We are leaving for a 19 day driving trip through Spain on 7/2 and have received conflicting information regarding an international drivers license. Do we need same?? Of course we have US drivers license and insurance etc as well as AMEX coverage.

Its debatible... it will all come down to if something happens (and I hope it doesn't) the officer who stops you or comes to help and what mood they're in. Considering that its EASY and CHEAP to get one, I'd recommend you go and get one just in case. Just go to the AAA office nearest you, and bring 2 passport photos with you (or they can take them for you, but they'll charge you an x-tra $10) and your current valid drivers license. They'll do it right there, its painless and won't take long (of course, depending on the office!- but it shouldn't take long!). Its good for a year and you'll have the necessary paperwork with you. Also, keep in mind that you'll still have to travel with your Am. license- they work together, just the International permit isn't enough (but again, depends on who stops you...) Good luck and drive safely!

Yes, you need the international drivers´ license.

The only way that you can get around it is if your USA license clearly states the validity of the dates (when you first got the license, and when it expires) and if you have a legalized translation into Spanish of the same.

Save yourself the hassle, spend the $10 and go to AAA. It´s easy and can be done in a matter of minutes.

You don´t need your American license with you, but must have your passport with your international license. Remember, you can´t get it in Spain, you must apply for it outside the country in which you plan to use it.

Chica,
The international drivers license even says to have your valid drivers license with you! Some states' licenses aren't even really valid (long story- has to do with the different laws and rules that the particular state has, but nobody is going to know which states are and which aren't) they probably wouldn't ask to see the license, but again, why take the chance? Better to have all the proper documentation, then if you don't need it, even better, but you have it if you do!

I got all of my info from the AAA office (i've had to get the license a couple of times, its valid for one year) but there is a website that has some details on it also, its the expat website.

is there a web site, listing whats considered an international drivers license?

I have a Canadian & also Bermudian drivers license(which im told is considered international drivers license,(as used in USA accident 20 yrs ago & cops said was valid international drivers license)

I have no idea. Do you guys have a AAA in Bermuda? Maybe they'll be able to tell you if what you have is good or not. The license we're talking about is like a booklet. In it it has a listing of all the countries that recognize it, then a listing of the different kinds of licenses ( commercial, private,motorcycle etc.) and will state which one yours is. In the back it has your picture, some info about you, birthplace, name, date of birth and a bit else. Kind of like a passport but not nearly as fancy.

Espe -- You are absolutely right about the International Drivers´ license stating you need the American license. My bad.

However, I have been told here by a couple of places here in Spain (Guardia Civil, Jefatura de Trafico, etc) that the US license is not any good without the official legalized translation.

Right now I am in the process of studying for my drivers´ license here in Spain. What a royal hassle it is....could be a whole other thread!

I got stopped by the Guardia Civil just outside Ubeda on the road to Granada. They did not ask for an International driving licence but took details of my American licence. Incidentally I was fined 150 euros on the spot for exceeding the speed limit. They claimed to have a photograph but never produced it and they let the car in front of me, doing the same speed, go. Much more important than an international driving licence is to carry enough cash to pay the fine. I was told that if I didn't have the cash they would keep the car and I could start walking!!.They don't take ceques or credit cards. The fine was after a 25% dicount because I was a tourist!!!

Hmmmm....that sounds like a very fishy story to me Expat!

Cash only? On the spot? A photo that they wouldn´t/couldn´t produce? Not typical Guardia Civil action. I´ve been with my husband when he has been pulled over. None of that silliness. They gave him the ticket straight up which he had to pay at the local traffic office (I think in Madrid).

BTW where in Philly are you from?

I've heard that speeding tickets have to be paid on the spot too, Chica...I think in guide books. I wonder if that's how they deal with possible "flight risks" (people with no address or contact info)?

I just suggest this because we got a parking ticket once in Italy and didn't pay it (shhh...don't tell!). Eventually (like two years later) we got a letter sent to us through the rental agency, all in Italian, telling us to pay something like $16. All that trouble for a tiny amount (which we still did not pay, because the thing they sent us didn't have a return address!!!!). We're probably on some list of international parking ticket offenders, but oh, well!!

