Al, I agree. Actually the US Drivers Licence is much preferred, particularly if you want to rent a cars, etc. The International Drivers licence is just a piece of fluff, that is sort of accepted by autorities, but they may ask in addition for your US licence. I used to get one, but I have not taken out one in the last 15 or so years.
However it is a good money maker for the AAA.
BP Chuck
International Driver's License
Pat....this has existed for years and entre nous I think it means nothing. Nobody that I know has ever been asked for it even in renting a car or being stopped by police. In fact AAA has even mentioned this. For a short tourist trip your USA license (any state) does the trick.
If you plan to stay in France for a few months... and wish to drive... we just discovered there's an international driver's license you can acquire through AAA. They say the license is good for folks planning to stay under 90 days, but the license is valid for up to a year. You can apply for it by mail.
Thought some may find this helpful. We've been here a while, and I'm now trying to get insurance for a car the church is providing for my hubby. I have to get one of these International Driver's License things in order to do be able to drive without a French Driver's License.... at least I *think* so.. one can never know exactly when you have all the rules and regulations figured out.
Of course, if you live in one of the "reciprocal" states in the USA, ( Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Kentucky ) then you can trade your American Driver's license in for a French one.... Unfortunately, South Dakota is not one of the lucky reciprocal states. Hrumph
More information about requirements for driving in France, etc can be found at...
Embassy of France
PitterPat
PS: Insurance is quite affordable **IF** you bring proof of insurance coverage in the states, for a minimum of 3 years... with no traffic violations.
PSS: If you're simply renting a car, your American Drivers License works perfectly well.
PSS: When driving, ALWAYS have an accident report form in your glove box! You'll be required to have one filled out, in the event of an accident.
Thought some may find this helpful. We've been here a while, and I'm now trying to get insurance for a car the church is providing for my hubby. I have to get one of these International Driver's License things in order to do be able to drive without a French Driver's License.... at least I *think* so.. one can never know exactly when you have all the rules and regulations figured out.
Of course, if you live in one of the "reciprocal" states in the USA, ( Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Kentucky ) then you can trade your American Driver's license in for a French one.... Unfortunately, South Dakota is not one of the lucky reciprocal states. Hrumph
More information about requirements for driving in France, etc can be found at...
Embassy of France
PitterPat
PS: Insurance is quite affordable **IF** you bring proof of insurance coverage in the states, for a minimum of 3 years... with no traffic violations.
PSS: If you're simply renting a car, your American Drivers License works perfectly well.
PSS: When driving, ALWAYS have an accident report form in your glove box! You'll be required to have one filled out, in the event of an accident.