Driving is always fun, especially when you’re scheduling a foreign trip. The charm of a long drive is always overwhelming. As the roads in your own country are unrestrained to you, so the road trip is not a big deal, but your assertion of a road trip abroad can get disrupted if you are looking to drive in a foreign land. Those peeking to drive abroad on a vacation or a business trip are usually unable to do so as they don’t have an International Driving Permit (IDP) that authorizes them to drive overseas.

Just like having a driving license is mandatory in the USA, getting an international driving permit or license is also necessary if you wish to drive in a foreign land. In some countries, you can use your valid domestic driving license as well but still, you can not go through to a foreign land without having an international driving license. Undoubtedly, there will be many issues to face without it so it’s better to get it. Though obtaining an international driving license can sound like an undertaking, it isn’t. This guide helps you with everything that you need to know about getting an International Driving License.

What is an International Driving License?

An international driving license is an official document that allows an individual to drive a private automobile in foreign countries. An international driving license is licensed by United Nations, giving the visitors the liberty to drive an automobile in a foreign land. Having an international driving license means you can go anywhere driving by yourself. You have all the liberty to make your foreign trip more memorable and fun.

An international driving license is also referred to as an international driving permit but the truth is both are different.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An international driving permit is the same as an international license. It is also issued by the United Nations but differs slightly from the International Driving License in size and shape.

It is slightly larger than the size of our passport so that it can easily fit in our pocket. It is also given as identification to drivers who wish to travel abroad. The IDP, whose A6 size (148 × 105 mm) is slightly larger than a passport, has a grey cover and white inside pages. The outside and inside of the front cover shall be printed in (at least one of) the national language(s) of the issuing State. The last two inside pages shall be printed in French, and pages preceding those two pages shall repeat the first of them in several languages, which must include English, Russian and Spanish.

An international driving license is issued in several languages for the transport authorities abroad to be able to verify and understand your driving credentials. In simple terms, an international driving license is an official translation of your local driving license.

Any foreign individual who wishes to drive a private motor vehicle on USA roads can also obtain an international driving license. An international driving license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. It looks like a document page just as your local driving license is.

Acquiring an international driving permit is not mandatory in a few countries, but you should get one as it can help you in case of any mishaps or while claiming insurance coverage. It provides you with many facilities in a foreign land.

What is an International Driver’s license?

An International Driver’s License provides a person the freedom to drive in any country other than the United States.

He does not have to bother about driving in any other country. He has every right to be employed in other countries, travel, or look after his own business. He can take to the streets with complete freedom, he will not have to face any lawful action.

It allows that person to become an international driver. If you want to know about international driving licenses click here.

Difference between an IDL and IDP:

The distinction between an IDP and an IDL is not always clear. Therefore, please be aware that an International Driving Licence is NOT the same thing as an IDP. An International Driving Licence is not a legally recognized document. It is probably easiest to say that an International Driving Licence does not exist. The term is often misused when referring to an International Driving Permit.

An IDP is needed to travel in non-EU countries and also countries that use a different alphabet to that of the British/American variety. The IDP is, put simply, a translation of all of the important information on your driving license into eight different languages, thus making it easier for the officials in the visiting country to read it. The International Driving Licence can only be used in conjunction with your full US driving Licence and both should be carried with you at all times when driving abroad.

Benefits of International Driving Permit:

Applying for an international driving license is a simple process and also has many benefits:

• It certifies you to legally drive your private motor vehicle on International roads.
• An IDL is a confirmation stating that you hold a driving license in your country and you are now at liberty to drive on international roads.
• It can be used as identity proof. It not only gives you the freedom to enjoy your foreign journey o=by driving but also come up as a security backup. In case you lost your documents in foreign, the IDL would be very beneficial.
• You do not need any identity proof to procure this document.
• An IDL is accepted in over 150 countries. So by having a single document you can bring the delight of your drive to a foreign land.
• Some countries do not allow you to rent a car unless you have a valid IDL. If you’re not carrying your IDL with you on your trip you can not rent a car.
• Insurance companies require an IDL to provide coverage to drivers who drive motor vehicles abroad. In case of any mishap, you can make your loss worthy by having insurance and it is only possible if you have an IDL.

What is expiry date of International Driving Permit?

Usually it takes one year to expire an international driving permit. If you have the international student driving permit then it will expire as your session ends.

Many people who are interested in traveling are international drivers. There are 222.8 million licensed drivers in the United States. You can estimate how many people are interested in traveling. So if you are enthusiastic about traveling around the United States as well as abroad, you should become an international driver to avoid any inconvenience on your trip abroad. So before loading your bags for a foreign trip you should need to apply for an international driving license so that you can relish every single moment of your as you planned. To avoid any mishap you need to be secured. So make your security backup and you are good to go.