International Driving Licence

eDicky

Requirement of an IDP for a UK driving licence holder to drive anywhere in Europe is purely an invention of the hire firm or its staff. There's no such legal or insurance requirement.

I suspect that its purpose is facilitation of the usual squeeze to sell extra zero-excess insurance cover, magically removing the need for an IDP, similar to other spurious requirements such as a credit card with embossed lettering.

I suggest avoidance of hire firms that show any hint of such extraneous requirements.

TELLIT01

zagfles said:

TELLIT01 said:

For the limited cost and hassle of getting an IDP it's probably worth getting even if it isn't actually required.  I have heard comments about Brits being asked for IDP in Greece.  I can't confirm that as fact.

I hired a car in Greece a few months ago with a tatty old UK paper licence. I've never had a problem anywhere in the world with it, I'm just usually asked for my passport, and a photo of the passport which I have on my phone has always been accepted.

I've usually obtained a DVLA code before going so they can check my licence online if they want to, but they rarely do. 

Personally I wouldn't bother with car hire companies that insist on unnecessary documentation that isn't required by law. 

I should have stated that I meant the police asked for it following an accident.  I meant to put that in the original post.

zagfles

TELLIT01 said:

zagfles said:

TELLIT01 said:

For the limited cost and hassle of getting an IDP it's probably worth getting even if it isn't actually required.  I have heard comments about Brits being asked for IDP in Greece.  I can't confirm that as fact.

I hired a car in Greece a few months ago with a tatty old UK paper licence. I've never had a problem anywhere in the world with it, I'm just usually asked for my passport, and a photo of the passport which I have on my phone has always been accepted.

I've usually obtained a DVLA code before going so they can check my licence online if they want to, but they rarely do. 

Personally I wouldn't bother with car hire companies that insist on unnecessary documentation that isn't required by law. 

I should have stated that I meant the police asked for it following an accident.  I meant to put that in the original post.

According to Driving abroad: Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) - GOV.UK it's not a legal requirement in Greece. It might be wrong but I doubt it. The police might ask for something that's not legally required, but what are they going to do if you've not got it? 

TELLIT01

zagfles said:

TELLIT01 said:

zagfles said:

TELLIT01 said:

For the limited cost and hassle of getting an IDP it's probably worth getting even if it isn't actually required.  I have heard comments about Brits being asked for IDP in Greece.  I can't confirm that as fact.

I hired a car in Greece a few months ago with a tatty old UK paper licence. I've never had a problem anywhere in the world with it, I'm just usually asked for my passport, and a photo of the passport which I have on my phone has always been accepted.

I've usually obtained a DVLA code before going so they can check my licence online if they want to, but they rarely do. 

Personally I wouldn't bother with car hire companies that insist on unnecessary documentation that isn't required by law. 

I should have stated that I meant the police asked for it following an accident.  I meant to put that in the original post.

According to Driving abroad: Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) - GOV.UK it's not a legal requirement in Greece. It might be wrong but I doubt it. The police might ask for something that's not legally required, but what are they going to do if you've not got it? 

Fair question, but I wouldn't want to get into a position where I was trying to tell foreign police they were wrong.

zagfles

TELLIT01 said:

zagfles said:

TELLIT01 said:

zagfles said:

TELLIT01 said:

For the limited cost and hassle of getting an IDP it's probably worth getting even if it isn't actually required.  I have heard comments about Brits being asked for IDP in Greece.  I can't confirm that as fact.

I hired a car in Greece a few months ago with a tatty old UK paper licence. I've never had a problem anywhere in the world with it, I'm just usually asked for my passport, and a photo of the passport which I have on my phone has always been accepted.

I've usually obtained a DVLA code before going so they can check my licence online if they want to, but they rarely do. 

Personally I wouldn't bother with car hire companies that insist on unnecessary documentation that isn't required by law. 

I should have stated that I meant the police asked for it following an accident.  I meant to put that in the original post.

According to Driving abroad: Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) - GOV.UK it's not a legal requirement in Greece. It might be wrong but I doubt it. The police might ask for something that's not legally required, but what are they going to do if you've not got it? 

Fair question, but I wouldn't want to get into a position where I was trying to tell foreign police they were wrong.

So which one would you get? There are 3 types, would you get all 3 just in case? 

When it comes down to it, the police may ask for it, you say you haven't got one, what can they do, charge you for not having documentation that's not required? You hear all these sorts of rumours, but is there actually any evidence of people being arrested or charged for not having one? 

NoodleDoodleMan

Would it be worth seeking advice from the AA and/or RAC ?

I assume they are well versed in recommended licences for driving abroad.

When I was a laddie (no laughs please) my father, an AA member, would consult their appropriate documentation - just as well - otherwise, for example, he'd have been unaware of the need in France to adapt UK headlights to met their legal requirements.

jbrassy

I have hired cars in lots of countries, including those where you supposedly need an IDP. Never have I been asked for one. I think they're only needed if you get pulled by the police or have an accident. Even so, the rules state that you do not need an IDP to drive in Italy if you have a photocard licence (source: the UK Gov website, the AA, and the RAC). I have no experience of renting in Italy, but I rented a car from Europcar in Greece in October and nobody asked for an IDP. Europcar is a pretty reliable established provider, so you shouldn't get any funny business about insurance at the desk.

If it was me, I would just risk it and turn up without one. If you're really concerned, contact the Italian embassy in London and ask what permit they accept, i.e. 1926, 1949, or 1968 - or use a different car hire company.