International Driver's License

[Apathetic]

Originally posted by: edprush

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
I have one. It is expired, but at the time, it was the law.

What law?

How is it enforceable in the United States?

So I can dump my present State-issued driver's license and just get an International driver's license? What is the issuing authority for your international driver's license?

The issuing authority is the federal government. Each country that signs the treaty agrees to recognize the licenses issued by other countries. In the USA, the license is issued by AAA under the authority of the state department (because the state department can't be bothered with all the hassle of issuing such a minor document).

In order to get one, you need to have a valid state driver's license. You can then go to any AAA location and get one for about $15. They're good for one year. However, per the treaty, the license is NOT valid in the issuing country, but only in others.

One interesting tidbit, when I went to the UK last year, I didn't need an international driver's license to drive there, but I DID need one to rent a car.

Dave

 

[edprush]

Originally posted by: ApatheticThe issuing authority is the federal government. Each country that signs the treaty agrees to recognize the licenses issued by other countries.

It doesn't seem responsible on the part of each country that accepts the international driver's license. Are the traffic laws the same for each county that accepts the international driver's license? Are the road signs the same in all of the accepting countries?

 

[eldorado99]

I know a guy who had a "404" licence when he was in the army years ago, it is supposedly valid in any country in the world.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: edprush

Originally posted by: ApatheticThe issuing authority is the federal government. Each country that signs the treaty agrees to recognize the licenses issued by other countries.

It doesn't seem responsible on the part of each country that accepts the international driver's license. Are the traffic laws the same for each county that accepts the international driver's license? Are the road signs the same in all of the accepting countries?

No. Of course not. But there are internationally standard signs and rules. I have an IDP from when I drove in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Comes in handy in Colombia or Mexico, too.

 

[Savij]

Originally posted by: edprush

Originally posted by: ApatheticThe issuing authority is the federal government. Each country that signs the treaty agrees to recognize the licenses issued by other countries.

It doesn't seem responsible on the part of each country that accepts the international driver's license. Are the traffic laws the same for each county that accepts the international driver's license? Are the road signs the same in all of the accepting countries?

It works the same way as your "normal" license being valid in New York when it was issued in Iowa. The traffic laws vary state to state, there are certain traffic signs that aren't consistent, and lots of states have very different road markings, yet we're able to drive across the entire country on one license. States agree to accept a license issued in another state as a valid license for a temporary period.

Same as marriage licenses. Those are issued by individual states and, for the most part, are recognized as valid in other states.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: edprush
It sounds like many people have/had an international driver's license but they don't have much info on how to get one or the stipulations behind them. I would bet that there is not a state in the U.S. that recognizes them.

Let's say I fail my state driver's license test or I have it revoked, what prevents me from getting one of these international driver's licenses?

The license is backed up by your state or federal license from where you are from. An IDP is not valid nor legal for a US resident to use as his primary license in the US. Nor can a US resident/citizen use an IDP in place of a suspended or revoked license.

Information on the real deal:

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html?association=AAA&clb_id=212&secure=N

 

[jai6638]

I've used the International Driver's license for several years now in countries like Canada, U.A.E, Australia and New Zealand... Works like a charm although soem countries require that you carry your US license with you also..

 

[jai6638]

Originally posted by: edprush
It sounds like many people have/had an international driver's license but they don't have much info on how to get one or the stipulations behind them. I would bet that there is not a state in the U.S. that recognizes them.

Let's say I fail my state driver's license test or I have it revoked, what prevents me from getting one of these international driver's licenses?

It can be used a primary standalone license in the US only by a non-resident alien.

 

[B00ne]

Originally posted by: edprush

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
I have one. It is expired, but at the time, it was the law.

What law?

How is it enforceable in the United States?

So I can dump my present State-issued driver's license and just get an International driver's license? What is the issuing authority for your international driver's license?

I think you misunderstand - it is basically a translation of your national license - I doubt is valid without your national license

 

[toolboxolio]

This thread is mis-informative and utterly pointless/stupid.


*drives away in guatamalon car*

 

[Leros]

How easy would it be for someone used to driving on the right hand side of the road (driver in left seat) to jump into a car and drive on the left side of the road (driver in right seat)?

 

[jai6638]

Originally posted by: Leros
How easy would it be for someone used to driving on the right hand side of the road (driver in left seat) to jump into a car and drive on the left side of the road (driver in right seat)?

dont think its that bad.. just need to get used to it ..

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: jai6638

Originally posted by: Leros
How easy would it be for someone used to driving on the right hand side of the road (driver in left seat) to jump into a car and drive on the left side of the road (driver in right seat)?

dont think its that bad.. just need to get used to it ..

It takes me about an hour to completely switch my head over between the US and Japan (to the point where I don't have to think). On normal roads it's easy to tell which side to be on, just stay on the same side as other cars. Local residential roads without a center line and without anyone else driving, you can sometimes forget which side you should be on until you see another car.

The biggest difference is the wiper and turn signal stalk, they are on opposite sides so until you get used to it you can be trying to turn and accidently have the windshield wipers come on.

 

[jai6638]

Originally posted by: kami333

Originally posted by: jai6638

Originally posted by: Leros
How easy would it be for someone used to driving on the right hand side of the road (driver in left seat) to jump into a car and drive on the left side of the road (driver in right seat)?

dont think its that bad.. just need to get used to it ..

It takes me about an hour to completely switch my head over between the US and Japan (to the point where I don't have to think). On normal roads it's easy to tell which side to be on, just stay on the same side as other cars. Local residential roads without a center line and without anyone else driving, you can sometimes forget which side you should be on until you see another car.

The biggest difference is the wiper and turn signal stalk, they are on opposite sides so until you get used to it you can be trying to turn and accidently have the windshield wipers come on.

I remember when my brother joined me in Hawaii from Singapore for our two week family vacation.. It was 11 pm and rather quiet.. When coming out from the resort, he went on the left side of the road.. lol.. He was wondering why I was freaking out since he was so used to driving on the left side!

 

[pradeep1]

Some countries actually issue them (like India) and they are legally recognized here in the USA for up to six months. After that, you'll have to get a regular USA State issued one. My cousin came over on business and he drove with one.

Your USA license is usually also recognized in other countries.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: pradeep1
Some countries actually issue them (like India) and they are legally recognized here in the USA for up to six months. After that, you'll have to get a regular USA State issued one. My cousin came over on business and he drove with one.

Your USA license is usually also recognized in other countries.

Recognised, yes, but not transferable. You have to go local after a year, tops, in most cases.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: pradeep1
Some countries actually issue them (like India) and they are legally recognized here in the USA for up to six months. After that, you'll have to get a regular USA State issued one. My cousin came over on business and he drove with one.

Your USA license is usually also recognized in other countries.

Recognised, yes, but not transferable. You have to go local after a year, tops, in most cases.

In some places, you can show them your valid driver license from back home and exchange for a local one. My sister did that when she moved back to Taiwan.