Operating a motor vehicle abroad can pose significant safety risks to students, faculty, staff, other motorists, and pedestrians. The combination of unfamiliar roads, signage, and road conditions, along with limited knowledge of local traffic laws and regulations, increases the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, driving on the opposite side of the road or in an unfamiliar vehicle can further elevate the risk of injury or collisions.

As a result, faculty, staff, and students are strongly discouraged from driving while abroad. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary for Cornell-related travel.

Undergraduate students are not permitted to operate any type of vehicle while traveling abroad for university-related business or activities.

If driving abroad is absolutely necessary, individuals must follow the procedures outlined in the “Request for Approval of Student Driving Abroad” form. Only graduate students may be granted permission to drive abroad on Cornell-related business.

Faculty, staff, and eligible graduate students intending to drive abroad must:

1. Review and comply with University Policy 3.4
2. Graduate Students seeking approval to operate a vehicle abroad for Cornell-related business must submit their request at least 30 days prior to departure.
3. Undergraduate students are not permitted to operate a vehicle while traveling abroad when on Cornell-related business.
4. Supervising faculty or advisors must email risk_mgmt@cornell.edu to request approval for a student to drive a vehicle abroad for university-related business. The request should include a detailed explanation of why driving abroad is necessary.
5. Driver must be 25 years of age or older and have at least 1 year of international driving experience.
6. After receiving approval, complete the User Registration Form. Approval is only granted based on an acceptable MVR and demonstration of need. All drivers (including faculty and staff) must have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
7. Students are required to complete the RMI 2100 Defensive Driving Course on CULearn
8. All drivers must demonstrate knowledge of local driving laws.
9. Certify that both the driver and vehicle are properly licensed in the destination country.
10. Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage (collision and liability insurance).

Please note that if you are approved to operate a vehicle for Cornell-related business, the vehicle may not be used for personal purposes. Personal use is not insurable by Cornell and will not be reimbursed under any circumstances.

Additionally, students are prohibited from driving on faculty-led trips. Faculty or trip organizers must arrange transportation through approved vendors.

Please note that Cornell strictly prohibits students from renting or operating commercial vehicles such as trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, or off-road vehicles of any kind while abroad for Cornell-related travel.

For additional guidance on driving abroad, please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s resources on Driving and Road Safety Abroad.

For more information, contact the Office of Risk Management and Insurance.