I'm with Chica! Expat, sounds VERY fishy, guide books or no! Logic sounds to me like they would at least take you in to fill out a report. But, there are crooked people everywhere, so maybe you were targeted BECAUSE you were a tourist! :o Still sounds weird!

Chica, first time I've ever heard of having to have a translation. That's what the International license is for, its in several different languages! So I don't know about that one! I've heard from friends that getting your license over there is a real bear! Good luck! And let me know how you do! I'm going to have to do that too! :o I envy my cousins, when I was younger, they came to visit and my dad taught them to drive, and they eventually got their licenses here and were able to get them in Spain easily... but that was quite some time ago when it was easy to do (and CHEAP! That's why so many people were doing it!) But now because they think Americans only drive automatic...

Buena suerte!

P.S. I had a friend fail the pratical 6 (yes, 6!) times and all because he felt comfortable enough to use some common sense and judgement. If you have to take the road test, I suggest you go STRICTLY by the book! Which may be hard, especially having driven for years and having to go through it all over again!

Hi--
Here's some information from the web about driving in Spain! I'm not sure how authoritative they are, but they do say that fines are payable on the spot--so it's possible you weren't scammed, expat!

http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/Information/DrivingSpain.htm

http://www.spain-info.com/Living/driving.htm

http://www.europeguidebook.com/spain/docs/spain_tra_dri.cfm

:o I found out the hard way - get your international license. Coming into Madrid after what seemed like hours of trying to get on the correct road and in the correct lane - i.e. going around in circles - I knowingly broke the law while coping (and making use of) a very handy round-about. And there was a guardia - I was completely wrong and well deserved the threatened ticket. The guardia and his partner were nice - or my tears worked? - all I got was a h*** of a lecture. They told me it was necessary to have an international license (which I didn't have)- car rentals say it isn't needed - however - the guardia say it is. For $10 bucks - get it - can't hurt and could save you a real hassle.

Thanks for the advice about an international license...I have never had one when driving in Spain (which I have done on several visits, for a total of about a month on the roads) but have never been in a situation where I needed it!! I would hate to be getting yelled at in Spanish (I only understand "nice" Spanish!) and not have the right paperwork with me. I had thought that the international license was just another way for AAA to get money from tourists!

Wow, puna, you really DO have firsthand experience with this. Thanks for sharing.

I didn't remember to get my AAA International Drivers License before going to Spain last Semana Santa and I drove all over Galicia. Thing is, I felt "exposed" and quite vulnerable. I wished I had had it and will certainly get it next time.

Saludos, MadridMan

Espe -- after 17+ years of driving an automatic car in the states, old habits are tough to break! I have finally learned to comfortably drive stick shift..can even handle an uphill shift from standstill without a problem. It´s the little things like driving with the left elbow on the window/door, letting the steering wheel spin back by itself after making a turn, etc.. that will make the practical more challenging.

What is the most difficult for me is the theoretical. Not for the theory in and of itself, but for the language. Believe me, I am pretty darned bilingual...but take those multiple choice questions, the intentionally tricky responses, the technical vocabulary and the USTED form, and, well...THAT´s my challenge! If you want to practice ahead of time... go to todotest.com

On that website you will find official tests as well as the questionnaires presented in autoescuela. It´s a great site and really helps you to get the feel for the written exam and the questions that they ask!

P.S. I know someone who failed the practical 14 times.

Wow! 16 times! :o I can't imagine! I hope the FINALLY got it?! Anyway, thanks for the heads up! I'll look into the website you listed!

I actually learned stick (crash course- i'll explain in a minute!) within a couple of hours during one of my visits... my friends and I went on a trip, had an extra car, but I was the only other one that could drive! :o But since I don't have to drive usually when I go, I'm a bit rusty. But I know the written is going to be killer! :o Oh well...