International Driving Permit for Avis UK

Aniseed Steed on 19/02/2017 - 01:38
Last edited 19/02/2017 - 13:03

Hi,

After recently booking a rental car (pick-up location: Edinburgh) from Avis via autoeurope.com.au, I went on the Avis UK site to read their T&Cs and was surprised to note that an IDP is required for holders of non-EU driving licences.

Unable to find a direct email address for the Edinburgh office from which I'll be collecting the car, I emailed the address provided on the Avis UK website for confirmation. This was the reply I received from the "Offline Team Agent UK":

"Yes, our terms and conditions state that if your license was issued outside the EU, you will need to provide an International driving permit.

I’ve attached the Terms and conditions for your interest, this can also be found on the website."

I intend to contact Auto Europe† for confirmation tomorrow, and if necessary, call the Edinburgh office, however, I'm curious as to whether anyone who has rented a car in the UK, from Avis in particular, has been asked to show an IDP in addition to an Australian Driver's Licence.

Thanks in advance.

† I received the following reply from Auto Europe:

"As per the supplier's Terms and Conditions that they provide to us it states the following:

Drivers License Requirements: Client must present a valid drivers license in Roman alphabet held
for a minimum of 1 year(s). An International Drivers license is required if not in Roman Alphabet.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any further assistance.

Kind Regards
Online Reservations
Auto Europe"

P.S. I did more searching and finally found the answer on the Budget UK website. Apparently, the rental pick-up location for my Avis booking is actually a Budget office in downtown Edinburgh. On that specific location page are the rental terms and conditions and this is what it says regarding driver's licence requirements:

"Driver's License Requirements

Do I need to bring my driving license with me?

International Driving Permit is required unless driver has a license issued within the EU. US, Canadian, Australian & New Zealand licenses are accepted (International driving permit not required for renters with a US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand license).

Indian Driving licenses are only valid in India regardless of the language they are written in. All licenses from India should be supported with an international driving permit (IDP) along with the local license."

Travel

Comments

  • captobvious on 19/02/2017 - 01:44

    I havent but this is going back 10 years.

  • Qroozn on 19/02/2017 - 02:06
    +1

    For $39 - I would say you might as well purchase it. It's not worth your car insurance being rejected if you have an accident over there

    • Aniseed Steed on 19/02/2017 - 07:14

      My thoughts exactly though I was curious to know if their ground staff actually enforced it.

  • ShannonN on 19/02/2017 - 04:14

    I did back in 88 when I was over there, not an Avis rental but another company via a "Fly Drive" package deal, I got my IDP from the NRMA at the time as I live in NSW then cost about 30

  • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2017 - 08:38
    +2

    Never had to get an international drivers permit anywhere. I'd ring them, sounds like BS. I've hired many cars in Europe on my Australian license.

  • Stewardo on 19/02/2017 - 11:25
    +2

    I've never needed one, especially in an Enlish speaking commonwealth country. It said in the reply you've posted that your Aussie licence is fine. It's written in English, in the Roman alphabet.
    They only do It so local cops can understand your licence if it was written in a foreign script, the international licence translates it. It's not a licence in its self more of a translation of your actual licence

  • 2jzzzz on 19/02/2017 - 12:00

    Go to AUS Post and get it. It's more for other countries that aren't in English, but whatever.

  • Aniseed Steed on 19/02/2017 - 13:07

    I just want to say thanks for all your suggestions and advice. I appreciate all your responses.

  • PVA on 19/02/2017 - 13:16

    This was back in 95, never needed an international licence for a rental in U.K. And Ireland.

    Go to a local hertz and ask them or even a travel agent.

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