I have been dutifully paying an annual fee to the NRMA for an International Drivers' Permit but car hire operators are never interested. am I wasting money? E. Campbell, Berkeley Vale
Like you I have never been asked to show my International Driver's Permit (IDP) and I suspect most travellers intending to drive overseas don't have one, but the law in most countries says an IDP is required for foreign drivers.
While you won't be asked to produce an IDP at the car-hire desk, should you be without one and you're involved in an accident and someone gets hurt, it is possible you could end up behind bars instead of behind the wheel.
If you're up for damages, your travel insurer could dispute your claim to cover any excess on the grounds that you were not complying with the law. It's unlikely, but possible.
For peace of mind, like you I'll just keep shelling out $39 every year for my IDP, available from the NRMA or RACV, resenting it slightly, but also comforted by knowing I've done things right.