DRIVING IN CZECH REPUBLIC

DRIVING IN CZECH REPUBLIC The law on road safety provides that short-term visitors to the Czech Republic must have a U.S. driver’s license to drive in the Czech Republic. However, they must also have an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permits can be obtained for U.S. licences by the American Automobile Association in the U.S. You can download the AAA application form. The IDP expires after one year. The IDP can be renewed annually by mail, provided that your U.S. driver's license is valid. Long-term residents who have been in the Czech Republic for longer than one year or permanent residents must obtain a Czech driver’s license (DL). They will need to do this within three months of receiving their long-term stay/permanent residency.

DRIVING INFORMATION FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC For up to six months, foreigners visiting the Czech Republic for a short-term may rent a car. The Czech Republic requires that the driver has a valid driver's license from their country. This may vary depending on which car rental company they are renting.

All European Union licenses are recognized.

Non-EU countries, except Switzerland, will accept driver's licenses. You will need a driver's licence from an EU country if you have been in Europe for longer than 6 months.

An International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL is required if your driver's license was printed in non-Roman Alphabet (Arabic or Japanese), in order to drive in the Czech Republic. An International Driving Permit, also known as an International Driving Licence, does not replace a regular driver’s license. You must always have your IDP, current driver's license or translation when driving in the Czech Republic.

DRIVING LICENCE REQUIREMENTS Czech Republic driving license requirements state that you must have a valid Czech Republic full driving licence and be at least 18 to drive. You will need an international driver's license if you don't have a photo driving permit.

AGE RETRICTIONS You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Czech Republic. Young drivers may be subject to a surcharge. In certain cases, the maximum age for a driver is 70.

TOLLS To drive on expressways, cars must have a toll sticker. It is easy to buy a Czech Republic sticker; they can be found at petrol stations and border crossings. Most car rentals come with a sticker, or you can purchase one at the time of hiring. The sticker is located in the upper right-hand corner of your windshield. When you collect your car rental, make sure to check the toll sticker.

Czech driving licenses for foreigners explained Many foreigners have many questions about obtaining a Czech driving license. What is the process for changing my Czech driving license? What is the time frame for changing your driving licence? How do you exchange your Czech driving license? It doesn't seem to matter if I am talking to an EU citizen or a driver from the UK or India, everyone seems confused. This article will answer all your questions regarding foreigners driving licenses in Czechia. An info-graphic has been created for you that explains all possible scenarios of driving in Czechia with or without a Czech driving license. Enjoy!

International Driving Permit to drive in Czech Republic Important to remember that your driving license information may not be in Latin alphabet. If your photo is not included, or the information in your driving licence does not match your photo, there may be problems. I would recommend that you have your driving license translated into English or obtain an International Driving Permit. This must be done before you travel to the country that issued your driving license.

If your Czech Republic driving license is not translated into Czech, an International Driving Permit or certified translation are required.

How can I get a Czech driving license?

If a foreigner intends to stay in Czech for longer than six months, they may exchange their current foreign driving license for one from Czech. You can also exchange your foreign driving license for a Czech licence only if it meets the requirements of the Convention on Road Traffic, the 1968 Vienna Convention or one from 1949 that was signed in Geneva.

You don't have to exchange your driving license from another EU member state if it was issued by an EU member. But you can! You can exchange your foreign license for one in Czech if it is damaged or expired. It's better than having to leave sCzech Republic in order to obtain a new driving license abroad.

If you plan to stay in Czech for longer than six months, your Czech driving license cannot be exchanged for one from abroad.

Your foreign driving license doesn't meet the requirements of the Conventions.

A member state of the EU didn't issue your foreign driving license If this is the case, then you will need to learn how to drive, pass tests, and apply for a Czech driving license from scratch. You can find more information in my separate article on Czech driving schools, classes, and exams for foreigners.

Is my driving license compliant with exchange requirements?

There is a high chance that your driving license conforms to the descriptions set forth by the Conventions, given that they have been ratified in large numbers of countries. These links will allow you to verify that your country has ratified either the Geneva Convention or the Vienna Convention.

Tips A photo ID license is required by some car rental companies. If you plan to rent a car in the Czech Republic, your foreign license does not include a photo ID. UK drivers who have the new-styled photo card licence will require both the photo card and the paper counterpart. UK licence holders with a paper-only license will need an official photograph for identification in order to drive in the Czech Republic.