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Where to obtain an International Driving Permit/Licence

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 4:11pm
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Location: Palomares

Joined: 24 Feb 2021

Hi all,

This is a little complicated but here goes.

We are due to fly back very soon, for a visit to jolly old UK and whilst there, want to hire a car.

I, as a Spanish Resident, now have a shiny new Spanish Drivers Licence that, I believe, due to the flag on it, to be an EU licence.

On attempting to hire online in advance, I was perplexed by the terms and conditions, the most daunting of which is:

That a majority of UK car hire companies, seem to require an International Licence/Permit, to accompany my Spanish Licence, as that is not all in English.

To that end, can anyone advise on the quickest way to obtain said International Licence, preferably face to face at an office, as it seems that on line applications still require collection in person and are likely to take too long if the postal system were to be involved.

I had heard recently, of a friend who was refused a hire car in UK, as they only had Spanish Licence.

Our usual translator was unsure but did wonder if the police station in Huercal Overa, where she renews her licence, may be the place to go.

Can anyone provide a definitive answer please

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 7:57pm

LosPardoslady

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Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 7:57pm

Try the DGT website. 

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 8:46pm

LosPardoslady

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Location: Vera

Joined: 22 Jun 2019

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 8:46pm

Having done a little research, they are misinformed (or being obstructive).  There's a reciprocal agreement you can drive a car in the UK on your Spanish licence in the same way you can drive in Spain on your UK licence if you are a visitor. 

I know some hire car companies in Spain are insisting on an idp but they are pulling a fast one.  The main advantage you will have in the UK is you can argue with them in their own language.  

The source of the information is the government website.  Hope this helps K 

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 11:48am

MaggieB

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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 11:48am

We had  a problem.s hiring a car in uk.  Your spanish licence should be fine.  Booked car from Birmingham airport.

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