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Travel Advice/Travel Tips - International
Driving Permits
In some countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP)
is required for foreigners who wish to drive automobiles in that country. In other
countries, you can legally drive a car if
you have a valid driver’s license issued to you by a state government.
- Some drivers apply for and carry an IDP because
it provides benefits beyond a state issued driver's license.
- The International
Drivers Permit is based on a United Nations Convention on International
Road Traffic (1949) and is considered a valid driver’s permit in most of
the world’s countries.
Use of an International Driving Permit requires that the holder of the
IDP possess a valid driver’s license issued by the authorities in their
home state.
- You must have both documents in your possession while driving,
as the IDP references your state drivers license.
The IDP lists the category or vehicle types for which the permit is
valid.
- The IDP class of vehicle qualification and particulars concerning
the driver are provided in 11 major languages.
- The multi-language approach
can be of great benefit if you are dealing with police officers who do not
speak English and cannot interpret your state issued license.
Be familiar with the documents that are required to operate a motor
vehicle in the country you will be visiting.
- Information for the countries covered by
ThereArePlaces can be found in the
Destination Travel Guide section of our site.
- Requirements for countries that we do not cover can be found in the Consular Information Sheets available
at
http://www.state.gov.
- Some countries
(for example, Austria) require the motorist to posses a valid driver's license
and either an International Driving Permit or an official translation of
your driver's license into the language of the country.
The IDP is "hassle" insurance.
- The document is inexpensive and is valid
for one year from the date of issue.
- International Drivers Permits can be
applied for at AAA, if you are a member.
- If you intend to apply for an IDP,
you will need to present a valid driver's license and two passport-sized
photos.
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