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Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

Would any of you old Czech hands know where I could get hold of an international driving licence?

I have a valid Czech licence but I'm moving to the Middle East and it seems I have to have an international licence to rent a car.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I used to have one issued by AAA in the States, even though I'd been living out of the country for years.

I suppose CAA Canada would have the same thing. I don't know where you're from, but the auto association in your home country might be one place to check, via email. AAA did the paperwork from long-distance, but that was back when I still had a valid US license. If you've only got the Czech one these days, that could be a hang-up.

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

I don't think you quite understood me.

I am in Czech (Brno), I have a Czech licence and I need to know where I can pick up an International Driving Licence to use in the Middle East.

My origin doesn't matter it's the driving licence that counts.

Would it be through the police, travel agency, driving school?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

AS

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Check with a travel agency.

I understood you entirely.

I know you are in the Czech Rep and have a Czech license. I am just saying that I got an international one from the Czech Rep through the international travel agency in my home country.

I was in the same situation as you, except that I also still had a valid US license at that time. I realize that this may not apply to you.

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

Thanx fpr the advice, I'll give it a go, I'll try Cedok and the Student Agency.

Dik

AS

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

Got it this morning, took all of 10 minutes which came as a major shock to me I can tell you!

I went to the Magistrat Mesta Brna, driving licence section, showed them some I.D. with my Czech address, my driving licence, one photo and paid 50CZK.

Really surprised at how easy it was, maybe things are getting a wee bit less Kafkaesque in CZ after all Laughing

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Cool. Thanks for letting me know how it went!
I remember that it was so much easier to go through the US route back in 1999 - but, wow, it's nearly a decade ago! Maybe the red tape is running out a bit at last...

Anyway, fantastic that it went so easily.
And good luck in the ME. May be joining you there for a stint later on...

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

Spiral, where might you be heading?

I've just finished a two year stint in Saudi and off to UAE next........

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Well, I haven't really considered specifics, since I'm not going in 2007, but possibly 08 or 09. I'd be open to any area with a decent contract and ok standard of living... I am hoping that I'd have some options with my quals - MA TESL/TEFL, 10+ years of experience, and a significant amount of work in the oil industry might not hurt.
I think UAE would likely be a better target than Saudi for me...
I spent last summer teaching 22 Sauds in Canada, sent by GOTEVOT for teacher training + English lang skills enhancement. They were a tough audience, I must say.

I'd be grateful for any expert opinions/advice you might have to offer!