Are you planning a road trip abroad? If so, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation of your valid driver’s license into several languages, making it valid in over 150 countries.In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about International Driving Licence, including the application process, required documents, and frequently asked questions. We will also provide you with a list of countries that accept IDPs.
With an IDP, you can drive legally to a foreign country, giving you the freedom to explore new places and cultures. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next road trip today!
International Driving Licence
The International Driving licence is a document giving traveler’s legal right to drive in a country other than their home country. i.e IDPs. The International Driving Licence (IDP) is like a golden ticket! It’s a special document that tells everyone in a foreign country that you’re a legit, licensed driver.
So, when you’re driving in another land, everyone knows you’re good to go! There are some misconceptions about international driving permits.
An IDP translates your license into different languages; it is not a laminated free-for-all to drive all over the globe. Since the permit is not a license to drive in itself, you will need to carry your own, domestic driver’s license wherever you go.
Not all car rentals need it, but abroad, it’s your car superhero. If things go wrong, like meeting the police or fixing a car bump, your IDP is your hero card! So, keep it with you when you travel.
Need for International Driving Permit
Firstly those probing to drive abroad should apply for an International Driver’s Permit or International Driving license. The International Driver’s Permit is an official travel document that is permitted by the United Nations and issued to tourists traveling to foreign countries. Whereas an international Driving License is a translated copy of the original driver’s Licence . This document indispensably states that you hold a valid driver’s license that translates your license documents into a number of languages so that it is an easy doddle for the authorities to confirm your driving credentials.
With an international driver’s License, an Indian can drive or rent vehicles in a foreign country. All foreign nationals who stop over our country are also solicited to apply for the licence.
On the basis of visa status in some countries, a driving license is allowed. So these countries may allow 30 days of driving without a driving permit but then require to issue a local driving licence
Advantages of International Driving Licence
It has many benefits:
- Used as a proof of identity document in many countries.
- Proof that the person holds a valid driver’s license in the country .
- The holder’s information can be verified easily through variety of languages written on the IDL such as English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Scandinavian, etc.
Eligibility for International Driving Licence
Any Indian citizen holding a valid driving license and passport can apply for an international driving licence. Licensing authority reserves the rights to reject applications if the applicant fails to produce necessary documents as per stipulated rules. Make sure your address on the passport and driving license must be same as per the location mentioned in the application. An IDP is valid only for one year from the date of issue.
How to Apply for an international driving licence?
In India to apply for an International driving licence one must have Indian Driving Licence . If you don’t have one , first you should apply for driving licence . To know the procedure for new driving licence
An international drivers License can be issued by the RTO, from where the Driving License was issued. For new address, It’s necessary to go for either a new Driving License from the new city or change the address in the Driver’s license before applying for an international driving license. To know the procedure to change address in driving licence.
Once physical visit of the applicant to the RTO is mandatory for verification purpose.
Documents Required for International Driving Permit
Applicants should be above 18 years of age and should possess a valid Driving license. The following additional documents need to submit along with the official form issued by the concerned authority :
- Form 4-A
- Proof copy of valid driver’s license
- Passport and visa copy
- Copy of air tickets
- Medical certificate as mentioned in the application form
- Application fee
- 5 passport sized photographs
- Copy of address proof
- Copy of age-proof
The International Driving Licence requirements and eligibility are uniform across all the signatory countries. Most countries levy a small fee to issue them, which varies from country to country.
International Drivers Permit is denied to:
Applicant not holding a valid Indian Passport and driving license from the local issuing authority.
How does an International Drivers permit (IDP) look?
The IDP is slightly larger than a passport, and is a multi-language translation of the driver’s licence from the issuing nation with photographs and vital statistics.
International Drivers Licence – Validity
According to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, an IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issue. However, the state in which the visitor is driving may limit the period during which an International Driving Permit is recognized for each visit of that state. In any case, the length of the visitor’s stay is determined by the validity of his visa or authorized length of stay as a visitor.
Issues when moving permanently from one country to another
Most license-issuing authorities require holders of foreign licenses taking up residence in their jurisdiction to obtain a local driver’s license within a limited time, typically 6 months or 1 year. In most cases, the driver must follow the full local procedure for obtaining a licence. But some jurisdictions have mutual recognition agreements and will exchange the foreign licence for a local one without the need to undertake an additional driving test.
An exception is the EU, where licences do not need to be exchanged, since the introduction of the common EU-driver’s-licence scheme.
International Driving License India fees
The processing fee for an international driving licence is fixed at ₹. 500 per licence. The applicant will have to make the payment at the time of submitting the documents and application form.
Old Fee for IDP – ₹. 500
*Revised fee for IDL in January – 2017 – ₹. 1000
Which countries accept Indian International Driving Licence?
Indian International driving licence is valid in the countries that have signed the 1949 Geneva Convention. The current parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention are as below. These jurisdictions issue International Driving Permits.
According to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, an IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issue, with a grace period of six months.
Asia, Oceania (19) – Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong(SAR), India, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand
Americas (15) – Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Venezuela
Europe (36) – Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City .
Middle East, Africa (32) – Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Israel, Jordan, Kingdom of Lesotho, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Republic of South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe
FAQs
Can we get an International Driving Permit in India?
Yes! The International Driving Permit issued by Indian RTOs is valid for all the countries in the world. You have to apply at RTO as per your current residence (not the one on your driving license or passport.)
How long does it take to get an International Drivers Licence?
International Driving Licence Processing generally takes up to two weeks.
Which forms are needed for getting an International Driving Licence?
Individuals who are applying for an international drivers licence are required to submit the 'Form for the Issue of International Driving Permit' or Form 4-A, which can be obtained from any RTO.
Can we do a renewal of the International Driving Permit?
The IDP cannot be renewed as per current Indian laws.
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