US passports facts you should know

Obtaining your International Drivers License

Planning for your vacation or business trip usually means packing a suitcase with appropriate clothing, accessories, and sundries. Most people forget that it is important to obtain that international driver’s license. Your state issued driver’s license is not going to be an acceptable form of identification in most countries and will most definitely not be accepted as a right to drive.

Laws and regulations change from one state to the other and the same holds true when it comes to driving in another country. Not only do you have a whole new set of rules, but some countries will have you driving on the wrong side of the road and questioning everything you knew about driving!

Ignorance is no excuse. Believe me when I say that if you are pulled over for making a right turn on red and you claim you can do it in your home state of Texas or Colorado or Idaho, you will not get away with a warning. In addition, some countries take law breaking very seriously and you can get arrested, interrogated, and even deported by playing ignorant. Obtaining your international driver’s license or permit is just a good idea that will keep you on the right side of the law… and the road.

However, not all countries accept an international driver’s permit or license. If you want to know where your license or permit is valid, you will need to contact the right consulate or authorities. Since regulations differ from one country to the other, it is your responsibility as a visitor to insure you know the proper protocol for the country you will be visiting.

Obtaining your international driving permit or license is easy! You will discover that most countries do not make it difficult to get your permit or license. Simply ask… you will be surprised at how easy it is.

One important thing to remember is that just because you have an international driving license or permit does not mean you have insurance. If you get in an accident in England, Kuwait, or Italy, you will still need insurance. Your state issued driver’s license does not mean you have insurance, and the same holds true in other countries. Just because you can rent that car and drive that truck does not mean you are insured in the case of an accident.

Generally, you can purchase insurance via the vehicle rental agency or through an insurance company specializing in foreign insurance. Never assume your full coverage insurance here in the states is valid out of the country even in Canada or Mexico.

As you plan on embarking on a journey either right next door or across the world, you will probably want to explore obtaining an international driver’s license or permit. These permits will allow you to drive legally in most countries. Of course, you can contact the embassy or consulate to see if you are legal and up dated!