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[apollolight]

I just received my driving license in the U.S. last week and I also got an international driving permit from AAA. I am planning on moving to Oman in February and seeing as I was told it was difficult living in Oman without a license, I was hoping I would be able to use my new license and permit.

I was looking at the Omani Royal Police web site and on one page it said I would be able to use my license 'as a tourist' for three months.

On another page it said that to exchange the approved foreign driving license, the foreign license must have been issued at least one year back.

Does anyone know if this means that I won't be able to use my U.S. license to lease/rent a car?

The idea of not being able to get from A to B makes me very hesitant about going to Oman for work. Any information, based on experience, would be greatly appreciated.

thanks a lot

[veiledsentiments]

I have heard of this rule.

The question that I can't answer is whether you can get yourself a long term lease with your new driving license.

Worst case... having to cope without a car for part of your first year. But, there are people who manage using taxis.

VS

[toko]

We have been here in Oman and have dealt with this issue.

Yes, you can use the AAA permit up until you get your work visa. But, this
will be before three months. Once you get your work visa, you must get the Omani drivers license.

There lies the problem...your American license must be at least a year old in order to get an Omani license.

Since the America license only the re-newal date, and not the original date that you started driving, the police will tell you "no." We even got a print out from the DOT of the state that issued the license, and that didn't work. The police told us to go to the US Embassy to get a "stamp." The US Embassy won't deal with it, because it is a state issue.

Long story short, if your US license has been issued for less than one year, you will run into problems getting an official license, and most likely won't be able to. Yes, you can try getting an Omani to go to the police station and argue on your behalf, but it still isn't guaranteed. And, do you want that hassle?

However, they do issue an Omani license to an expired US license, so go figure.

[newbienicki]

Unfortunately have to agree with Toko. The ROP can be a real pain to deal with, and are totally inflexible on this issue. I changed from Florida to North Carolina driving license, after having Florida's for about 20 years. The NC was valid for less than a year, even with a print off from NC's DOT stating that I had had the Florida license , and attested by the U.S. Embassy,the ROP would not budge. Needless to say, I had to do the Omani driving test. Luckily I got my license on my second try. Quite unusual, I've heard. Sorry to say but you can expect a truck load of nonsense from the ROP. Good Luck!

[bmfus]

While it is true that your options in terms of getting an Omani license are limited, you should be able to rent a car for the first year with what you have. I'm not sure if this is technically 'legal' but I do know of people who have done this...An Omani licence is definetly required if you plan to buy your own car.

[[email protected]]

Be sure to write your will before driving here.

[Noelle]

"Be sure to write your will before driving here".

HA HA HA!
I could definitely say the same of so many other countries I've been in... Mexico, Jamaica, South Korea... (West Virginia...)

As far as terrible driving is concerned though, I feel fairly certain that on their worst day, Oman cannot outdo the People's Republic of China!!