Dave Smith:

On 13/07/2013 8:35 AM, Tom P wrote:

The reason why car rentals are not interested in an IDL and want to
see your real one is that your license could have been revoked for
a serious traffic offense.

That's true..... but it can be revoked and still be in your
possession.
[...] If it was for demerit points, a medical suspension or
any of a number of other problems, they send you a suspension notice
by mail or registered mail and the notice instructs you to turn in
your license. Most people don't, so they will still have a licence to
produce,[...]

This procedure is common in Germany, too. For instance, if you were
caught speeding, exceeding a large margin, you get fined and you'd have
to turn in your licence for one or several months.
However, _you_ can decide, within a fixed period of time, exactly when
that will be. So, you get a letter on July 1st, saying something like:
"You were speeding, you get fined, your licence will be revoked for 30
days. Turn it in before October 31st, and the day we receive your
licence is the first of those 30 days in which you can't drive."

As far as I know, most people _will_ turn in their licence upon
receiving such letter (at a time which suits them best), because the
penalty for not complying is heavy.

--
Erick