SG's Class 3 license valid in other countries?

[MonoWorld]

hi guys, would like to enquire whether our class 3 license is valid for other countries like Japan, New Zealand and Australia if wanna use it for renting a car and drive around the country?

[gohjohan]

Australia and New Zealand, yes. Dunno about Japan. For Australia and New Zealand, you'll be surprised SOME rental companies don't even check which class(es) of vehicles you are qualified to drive.

[MonoWorld]

Originally posted by gohjohan@Sep 27 2006, 01:36 PM

Australia and New Zealand, yes. Dunno about Japan. For Australia and New Zealand, you'll be surprised SOME rental companies don't even check which class(es) of vehicles you are qualified to drive.

do i need to apply for the International Driving Permit/License to drive in the mentioned countries?

[mnemonic]

think its best to apply for International Driving Permit.....cost 20dollars for that piece of paper...valid for 1year...

 

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT - YOUR PASSPORT TO OVERSEAS DRIVING

 

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognised worldwide as a valuable document identifying motorists as legally-licensed drivers.

 

Although many countries recognise the Singapore driving licence, the IDP may prevent any inconvenience when renting a car or when driving in a foreign country where English is not commonly spoken. In such situations, drivers may find themselves handicapped by language barriers. The IDP contains translations of terms used in various international languages that would enable drivers to communicate with car rental companies.

 

The IDP is also a useful form of identification as it contains a photograph of the driver.

 

It is highly recommended that the following people apply for IDP. This includes people who are going to a country for reasons other than touring purposes and staying for a period longer than 3 months and hold social visit passes for more than 3 months. However, they should first contact the respective embassies or consulate offices of their country of destination to obtain more information on driving licence requirements.

[gohjohan]

Originally posted by MonoWorld@Sep 27 2006, 02:03 PM

do i need to apply for the International Driving Permit/License to drive in the mentioned countries?

By right no. If in Sydney, I think yes, 'cos a friend's friend got pulled over and was asked for his International Driving Permit/License

[Demon]

Originally posted by gohjohan@Sep 27 2006, 03:54 PM

By right no. If in Sydney, I think yes, 'cos a friend's friend got pulled over and was asked for his International Driving Permit/License

your international driving licence is only valid together with your Singapore driving licence. So you must bring that long too.

 

[Razgriz]

but where to get dat piece of paper? do we need to sit any test etc?

[gohjohan]

Originally posted by Razgriz@Oct 1 2006, 12:12 AM

but where to get dat piece of paper? do we need to sit any test etc?

Here. Automobile Association

[Throttle]

dont need to sit for any test. pay $20 , i think, cant remember already

valid for 1 year.

 

There is a list of countries stated on the international licence and it covers just about every country i know......

 

for commonwealth countries, Singapore licence generally accepted.

 

However, it is better to get an international licence if you want to drive overseas. If you use you Singapore licence and get booked, the offence may be directed back to Singapore and points deducted locally.

[Skunk]

im going NZ at the end of the year for 2 weeks. Any rental companies to recommend?

[Throttle]

there are the usual avis and hertz. but many independant smaller companies as well. All very reliable. not to worry.

[Skunk]

Originally posted by Throttle@Oct 1 2006, 11:57 AM

there are the usual avis and hertz. but many independant smaller companies as well. All very reliable. not to worry.

sorry to deviate from the topic, what was the average cost of rental in NZ when you went? Cheap motels easily available? I need some info, going on low budget only $3.5K to last 2 weeks.

[Throttle]

I was there too many years ago, so it's not relevant anymore.

 

but $3.5k for 2 weeks, enough lah, not to worry.

[Heyrul77]

Guys,

 

It is best for you to check with Traffic Police regarding our Driving Licence. As far as I am concern that our DL is already an International Licence.. Once I went to London and rent the car there and was approved. I did not apply for any IDL. Or maybe my luck that traffic police there nvr stop me.

My friend also rented a car at Australia/Gold Coast but was approved too... Think its time to check with the relevant authority regardin this matters..

 

Enjoy checking....

[ah_tee]

Originally posted by Throttle@Oct 1 2006, 02:09 AM

If you use you Singapore licence and get booked, the offence may be directed back to Singapore and points deducted locally.

i dun think the DIPS applies for overseas roads

[xb84]

what are good holiday driving locations?

1.

2.

3.

[Guest NPNT]

by right go Msia oso must apply?

[Throttle]

Originally posted by ah_tee@Oct 3 2006, 09:55 AM

i dun think the DIPS applies for overseas roads

it's not DIPs. They have their own system which also uses points but the deduction of points is different. I dont mean that if they deduct 10 points in their country, you will get 10 points deducted in Singapore.

 

the deduction is based on the offence.

 

eg. Perhaps deduction is 5 points for illegal U-turning in the host country.

your points deducted in Singapore will not be 5 but based on the offence and applied to Singapore's system.

[Throttle]

Singapore licence is generally accepted in many commonwealth countries. Malaysia included. Australia and New Zealand included.

 

Rental companies will only rent on valid drivers licence.

An international licence just simplifieds everything and is accepted worldwide.

 

In fact, I just got back from Australia. Rented a Holden Commodore 3++liters. I had an int licence but my friend without one was also allowed under their insurance policies and terms and conditions.

 

Australia and New Zealand are the best countries for driving.

Long beautiful roads with nice sceneries. Clear road signs.

Considerate drivers. Little speeding and lots of giving way.