International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is honoured in over 150 countries outside of the United States, and it is issued in a folder that explains the data entries and vehicle permissions granted.

IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Their purpose is to allow persons travelling abroad to avoid potential problems arising from language barriers. An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country, they are only a supplement to a valid licence, not a replacement, and are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses. It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements.

It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese.

BVRLA members can get further information on foreign driving licences by requesting the ‘ID Checking Guide’ by emailing: info@bvrla.co.uk

See also our 'Driving in GB on a foreign licence' post...

To become a member of the BVRLA click here...

source: BVRLA