back seats. Children under the age of 12, or less than one and a half metres tall, are not allowed to sit in the front and must have baby or booster seats in the back.

Citizens of EU member countries require a national driving licence to drive cars in Portugal. Citizens from non-EU member countries need an international driving licence or an approved translation of your existing driver's licence. You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Portugal and have a valid driving licence and car insurance.

The conversion from kilometres to miles per hour is one kilometre = 0.62 miles per hour. Therefore the speed limit in Portuguese towns is 30 miles per hour.

• 50 kilometres per hour in built up areas
• 90 kilometres per hour on rural roads
• 120 kilometres per hour on motorways (with a minimum speed of 40km per hour)

Speed limits are enforced by unmarked police cars and radar traps. Cars towing trailers can only travel at 70/80km per hour.

If you park on a pavement in an undesignated spot you can have your car impounded for anywhere between one month to one year. It is illegal to park cars which face against the flow of traffic. Although the locals may do it, switching on your hazard warning lights does not make it ok to park wherever you want.  In Lisbon, Portugal's capital, you must get a Blue Zone parking disc which is free of charge and can be obtained from the police.

Driving in Uganda is on the left hand side. Inorder for foreigners to drive, one requires an international driving permit.

Uganda has good passable roads, with road-signs.There are several car hiring services in Uganda, however, it is convenient for foreigners to have an International Driving License. Valid road licenses are endorsed at the Road Transport Office/revenue Authority offices in Kampala before hiring a car for self drive.

Most car hiring companies recommend that the client takes out Personal Accident Insurance inclusive of Medical Repatriation, from the point of departure. This is because this is not covered under the vehicle's Insurance coverage. Car Hire services are also available with several companies providing car hiring services. Drivers can be provided on request, and self drive services are also available. " Special Hire" taxis are available in all parts of the city. All vehicles have Full Comprehensive Insurance coverage and the client is liable to a charge depending on the car for any damage sustained by the vehicle during the hire period in case of self drive. Only those with a valid International Licence, 23 years old and holding a valid Full driving license for a period of more than 2 years are allowed self-Drive, with Full Comprehensive Insurance.

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.