Driving license

[xsred]

My first trip to USA in August, going for 3 weeks and staying in a villa, and REALLY can't wait to go! My question is about the Uk driving License..Do you have to take both parts of the new photo licenses in order to hire a car?

Any particular driving tips that stand out? I have the Brit's Guide...(thanks to Simon for a great book!), but wondered if there were any further tips from UKers who have been.

 

[uksaint]

You are supposed to take both parts of the drivers licence, but I have always shown the photo card and have never been asked for the paper bit - but definitely take it just in case.

 

[xsred]

Thanks UKsaint, I thought that was probably the case, but hoping you only had to take the card as that means less paperwork to loose and forget!!

 

[SimonV]

Just to confirm, you DO need both parts. Most recently, I had one car hire office that DID check if I had the paper part (in Orlando-Sanford Airport Alamo office), and one that DIDN'T (in Detroit). I would definitely ensure you have both parts, just in case!

 

[xsred]

Thanks Simon.

 

[MARTINIUS]

What happens if you've only got an old style paper license without the photo card - is this OK for car hire?

 

[bath1960]

If you only have the old style licence, then that is not a problem. They are accepted - I have used that twice in the US without a problem but if you have the new photo licence you must take both parts - a friend of mine who was on arrived on holiday without his paper part had to get a taxi to get his disabled wife to the hotel and actually flew back to UK to collect his paper part of the licence to be able to continue his holiday - they would not let him hire a care without it. It turned out to be a rather expensive holiday for him!!

 

[The Murfs]

Hi,

Give this site a try

192 highway

It useful for lots of other stuff but does give extensive hints and even a photographic route from the Airport to the popular locations.