Driving regulations differ from country to country, so to stay on the right side of the law you need to do a little bit of research before you plan to drive abroad. At Hertz Car Rental, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have on driving abroad, but to start you off, here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need to be able to drive in Europe and the USA if you hold a UAE driving licence.

What is an International Driving Licence?

Firstly, it’s important to know that there is no such thing as an International Driving Licence or IDL, so beware of any website that offers these. The correct permit is called an International Driving Permit, or IDP, and is issued by the official licencing organisation in your country of origin. This permit is recognised in over 140 countries around the world, including all European countries and the USA.

You use an IDP alongside your UAE driving licence, so this does not replace your standard driving licence but acts as an internationally-recognised permit to drive abroad. You’ll need to carry both your UAE and your IDL with you when driving abroad, as the authorities may ask to see both documents.

What does an IDP look like?

An IDP is slightly larger than a passport in size and has a photo-ID section, so it can be used when hiring a car from Hertz, or whenever you’re asked for proof of ID. It translates information on your UAE licence into several different languages, so that authorities in other countries can access your information quickly and easily.

An IDP is valid for 12 months from date of issue. Bear in mind that you may be restricted to driving certain classes of vehicle, so you will need to check with the UAE licencing agency. You will also need to have held your UAE licence for at least a year before applying for an IDP to drive abroad.

Do I always need an IDP?

For UAE licence-holders, it’s not always essential to have an IDP, and there are over 50 countries that now partner with the UAE, meaning you don’t have to apply for an IDP to drive in these countries. Fortunately, this includes most of the European member states, as well as the USA.

The UAE driver’s licence is now accepted in:

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Mauritania, Djibouti, Comoros, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Spain, France, USA, UK, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Slovakia, Ireland, Austria, Greece, Sweden, China, Poland, Canada, Turkey, Norway, Latvia, New Zealand, Serbia, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Singapore, Austria, Slovakia, Luxembourg, China, Finland, Romania, Denmark and Serbia.

Drivers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait may have different restrictions regarding the validity of driving licences and the requirements for IDPs. To be sure you’re using the correct licence and have everything you need to be able to drive abroad, check with your licencing agency before you travel.

If you do want to get an IDP to allow you to drive in countries not listed as accepting UAE licences, then you can order it up to three months before you travel. Remember, though, it is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, so if you’re spending some time abroad then it may be wise to order it as close as possible to your departure date, so that your IDP doesn’t expire while you’re still abroad.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to make sure that you have insurance to drive, and that the car is correctly maintained according to the country’s regulations (such as having a valid MOT in the UK). You may also need to produce an IDP if you are hiring a car abroad, as it will act as a proof of ID in the same way as a passport or official ID card.

ABU DHABI MALL Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Dubai Motor City Dubai Marina Dubai Festival City Abu Dhabi Airport Al Reem, Abu Dhabi Al Reef, Abu Dhabi Sharjah Airport Al Hamra Mall, RAK

ABU DHABI MALL

Address

AK07 Al Mayaani Street, Al Zahiyah, AUH Mall,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates

Phone

026315320

Opening Hours

Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya

Address

Um Ramool, Rashidiya,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2060206

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 07:00-22:00

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

Address

Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2245222

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

Address

Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2203013

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Motor City

Address

Shop 8, Ground Floor, Foxhill 8, Motor City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4273200

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday; Closed

Dubai Marina

Address

Hertz - Dubai Marina City Premiere Marina Deluxe Hotel Apartment ,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4226775

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday Closed

Dubai Festival City

Address

InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 7011239

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 09:00 - 15:00 Saturday; Closed

Abu Dhabi Airport

Address

AUH Terminal A Rental Returns, short term park 2nd level,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2805 8090 971 2805 8089

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Al Reem, Abu Dhabi

Address

Marina Square, Al Reem Island,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 6320494

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 09:00 - 15:00 Saturday; Closed

Al Reef, Abu Dhabi

Address

Al Reef Downtown, ,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 645 8488

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 09:00 - 15:00 Saturday; Closed

Sharjah Airport

Address

Inside Arrivals Terminal, Kiosk 2, Outside baggage claim area, Sharjah Airport,
Sharjah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 6 5528290

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 08:00-20:00

Al Hamra Mall, RAK

Address

Unit 52, First Floor, Al Hamra Mall, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Rd,
Ras Al Khaimah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 7 2434386

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00, 19:00 to 22:00

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