An International Driving permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid driver’s license in your own country. And it provides a translation into almost a dozen languages, mainly so that police and other authorities in other countries can read your license in their own language. It may not be absolutely necessary to have it, since many countries recognize each other’s licenses, but traveling with an IDP has many advantages.
The permit is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers might have while traveling in other countries that may have widely varying licensing requirements. The IDP is a special license for tourists authorized by United Nations conventions on road safety in 1923, 1923, 1943, 1949, and 1968. Nearly 180 countries are signatories. The IDP is printed in several languages.
It is valid in all the signatory countries. In addition, many other countries that did not sign the treaty recognize the permit and accept it in their territories.
An IDP is easy to obtain if you know where to obtain if you require a driving test, and is available for a small fee. It is, in fact, an official translation of your domestic driver’s for a small fee. It is, in fact, an official translation of your domestic driver’s license.
Requirements
Applicants for an IDP
must:
- be 18 or older,
- have a recognized driver’s license,
- submit to passport-type photo, and
- make their application on an official from provided by the issuing authority.
An IDP cannot be post-dated, extended, or renewed, and is valid for only one year from the date of issue. Each time a new IDP is required, the driver must repeat the entire application procedure. The IDP must be applied for in the country of origin and cannot be used there in place of a regular driver’s license. Why is the IDP so valuable Well, local traffic police may not be able to understand the language on your normal driving license while chances are they may be familiar with at least one of the languages on the IDP.
