International driver's licence or permit - Germany

Is there anyone out there with an international drivers licence and was it difficult? Or any other suggestions to cheaply acquire one here (I'm from the U.S. obviously -- VT to be exact).

My mom bought one for $4 before she came out to visit me, but I honestly don't see what the purpose is. Your driver's license is perfectly valid out here (unless you're staying longer than 6 months). Are you just visiting or will you be staying long term?

Ive been here for 5 1/2 months and plan on being here for 1 more year! Just learned how to drive a stick too...not as bad as I thought. ha.

Ah, too bad you're already here. Vermont does not have a reciprocal agreement with Germany, so you'd have to do tests and fork out at least 1000 EUR to get a license. Had you just driven to Massachusetts and gotten a license there before coming here, you'd just be able to trade it in for a German one (I had the same problem, as I'm from California, and we don't have a reciprocal agreement either - but Arizona does ).

Theres someone in my german class from Cali and he said he just sent away for it and as long as you have a perfect driving record and your licence for more than 1 year and 60 bucks...your golden. hmmm. sounded too good to be true.

If you're staying that long, you'll have to get a German driver's license. The international one won't be valid for more than 6 months from the point you arrived in Germany. For info on getting a German driving license, see these links:

German driver's license - How to get one

...and various others, just do a search.

I honestly have no idea what purpose those international driver's licenses have or if they are considered sufficient. I would guess not, but then that would be a guess.

Edit: Ok, question answered above, which was what I suspected. You'd be better off travelling home for a visit and picking up a license in one of the states with a reciprocal agreement.

Thanks for the help!!! I appreciate it.

No problem!

Just one suggestion, though. Stuff like this has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum before, so next time use the search function up in the upper right corner to check before asking. You might catch us in a grumpy mood and get bitten.

@IPJ: No, look at her profile. She's young and female, she's gonna get helped.

haha. thanks for the advice. im totally new to this. didnt even know i had a profile...

Well, welcome. We were all new once.

For future reference, an international driver's licence is only a multi-language copy of your regular licence. It holds no benefits over your regular licence.

Thanks for clarifying that, showem. I've been wondering what the heck they're for.

Welcome to Toytown, Kileo!

It holds no benefits in Germany or Europe, it's true, but it is necessary in some countries or authorities that won't or don't accept your standard licence unless it's backed up by the international one. I've needed an international licence (in tandem with my normal one) to be able to rent cars in former Russian states, UAE and China.

YL6