- All drivers must present a valid non-expired driver's license at the time of rental.
- Those holding a license issued in a Non-Latin-Letter Alphabet must also present a valid International Drivers Permit.
- All overseas renters require a passport as well as a driving license.
However, in Germany you don't need an IDP for a license in English, and the rental car agency usually only wants to see your US or Canadian driver's license. (VERIFY this with your rental car agency!) If you plan to drive a lot outside of Germany, you may still want to get an IDP, which is valid in over 150 countries.
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If you have a valid license from your home state, you can drive in European countries for up to 90 days without further documentation. However, once you have spent more than 90 days in Europe and wish to continue driving there, it is recommended that you get an International Driver's License (IDL).
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Germany accepts driving licenses from all foreign countries for six months of residence or for 12 months if the visit is temporary. Drivers are required to obtain a valid German after that time. Licenses from EU member states are accepted.
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On 70% of the autobahn, there is no speed limit and drivers can go as fast as they want (McCarthy 2019); the average travel speed of automobiles on unrestricted autobahns is 141.8 km/h (88 mph) (Scholz, Schmallowsky, & Wauer 2007), which is much faster than most speed limits in other countries.
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Generally, most European countries do not require American drivers to have an IDP. However, the following countries do require International Driver's Permits in conjunction with valid United States' driver's licenses: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain.
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Within Europe, the general answer is yes, you can drive your hire car into a different European country from where you picked it up. However, you may find some restrictions depending on the: Country you rent the car from. Country/countries you want to take the car to.
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