International Driver's License?

[Motorhead350]

Being that I am going to London I need to know if I need an "International Driver's License." I was told there is no such thing and others have said you need one. Also a few have said an American License is alright for England.

Does anyone have a straight answer?

[TCBO1]

I can tell you that a friend of mine is from germany. She came over here and drove with her license untill she decided to become a resident. She got pulled over a couple of times and the police didn't say anything about her being outa country.
I assume if u are just visiting it doesn't matter. I'm sure its no diff than ppl who go on business and need to rent a car, or military members who were transfered. Just remember.... drive on the wrong side of the road over there!! And they have billions of traffic circles, you have to go the wrong wat around those too. I envy you!!

[FordNut]

You know they drive on the wrong side of the road over there... And there are some really strange signs and road markings, so even if it wasn't required I would advise some kind of driver's ed even if it's only reading the driver's test study guide (assuming there is such a thing).

[bawazir]

Contact your local AAA show them your current driver license and get your international license in about 5min. no test, no stress and it's only $25 bucks.

Link: http://chicago.aaa.com/?zip=60101&stateprov=il&city=addison

[dakslim]

Didn't need one in 2001 when I was there but I strongly recommend that you take a short driving course to learn how to navigate their "roundabouts" and left side of the road driving. Their roundabouts are multi lane and have a method to manuvering in them. Also after passing get back in the driving lane or you WILL be ticketed. Wish they enforced that here...my pet peeve!

[justbob]

Following Dom back to the hotel last year in Kentucky tells me driving on the wrong side of the road shouldn't be an issue for him...Sorry bro.

[2,4shofast]

100% correct, I have done this several times...I think it is only good for 2 years at a time however.


Contact your local AAA show them your current driver license and get your international license in about 5min. no test, no stress and it's only $25 bucks.

Link: http://chicago.aaa.com/?zip=60101&stateprov=il&city=addison

[Taemian]

Contact your local AAA show them your current driver license and get your international license in about 5min. no test, no stress and it's only $25 bucks.

Link: http://chicago.aaa.com/?zip=60101&stateprov=il&city=addison

Best advice. Been overseas, my advice is to learn the roadsigns.

[bobsawyer7]

Have travelled all over Europe, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Rental companies have always accepted my Connecticut license
Ditto about learning roadsigns, especially if not in English.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what bobsawyer said^^^

Been to England 3 times and never an issue, although unless you really enjoy stress, DON'T drive in London. Use the Underground; it makes all of our subway systems look pathetic. Outside the city, driving is no big deal. 18-wheelers actually obey speed limits and lane restrictions.

[DEFYANT]

No

Such

Thing

[LordVader]

Been to Spain a few times and no problem with renting a car there. But as some folks have said you should familiarize yourself with the road signs.

[rayjay]

I had a guy hand me one from some third world cess pool written in crayon one time. Out come was a UTT for unlicensed operation and speeding.

[knine]

Yea, try and hand me one of those things. I've had knuckleheads that were suspended or revoked get one and hand it to me thinking they were "majically" a licensed driver again. :shake:

[1 Bad Merc]

Dom..make sure you request an automatic transmission car. It's easier then learning how to drive a stick with your left hand and still navigate the roads.

[Ralph Sr.]

i once lost my pa. drivers licence for 6 months, many speeding tickets,!! had to send it to harrisburg,pa., our state capital... i quickly inlisted in the army, got army one right after basic tranning.. later got my pa. one back, started driving a little better ? on dirt, stock car tracks ? wow that was fun !!!!! ralph sr./rkvette

[dakslim]

Dom..make sure you request an automatic transmission car. It's easier then learning how to drive a stick with your left hand and still navigate the roads.

I thought it was fun with the left handed stick shift. It wasn't the problem I thought it would be.:)

[scruff]

your good to go over there with your current lic ive done it serval times and it is always a challenge driveing on the oppisite side of the road and shiftn with the lefty lol Good luck

[xopher]

Been to England 3 times and never an issue, although unless you really enjoy stress, DON'T drive in London. Use the Underground; it makes all of our subway systems look pathetic. Outside the city, driving is no big deal. 18-wheelers actually obey speed limits and lane restrictions.
This. You have zero reason to drive in London. Everything you need to see in London is accessible via The Tube: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/14091.aspx

If you aren't leaving London, don't drive a car. You will enjoy the experience more.

[252life]

Don't think left handed stick shift is a problem.
The biggest "problem" is to enter the car on the right side, it can be a little embarrassing to enter the car only to find yourself on the passenger side.
(it's a very easy mistake to make)

And I think there are differences regarding the license if your only renting a car or buying a car.
If you plan to stay for a longer time you probably want to buy an old beater car instead of renting.

[Motorhead350]

It's going to be required for work. I won't be renting or buying anything. At least not from my checkbook.

[dakslim]

It's going to be required for work. I won't be renting or buying anything. At least not from my checkbook.

Do not, I repeat, do not drive in London!!!!!! Just watch European Vacation and you'll know why.

Don't try to take me to a disco:shake:
You'll never even get me out on the floor:eek:

[Motorhead350]

I'll drive so I can maybe bring a piece of the country back with me. :D

Ah oh

I'm late for the door. ;)

[dakslim]

I'll drive so I can maybe bring a piece of the country back with me. :D

Ah oh

I'm late for the door. ;)

I brought a piece of Hadrian's Wall with me. Shhhh!

Still like that old time rock 'n roll:beatnik: