International Driving Permits

The Australian Automobile Association warns that when driving in most overseas countries, Australian travellers need more than just a valid Australian driverā€™s license. Unfortunately, many travellers donā€™t realise the serious risks of driving without a current International Driving Permit (IDP).

The Australian Automobile Association warns that when driving in most overseas countries, Australian travellers need more than just a valid Australian driverā€™s license. Unfortunately, many travellers donā€™t realise the serious risks of driving without a current International Driving Permit (IDP).

Not having an IDP can ruin your plans in several ways. An IDP is required for renting a motor vehicle in most countries.

ā€œOur staff get calls almost every day from travellers who have made arrangements to hire a car but have been turned away when they were not able to show a current IDP,ā€ says Australian Automobile Association managing director, Michael Bradley.

ā€œItā€™s much less hassle to organise an IDP before leaving Australia than it is from overseas, but travellers can face worse problems if the rental company lets them hire a car without a valid IDP. If they have an accident or are stopped by the police, their trip can really go sour.ā€

A routine traffic stop can turn into a bureaucratic nightmare, culminating in a hefty fine, and insurers will not pay out on accidents if you have been driving without an IDP. In most countries, driving without an IDP is equivalent to driving without valid insurance.

While an IDP is proof that you hold a current domestic driverā€™s licence, you must also carry your domestic driverā€™s licence with your IDP. You need to be aware that your IDP only covers you for the classes of vehicle you are licensed to drive in Australia.

How an IDP works

An IDP is a United Nations-sanctioned document printed in nine languages, so that local authorities can read it. It lets you drive legally in more than 150 countries and is valid for 12 months. It includes photo ID and driver information, so it is also very helpful for travellers who find themselves in need of identification or assistance.

While an IDP is proof that you hold a current domestic driverā€™s licence, you must also carry your Australian driverā€™s licence with your IDP.

Your IDP only covers you for the classes of vehicle you are licensed to drive in Australia. If you hire a motorcycle in Southeast Asia, but donā€™t have an Australian motorbike licence, your IDP may or may not fool the traffic cop who pulls you over in Bali or Thailand. It wonā€™t, however, convince your travel insurer to pay a claim. Many countries donā€™t make it clear these rules apply, and itā€™s only when travellers have an accident or are stopped by the police that they realise the consequences of driving without an IDP.

An AAA survey of IDP customers showed 77 per cent used their IDP while overseas. The countries where Australian IDPs were most widely used included Japan, Italy, France and the USA.

An IDP costs A$49 plus postage and takes three to eight business days to be processed and delivered in Australia. It is valid for 12 months from the purchase date, unless your domestic driverā€™s licence expires or is suspended or revoked in the meantime. The Australian Government recommends travellers obtain a valid IDP before leaving Australia.

You can apply for an IDP online at the Australian Automobile Association website or in person at your stateā€™s motoring club.

Download a fact sheet on International Driving Permit here.

For more detailed information of which countries require an IDP, see the Australian Automobile Associationā€™s website.

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