Should driving license categories be explained in brackets? Thread poster: Lisa Reutenauer
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Hello!
I am translating a modern French license into English which, unlike the older version (which has a written explanation decribing the meaning for each licence category) only has the category letters (A1, A2, B, C etc.) and an illustration of the vehicules corresponding to each letter.
Considering driving licence codes are not the same in every country, should I explain in brackets what the category letters correspond to? If so should I only do so for the categories that apply t... See more Hello!
I am translating a modern French license into English which, unlike the older version (which has a written explanation decribing the meaning for each licence category) only has the category letters (A1, A2, B, C etc.) and an illustration of the vehicules corresponding to each letter.
Considering driving licence codes are not the same in every country, should I explain in brackets what the category letters correspond to? If so should I only do so for the categories that apply to the DL holder?
Or should I just use the ilustrations, copy them with no additional written explanation?
Edit: I am aware that most European Union countries have harmonized their codes, but this translation will not be used just in Europe.
My main question at this point is: should I put the categories vehicle pictures in there too?
[Edited at 2023-04-07 07:40 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Kaspars Melkis 
United Kingdom
Local time: 17:49
English to Latvian
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UK had harmonized the license categories with the EU and the codes (A1, A2, A, B etc.) will be understood and are the same.
| | | | Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 18:49
English to French
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TOPIC STARTER | what about the pictures? | Apr 6, 2023 |
Should I put the vehicle pictures in the translation as well?
They are visual forms of description which seem important.
| | | | Kevin Fulton
United States
Local time: 12:49
German to English
Lisa Reutenauer wrote:
Should I put the vehicle pictures in the translation as well?
They are visual forms of description which seem important.
I'd treat them the same as illegible seals, with a description in brackets: [image of motorcycle], etc. This might be useful especially if the translation is to be used outside the EU.
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Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 18:49
English to French
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TOPIC STARTER | translation not same as international permit | Apr 7, 2023 |
@Kevin Fulton,
A part of me thinks, well, the pictures are quite self-explanatory, so all I need to do is put the images in, but I also was under the impression that all images should be described and not copied when translating official documents. Otherwise it almost looks like a forgery of some sort.
Indeed this is a certified translation legally acting as an alternative to an international DL, BUT it is NOT an official international permit nor do I have the authorit... See more @Kevin Fulton,
A part of me thinks, well, the pictures are quite self-explanatory, so all I need to do is put the images in, but I also was under the impression that all images should be described and not copied when translating official documents. Otherwise it almost looks like a forgery of some sort.
Indeed this is a certified translation legally acting as an alternative to an international DL, BUT it is NOT an official international permit nor do I have the authority to make one. I am just translating with basic translation VU NE VARIETUR guidelines and protocols.
Am I thinking way too hard about this?? ▲ Collapse
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I was a sworn translator in Belgium (there are no sworn translators in Portugal where I live now) and in case of illustrations I would indicate them in square brackets (as for stamps and signatures), but copying was out of the question (forgery).
| | | | | Ask the client? | Apr 7, 2023 |
When in doubt, ask the client...
What do they need the translation for? If it is part of an application for a job, they might be better off applying for an international driving licence instead.
| | | | Joseph Tein
United States
Local time: 09:49
Member (2009)
Spanish to English
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| Ask the client what they need | Apr 7, 2023 |
British Diana's reply makes the most sense to me. None of us here know what your client needs or what's important to them. Ask the client how they want it.
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Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 18:49
English to French
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TOPIC STARTER
@diana @joseph
They need it to travel Namibia. I have had several French people asking me for a translation of their dl to travel to Namibia and other english speaking countries outside of Europe because the delays for an intl DL are outrageous and people can't wait that long. The certified translation is the acceptable alternative. Verified.
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