License requirements for Spain scooter rental
Jun 5, 2014, 12:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC (formative years spent wandering around ORD, hence the name)
Programs: NO STATUS WHATSOEVER!
Posts: 82
License requirements for Spain scooter rental
I haven't been able to find a reputable source of info for licensing requirements to rent a scooter while in Spain (Formentera, to be exact).
I do not hold an EU license, but I do have a valid US (NY state) drivers' license valid for regular passenger cars but not motorcycles.
That said, there seems to be a consensus online that it is acceptable to present (1) a valid passport and (2) a non-EU passenger car license (with accompanying Int'l Driving Permit) which has been valid for at least 3 years.
I do not hold an EU license, but I do have a valid US (NY state) drivers' license valid for regular passenger cars but not motorcycles.
That said, there seems to be a consensus online that it is acceptable to present (1) a valid passport and (2) a non-EU passenger car license (with accompanying Int'l Driving Permit) which has been valid for at least 3 years.
- Is that right?
- I've had a valid driver's license for almost 15 years. Because NY, like all US states, requires you to renew your license from time to time, the "issue date" on my current license is in 2013. Does this mean I am ineligible for the "3 years" requirement?
Jun 6, 2014, 6:45 am
#3
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MAD
Programs: IB+, BAEC
Posts: 3,105
Jun 6, 2014, 8:38 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: KSU (Kristiansund N, Norway)
Programs: SAS EBD/ *G
Posts: 2,163
It is certainly also the same for European licences. In February we were allowed to rent 125 ccm scooters with Norwegian B licences (car licenses)
Jun 6, 2014, 11:52 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC (formative years spent wandering around ORD, hence the name)
Programs: NO STATUS WHATSOEVER!
Posts: 82
Thanks to all. Does anyone know how the 3 year requirement is proven, if not by the "issue date" on the license itself? Unfortunately, my New York license states that this physical card was issued in 2013, but does not state that I have had a driver's license for almost 15 years total. Is that something an IDP would clarify?
Jun 7, 2014, 12:23 am
#6
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MAD
Programs: IB+, BAEC
Posts: 3,105
An IDP is just a translation of your current license. You basically won't be able to prove the 3 year point from a US license. The EU license has a separate box on the back showing how long you have had each class and the specific expiration date for that class. I had that problem before I got my Spanish license a few years ago.
I could have sworn that the 3 year thing was only for Spain licenses, but I could be mistaken or they could take a very liberal view of the issue in Ibiza. Often times rental agencies really don't know the relevant laws as well as they should.
I could have sworn that the 3 year thing was only for Spain licenses, but I could be mistaken or they could take a very liberal view of the issue in Ibiza. Often times rental agencies really don't know the relevant laws as well as they should.
Jun 8, 2014, 4:34 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: KSU (Kristiansund N, Norway)
Programs: SAS EBD/ *G
Posts: 2,163
(My rental was in Gran Canaria, btw)
Nov 17, 2017, 8:44 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 2
I'm not sure if someone is still reading this topic, but I just want to check if my US license is valid for scooter rental on Ibiza? I found the website called www.bikesbooking.com, they have many scooters for rent on Ibiza, but it's written that for non-EU residents International license is required. I have a moto license in US, is it sufficient or I need any special license? Thanks in advance.