International Driving Permit , Driving in Europe, IDP
International Driving Permit:
Car Rental and the IDP
Car rental companies ask only for your license to drive in your home
country. There are countries in Europe that do require by law that non
Europeans carry the IDP, however.
How scrupulously they enforce these laws is a question and often
depends on the officers ability to read the language on your existing
license. It is best to carry the IDP, since it is easy to obtain and not
expensive.
AAA, the American Automobile Association, has been sanctioned
by the US Government to issue these Driving Permits and does so for
$15.00 and two passport type photos that you provide or that they take at
the time of application.
The permit is in many languages and will prove that you are licensed to
drive in your home country in case you are stopped.
International Driver's Permit, Required or
Not to Drive In Europe
The International Driving Permit or IDP is not needed to rent
an auto in Europe but Driving in Italy Spain, Portugal, and in
the former Soviet Union countries will require the IDP.
In France, the
International Driving
Permit, though not
required, could be
helpful if you will
drive in remote
areas.
Fuel stops are similar to
USA.
Exit speeds are shown with
the route number of the
feeder road with the towns
listed. The speed limit is
listed on a white sign with a
red circle: 90 KM per hour or
about 56 miles per
Car Rental agencies will rent without
the International Driving Permit but in
countries other than France you are
safer to have one
Standard shift rental will be
the least expensive but
require skill with the clutch
in the hillside villages of
Europe.
France does not require non European drivers to
carry the International Driving Permit
Driving in France is done on the right side and is
similar to the USA, Canada, and Mexico
Return the rental car with an empty tank? Look
over the Policy details closely when renting,
In Canada, the CAA issues the International driving
Permit.
While driving in Europe you should have both the IDP
and your drivers license from your home country with
you.
Auto Europe offers selection, price, and ease of booking on the web. . Shop
online well ahead of your trip and choose diesel or gas, luggage space,
standard or automatic, two door, four door and other options. Renting for
more than 17 days; see their options
Information for
those renting a
vehicle in
Provence
International Driving Permit, Italy:
Car rental companies in Italy ask only for your
license to drive in your home country. Italian law
requires, however, that non Europeans carry the
IDP,
The International Driving
Permit or IDP is not
needed to rent an auto in
Europe. If you drive in Italy
Spain, Portugal, and in the
former Soviet Union
countries you should carry
the IDP.
Speed limits will be clearly marked and the Rotary will be a welcome site with its directions to various towns.
Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are available in all
large cities and at many TGV Train Stations.
Information for those renting a vehicle in France and Italy

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Most hotels offer two Weeks Free parking (link) with one night stay, some three weeks or a reasonable day
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Cruise passengers can take advantage of these deals also at some hotels. See more info at link below
with detailed information and photos of included hotels with reviews.
Convenient Two Week Free Airport Parking with a one night hotel stay could save you money and
enhance your experience.