If you’re planning to drive abroad, you may come across the term International Driving Permit (IDP) and wonder whether it’s actually necessary. The rules vary by country and can be confusing, particularly when car hire companies are involved. This article explains what an IDP is, how to get one, and when you’re likely to need it.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is an official document that translates your domestic driving licence into multiple languages. It exists to help foreign authorities understand your driving entitlements when you are visiting another country.
An IDP is not a driving licence in its own right and must always be carried together with your valid national licence.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit?
Whether you need an IDP depends mainly on your destination, the rental firm you use and the licence you hold. In many countries, particularly outside Europe, Australia and North America, local authorities require foreign drivers to carry an IDP. It is also commonly required if your licence is not written in English or the local language.
Even where the law does not strictly require an IDP, car rental companies often do. This is one of the most common reasons travellers run into difficulties, arriving at a car hire desk only to be told they cannot collect their vehicle without one. For this reason alone, many travellers choose to get an IDP as a precaution.
Types of International Driving Permits
There are three types of International Driving Permit, each based on a different international road traffic convention: the 1926, 1949 and 1968 conventions. The key point for travellers is that different countries recognise different types, so you must obtain the version that matches your destination. Most permits are valid for between one and three years, depending on the convention.
How Do You Get an International Driving Permit?
Getting an IDP is usually quick and inexpensive. You must already hold a full driving licence and apply through an official issuing authority in your home country. You will typically need to show your licence, provide a passport-sized photograph and pay a small fee.
In the UK, International Driving Permits are issued at Post Office branches. No appointment is required, and in most cases the permit is issued immediately. Applicants simply need to bring their full UK driving licence, a passport photo and payment, and to know which type of IDP their destination country requires.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
If an IDP is required and you do not have one, you may be refused a hire car, fined by local authorities or find that your insurance is invalid in the event of an accident. Even if you are not stopped by police, problems often arise when dealing with insurers or rental companies after an incident.
Is It Worth Getting One?
For the most common destinations where UK travellers drive — such as Europe and the United States — the answer is usually no for holders of a UK driving licence. However, for many other countries, the answer is more likely yes, or at the very least, it is worth checking in advance.
An International Driving Permit is inexpensive, easy to obtain, and widely accepted. Even when it is not strictly mandatory, it can prevent unnecessary stress, delays, or disappointment.
As a general rule, if you plan to drive or hire a vehicle abroad and are unsure whether an IDP is required, getting one in advance is usually the safest option.
It’s also worth remembering that driving abroad isn’t limited to traditional car hire. Some activities require an IDP even if you’re not planning to rent a car. For example, in Japan, a popular bucket-list experience is driving go-karts on public roads around Tokyo (often informally referred to as “Mario Kart,” though Nintendo no longer allows themed costumes). Because this involves driving on public roads, an IDP is mandatory.
While spontaneity is a big part of travel, this is a good example of where a little pre-planning makes all the difference. Without an IDP, you simply won’t be able to take part.
Holiday Nerd 