How old do you need to be to drive abroad with an International Driving Permit?

Before you drive in another country, make sure you meet the age requirements for an International Driving Permit. In the US, you can start driving as young as 14-16 (depending on state law) with a learner’s permit. However, these types of permits are not recognized by foreign governments.

In our post, we explain the governing treaty behind International Driving Permits, how local laws may vary, and what rental agencies expect.

Disclaimer: Traffic laws—and their enforcement—vary widely from country to country. This article is meant to provide information about the subject, but it should not be considered legal advice (we are not lawyers). Please consult with local police if you have questions.

The official minimum driving age under international law

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a motor vehicle using an IDP according to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic:

“​​The minimum age for driving a motor vehicle under the conditions set out in article 24 of the Convention shall be eighteen years.”  — Annex 8, Geneva Convention (1949)

Regardless of U.S. license status, applicants under the age of 18 are forbidden from operating a standard motor vehicle abroad using an IDP. Qualify for an IDP and need one soon? We can help!

What about motorcycles and scooters?

There may be an exception for motorcycles and scooters. The treaty allows countries to recognize motorcycle permits for drivers under 18, if both the domestic license and International Driving Permit are properly endorsed:

“Any Contracting State or subdivision thereof may, however, recognize the driving permits issued by other Contracting States to drivers of motor cycles … of a lower age than eighteen years.” — Annex 8, Geneva Convention (1949)

It is unclear which foreign governments recognize this exception, so we recommend that you try getting in touch with local authorities before heading out on the road.

Watch out for local law variations

Some countries set age minimums higher than 18 for specific classes of vehicles. For example, Morocco sets a minimum age of 21 for operating a heavy truck; it’s unclear if an under-21 IDP holder would be allowed to operate a heavy truck (even if they had the right endorsement).

If you are under 25 and plan to operate a non-standard vehicle (e.g., heavy truck, RV, motorcycle, truck and trailer), we recommend that you reach out directly to the police in your destination country to make sure you’re following local laws.

Contact us if you need help understanding the driving laws in your destination country!

Rental agencies may all differ on driving age requirements

Since car rental agencies are privately owned, they have the right to set age minimums however they see fit (regardless of local driving laws or international treaties)! Though it differs between companies, the minimum age is very often 21 or 25.

Some rental agencies will allow you to rent a car if you’re under 25, but will charge an additional young driver fee. One example is Hertz Germany, which sets a minimum age of 21 for most vehicles, but charges a young driver fee for anyone under 25. For higher end models, they have strict age minimums of 25 and 27.

Keep an eye out for extra fees

If you’re a young driver (under 25), you may not be aware of age-related fees. Make sure to budget for young driver surcharges, higher insurance rates, and restrictions on vehicle types. 

Check out our blog on extra fees to look out for when renting a car.

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Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them anywhere in the world. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP while abroad.