Driving with Confidence: Obtaining International Driving Permits

If you plan to drive abroad, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to operate a vehicle legally. An IDP is a translation of your driver's licence and is recognised in over 150 countries.

Obtaining an IDP is a straightforward process without any background checks required. But it is crucial to understand the requirements and regulations of the country you plan to visit.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to obtain an IDP, provide helpful tips for driving abroad, and explain why having an IDP can give you the confidence to easily explore new destinations.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal document the United Nations provides to allow you to drive in a country that requires more than just your national driving licence. It is a multi-language translation of your domestic driving one.

Note that its name is International Driving Permit, not Licence. The IDP allows police who pull you over to verify your identification information even if they don’t know English.

• An IDP is a translation document only valid when used alongside your current licence
• It’s not something that can completely replace your driver’s licence
• You must apply for an IDP from the country where you obtained your driver’s license.

Local driving licences may only be accepted in some countries. Photo by oceane2508 - stock.adobe.com

An IDP is only good for 1-3 years from the date of issue, and it requires that you hold a valid licence in your home country. You cannot use an IDP to drive in your native country lawfully.

When driving abroad, you must carry both your IDP and your national driving licence at all times. This ensures that you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle in a foreign country and have the necessary documentation to present to authorities if requested.

Tips: Have more questions? Head to the official website for more information now.

How is the IDP different from the Inter-American Driving Permit?

The Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) document allows drivers from North, Central, and South America to drive a private motor vehicle in another country legally. Similar to IDP, it is only valid when accompanied by a valid licence from the home country.