Driving Abroad and International Driving Permits Explained
Travelling overseas and planning to drive? Understanding the rules of international driving permits (IDPs), licence exchanges, and foreign driving laws is essential. This complete guide explains everything about the international driving permit, including how to apply, when it’s required, and how your local licence works abroad.
Whether you’re hiring a car in Europe, moving to North America, or exploring Asia, this guide will save you from costly mistakes and legal issues. Wanting to know all that is involved with a drivers licence? Read our full guide on drivers licence.
What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that translates your home drivers licence into several major languages. It allows you to drive legally in foreign countries, alongside your original licence.
Two main international conventions govern IDPs:
1926 Paris Convention IDP: Rarely used today.
1949 Geneva Convention IDP: Valid in many countries, but usually for 1 year.
1968 Vienna Convention IDP: Recognised by most EU countries and valid for up to 3 years (depending on your national rules).
This means that depending on your destination, you may need a Geneva-format IDP, a Vienna-format IDP, or sometimes both.
Example: Driving in Spain requires the 1968 Vienna IDP, while the USA usually accepts the 1949 Geneva IDP.
Do You Always Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Not necessarily. Many countries have agreements to recognise each other’s licences. For example:
UK & EU: UK licences are usually valid in the EU for short stays.
USA & Canada: Both recognise each other’s licences for visitors.
Australia & New Zealand: Driving is permitted on each other’s licences for limited periods.
However, if you’re renting a car or driving outside popular tourist hubs, companies often require an IDP as extra proof. Some police authorities may also insist on seeing it during roadside checks.
Tip: Always check both the country’s government travel site and your car rental company’s requirements before travelling.
How to Apply for an IDP
Applying for an IDP is usually straightforward, but the process varies by country.
UK Residents
In the UK, International Driving Permits are issued by the Post Office. You’ll need:
A valid UK drivers licence.
A passport-style photo.
A small application fee (usually under £10).
You can apply in person and get the IDP the same day.
The official GOV.uk website in Great Britain directs people wanting to get an IDP in their country.
US Residents
In the USA, only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorised to issue IDPs. Applicants need to provide:
A valid US drivers licence.
Passport photos.
An application form with a processing fee.
Other Countries
In most other regions, the International Driving Permit is issued by the national automobile association or government-approved bodies. For example:
Canada: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
Australia: State motoring clubs (e.g., NRMA, RACV, RACQ).
India: Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Beware of fake online sellers offering “instant IDPs.” These are not valid and could leave you uninsured abroad.
Validity and Restrictions of International Driving Permits (IDPs)
An IDP is not a standalone licence; you must carry your home driver’s licence with it.
Most IDPs are valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
The 1968 Vienna IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, but never longer than your home licence’s validity.
If your licence is due to expire during travel, renew it before applying for an IDP.
Licence Exchange Abroad
In some cases, you may need to exchange your licence for a local one if you’re staying long-term. Rules vary by country:
UK: Allows licence exchanges with EU, EEA, and select other countries.
USA: Varies by state; some states allow exchanges, others require testing.
Canada: Many provinces allow licence swaps with the UK, the US, and certain European countries.
Australia/New Zealand: Reciprocal agreements exist with the UK, US, Canada, and parts of Europe.
If no exchange agreement exists, you may need to take local theory and driving tests.
For long-term expats, checking your destination country’s rules before moving is essential.
Renting a Car Abroad: What You Need
If you’re planning to rent a car overseas, most companies will ask for:
A valid driver’s licence.
An IDP (if required by local law).
A credit card for the deposit.
Some rental agencies also impose age restrictions, typically:
Minimum 21 years old (sometimes 25).
Additional fees for drivers under 25.
Pro Tip: Even if local law doesn’t mandate an IDP, rental firms may still require it to process insurance.
Driving Abroad Without the Right Licence (International Driving Permit)
What if you drive abroad without an IDP or a valid local licence?
Fines and Penalties: You could face on-the-spot fines.
Insurance Issues: Your travel insurance may become invalid, leaving you liable for damages.
Legal Risks: In serious accidents, a lack of valid documentation could lead to prosecution.
For peace of mind, always ensure you have the right documents before travelling.
Special Note for UK Readers
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Check If You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) Before You Travel
Before you head abroad, always double-check:
Is your home licence recognised in your destination?
Do you need a 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna IDP?
Does your rental car provider require one?
