Licensed drivers in one country may use their licence to drive in another country as long as they have an International Driving Permit, often known as an IDP. It’s also called a “International Driver’s License” or a “International Driving Document” by others. A valid driver’s licence issued by an authorised agency in the person’s country of residence must be shown by the holder of an IDP. Picture yourself as a police officer in Finland or Uganda. A regular licence issued in Vermont or Alberta would not be verifiable to them. It will be tough for them to pull off. If you provide an IDP, they will immediately know that the licence you are using is genuine. The identification information on a driver’s licence must be translated into 10 other languages, and this is another job for an IDP. Therefore, even if you have no plans to drive a motor vehicle, you may benefit from having this certificate.
A valid international driver’s licence is necessary in which countries?
There are a large number of countries who recognise the International Driving Permit even if they are not party to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. An international driver’s permit (IDP) may be required by certain automobile rental agencies abroad in addition to your domestic driver’s licence in order to lawfully operate a motor vehicle in such nations.
It’s obligatory in most countries but not in others. In order to drive in any of the following countries, you will need an International Driving Permit unless your driver’s licence is from the United States or another country whose official language is English.
Africa, South The North American Continent and Mexico Afri-Canadian and Mexican Relations
Furthermore, if you already possess a licence that is valid across Europe, you will not need to get any further permission to drive a motor vehicle in the vast majority of EU countries.
Keep in mind that your home country’s legal licence remains your primary form of identification and that an IDP is not meant to act as a substitute for it. If your normal licence expires in May, then you can’t use only an IDP beyond that month. The timely renewal of your local licence is your responsibility.
How can I apply for an Individual Development Plan?
Applying for an IDP is a very simple process. When you go to meet your authorised dealer, be sure to carry a copy of your international driver’s license as identification (front and back). A lot of them also provide photocopying services right there on the premises. In addition, you’ll need two photos that meet passport requirements, including one with your signature on the back for each. You can have your passport photo taken at certain dealerships, which make up the bulk of approved IDP vendors; some of these organisations may even provide other services, too. Finally, you’ll need to fill out the application.
You may be able to submit your application via postal mail under certain conditions. If you follow these instructions, you should have your updated permission application in less than a week. If you want to apply in person, you shouldn’t have to wait more than half an hour, however this might increase or decrease depending on the volume of applicants.
