Job Discussion Forums

Clowwwn · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Hi, Guys & Gals,

I'm thinking of getting an IDL here in the U.S. but I read that it has to be good for motorcycles/scooters. Given that I drive a car, how would I get my class D license from NYS translated into a scooter-compatible IDL? I only have a few days before my departure and won't be taking any motorcycle license tests, so tips are much appreciated.

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

Don't worry about it - do what 90% of the foreigners do here and drive without a license. If you're not being a complete d**k, the chances are that you'll be left alone by the authorities and you don't need a license to buy a scooter anyways.

Wink

Clowwwn · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Yeah, I heard people do that. So Taiwanese cops are instructed not to mess with us foreign devils? I usually prefer to be safe with things such as driving a scooter in a faraway land whose drivers routinely ignore the rules of the road, but I'm impressed that we get such VIP treatment.

Also, what are the chances that a scooter virgin would inadvertently do something that constitutes being a d*** resulting in an epic FAIL?

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

When i lived in Kaohsiung nobody had a license and rarely did anybody get stopped. When I lived in Taipei however, I was stopped a couple of times (after I got my license). Most people had licenses in Taipei. It really depends how far from the centre you'll be living, the closer to Taipei, the more likely you'll be stopped and fined. And yes, they definitely stop foreigners.

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

LKJ · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 57

People, people, people ....... listen up!

Getting away with not having a license and doging the police checks is only a small issue.

The real issue is when you seriously injure, or worse still, kill someone. In this situation you'll wish you had a license and insurance. Without them you'll be going to prison in a foreign country for a very long time and paying out LARGE amounts of money. Millions of NT$ and a very nasty and sad expereince for all concerned.

Think about it.

I hope this helps
LKJ

LKJ · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 57

In answer to Clowwwn,

If you have a CAR license then you can get an international CAR license.

If you have a SCOOTER license then you can get an international SCOOTER license.

What logic are you following that anyone would give you an international license for a license you didn't have in the first place?

LKJ

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

.... oooops..... that reminds me..... Confused

steve_c · Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject:

To the OP, getting a scooter license here isn't really that big of a deal (although I failed the written part the first time because the English translation is so god-awful). My Chinese isn't very good and I was able to complete the process all by myself, so if you're adventurous you shouldn't have too many problems.

And, as was mentioned, having a license is much better when you have an accident. When, not if, because it's inevitable. Reread what yamahuh wrote, because it's absolutely true. That's not to scare you, but you'll understand after you see the crazy driving habits yourself.

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

1994 or the year of the R.O.C 94?

16 years ago or only 5??

steve_c · Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:42 pm Post subject:

BigWally · Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 8:51 pm Post subject:

This has always been an issue with me. Why would you think that you can move to a different country and not follow the laws of that country? If you don't have a proper license from Taiwan then you should not be driving a scooter. IDPs are only valid if you want to operate a car in Taiwan, but as for driving a scooter it is meaningless. The same goes for insurance. From experience (not mine, but a friend), here's what happens if a foreigner gets in an accident with a Taiwanese.

1) No matter who is a fault, everyone in a ten mile radius will blame the foreigner. Pray to go no one is hurt.
2) Police will blame the foreigner, and then ask for license and insurance. Hopefully you can bribe to police at this point to let you go, if not you're gonna be in trouble.
3) Police will impound scooter, and levy fine against foreigner. Possible legal filing against foreigner by Taiwanese. (who know we have $$$)
4) Foreigner will not be allowed to leave country (vacations, go home, etc) until all fines are paid.
5) ARC/Work Permits can be suspended. (hard to pay off debt with no work permit)

The scooter license is so easy to get, that anyone who doesn't bother to take the time is just fulfilling the stereotype of the ignorant foreigner who shows up and thinks they are above the laws of the county.