Use a free IDP travel checker tool on the internet to make sure you’re covered.
Country-by-Country IDP Rules
Since IDP rules vary worldwide, here’s a quick reference guide for travellers:
Europe
Spain, France, Italy, Germany: UK and EU licences are recognised, but non-EU visitors often need a 1968 Vienna IDP.
Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.): Often stricter, with police preferring IDPs for non-EU licences.
Ireland: Recognises UK and EU licences, but other international visitors usually need an IDP.
North America
USA: Rules vary by state. Many accept foreign licences for up to 12 months, but rental companies almost always request an IDP.
Canada: Foreign licences are valid for short-term, but most provinces recommend carrying an IDP for non-English or non-French licences.
Mexico: Requires an IDP alongside your home licence to avoid issues with police and insurers.
Asia
Japan: Strict enforcement. Only the 1949 Geneva IDP is accepted (not the 1968 Vienna version). UK and US travellers must have the Geneva IDP.
China: Does not recognise IDPs. Travellers must apply for a temporary Chinese driving licence.
India: Accepts IDPs plus your home licence. Some states require registration with local authorities.
Middle East
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Tourists can drive with an IDP and a home licence, but residents must exchange for a UAE licence.
Saudi Arabia: Requires an IDP plus your original licence.
Qatar: Accepts IDPs but enforces strict traffic laws.
Africa
South Africa: IDP recommended, especially if your home licence isn’t in English.
Egypt: Requires an IDP alongside your original licence.
Kenya & Tanzania: Both require an IDP plus a home licence for tourists.
Case Studies: Driving Abroad
Driving in Spain (Driving Abroad and International Driving Permits)
Spain enforces traffic laws strictly. UK and EU drivers can use their home licences, but American, Asian, and African tourists must carry a 1968 Vienna IDP. Not having one could mean fines or the refusal of a car rental.
Driving in the USA (Driving Abroad and International Driving Permits)
Each state has different rules. For example:
California: Foreign drivers can use their licence for up to 1 year.
Florida: Non-English licences must be accompanied by an IDP.
New York: Licences in English are accepted, but rental firms usually want an IDP.
Driving in the UAE (Driving Abroad and International Driving Permits)
Tourists can drive with an IDP plus their home licence. However, once you gain UAE residency, your home licence becomes invalid and you must apply for a UAE licence (with exchange options depending on your nationality).
Common Traveller Mistakes
Many travellers run into problems because they overlook local rules. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:
Not checking local laws: Some assume an International Driving Permit is universal. It isn’t.
Driving with an expired licence: An IDP is useless if your home licence has expired.
Ignoring rental company requirements: Even when not legally required, car hire firms often demand IDPs.
Confusing IDP validity: Remember: Geneva IDP = 1 year max; Vienna IDP = up to 3 years.
Relying on fake IDPs: Only get IDPs from approved issuing bodies.
FAQ: Driving Abroad and International Driving Permits
Do I need an IDP if I’m only driving for a week on holiday?
Is my IDP valid worldwide?
Can I drive abroad with just my UK licence?
What if I move abroad permanently?
Can I buy a full UK driving licence online?
Driving Safely Abroad: Extra Tips
Learn local road signs: Many countries use different symbols.
Check insurance: Make sure your travel insurance covers driving abroad.
Emergency kit: In France and Spain, cars must carry reflective jackets and warning triangles.
Speed limits: Always check; some highways have variable or no limits (e.g., Germany’s autobahns).
Drink-driving laws: Many countries enforce zero-tolerance rules.
We have prepared more content for you to read and completely understand all that will be needed of you to stay on track.
Licence Safety: Tips for staying legal and safe on the road.
Insurance & Licence Costs: Understanding fees and coverage abroad.
Conclusion on International Driving Permits.
Driving abroad can be exciting, but it requires preparation. The rules surrounding drivers licence international requirements and IDPs vary by country, and failure to comply could leave you uninsured, fined, or even banned from driving.
To avoid mistakes:
Always check if your destination requires a Geneva or Vienna IDP.
Carry both your home licence and IDP at all times.
Be aware of rental car company requirements.
Plan ahead if you’re relocating, as licence exchanges can take time.
Don’t risk fines or travel disruptions. Check your Driving Abroad and International Driving Permit requirements before travelling. And if you’re in the UK and need a licence fast, visit Buydocsnow.com for a fully valid DVLA | DVA processed licence, no exams, no delays.
