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International driver's permit

I will be in Scotland the first part of October and we will be renting a car for two days out of Edinburgh. I just read on the Enterprise web site that we will need an international driver's permit to rent a car. I've rented in Scotland before and never encountered this so I'm wondering if I really need one or if it's just Enterprise that requires one. I've rented cars in Ireland several times and never had one. I certainly want to obey all the laws but is this necessary to rent in Scotland? Thanks for any help.

Posted by
38 posts

Most other car rental companies do not require an international drivers licence. A reason they may require an international licence is if your licence is in a non-roman [ABC] alphabet.

Posted by
25 posts

I just thought since I'm from the US and our driver's license is in English, we wouldn't need one. I guess we should just get one and not have to worry about it since we've already booked with Enterprise. Thanks for your input.

Posted by
8293 posts

An IDP is not required in the UK, as far as I know. Ask Enterprise to confirm this for you.

Posted by
530 posts

IDP is not required, but I typically get one anyway because it is my first concrete evidence that I am really going on a trip.

The IDP is mostly useful in countries that do not speak English, since it translates your information into many different languages. Not an issue in Scotland.

Posted by
25 posts

Thanks so much for the info. I don't think I will get a permit but I will email Enterprise and make sure they will not require it. Only 7 weeks until we leave, can't wait!!

Posted by
22 posts

We were in England and Scotland this summer and did not ever have to show our International Driver's Licenses. We rented from Europacar and our California Licenses were all we needed.

Posted by
12313 posts

I'm surprised you would need one. The IDP is essentially just a translation of the information on your drivers license. I think people could read your regular drivers license.

I did read an article not too long ago from UK about a review that found (can't recall the word exactly) was the most ticketed driver in the UK. It turned out the word meant "name" in another language. Maybe that's why they are requiring an IDP now.

Posted by
14 posts

Just returned from the UK. International Driver's Permit is not required. It is really for areas where English is not the primary language so the Police can translate your license.

Posted by
25 posts

Thanks everyone for your input. I don't think we will get the IDP think I tend to overreact when I'm planning a trip trying to get everything perfect but you know how that usually turns out. I know we will have a fantastic time.