International Drivers License

F

filibuster

Active Member
I have been traveling to Ibiza each year since 2003. With the exception of the first two years, I've always rented a car. This year, upon executing the car rental, I was told that an international drivers license is required by the Spanish government. I am from New York and have never before obtained an international license. The car rental agency said they do not require it and would rent the car to me regardless.

I'm now left wondering if this is a new requirement or if I've been driving illegally all these years. I'm also left wondering what will be the consequence if I am to drive without an international drivers license. Getting one before June 23rd feels like a pretty big headache.

Thoughts? Thanks for your input!
 
Probably a relic from years gone by - you used to need them to rent cars in many countries the 1980s. Not since in any reasonably 'Western' country, so far as I'm aware.
 
Ya, you won't need it. Your US drivers license is plenty valid in Spain.

That said, if you want to get an International Drivers License, it's quite easy (I used to have one for driving in Eastern Europe where reciprocal license recognition isn't always the case).

Head down to your local AAA office, show them your state drivers license, and they'll take a photo and issue you an int'l one in about 10 minutes. Cost me $10 when I did it. Granted, this was a while ago so double check their procedures now.
 
As an american you are waay more qualified to drive in Spain than us Brits with our EU licenses seeing as we drive on the left and freak out when we have to drive on the 'other' side of the road like nearly every other country does!
 
stephen said:
oh aye? ask any yank what a clutch is and watch them struggle.
Click to expand...
Not true!
My first car, a well used 1973 Ford Maverick purchased for a whopping $300, was manual (with the stick on the wheel instead of the floor!)

And don't get me started about the Russian 4x4 I had in 98-01 :lol:
 
because it was a 3 speed gearbox? i had one in my 61 consul, it was a crashbox so you had to double declutch to get from second to first. it had benchseats front and back - hence the column change - great for cruising with 5 of yer mates.
 
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