Do I need a driver's licence abroad?

by Manouk Uytdehaag
(Holland)

I've just turned 18 and have finished secondary school. Instead of going to a university, I'd love to go and see something of the world. I was so glad to find the existence of your site, mainly cause I just don't know where to start!(have not evenly decided where to go!)

I wonder if it is wise to get my driving license within the 3 months before departure? I don't have much money saved and I guess that 1/4 of my savings would then go to my license. Is it easy/essential to have one abroad?

Thank you in advance!!

Answer: This will be short and sweet - you do NOT need your driver's licence abroad. Even if you did have it, at 18 you'd be hard-pressed to find a car rental company who would rent you a car. Most require you to be 25 or over, or certainly in your twenties. So no, there is absolutely no need to have one if you want to travel overseas.

Some people do use drivers' licences as identification, especially if it has a photo, so just make sure you have two pieces of valid identification with your photograph. One would of course be your passport, but the second could be a credit card (some of them have photographs) or a medical insurance card, for example. Beyond that, though, enjoy your trip and worry about your driver's test when you come home.

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