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Writer's pictureIan

Is Getting an International Drivers Permit Worth It?



When planning an international trip, especially if you intend to drive, one crucial document you might consider obtaining is an International Driving Permit (IDP). But is it really worth it?


In a nutshell, yes. With a caveat.


Imagine you are traveling to Japan for your dream trip having planned everything months in advance. You arrive, clear customs in Tokyo, and get checked in to your airport hotel to get a good snooze before picking up your rental and driving to the coastal city of Toyama. You wake up refreshed and get to the rental desk only to learn that your California Drivers License is not good enough to rent and you must have an IDP.


"Where can I get one?" you ask the clerk.

"In North America" is her reply.


And that's that. You can't obtain a IDP in Japan. Nor in Italy. Or Germany. In fact, another country cannot issue an IDP to be used in conjunction with a US driver's license. An IDP accompanying a US driver's license can only be issued in the USA. Same is true for Canadians traveling. Only issuable in Canada.


So now you are stuck, with no ride in Japan and will need to rely on their (admittedly extensive and efficient) public transit to get around. This could have all been avoided with a little bit of homework beforehand. So this post is your homework for the day.



First Off, What is an IDP?


An International Driving Permit is an official document that translates your domestic driver's license into several languages, recognized in over 150 countries worldwide. It serves as a supplement to your original driver's license, not a replacement, and is valid for one year from the date of issue. Note that last bit; it is a supplement, not a replacement, which means you must carry your valid original US/Canadian license with you as well. Bear in mind it also does not confer driving privileges in your home country so if you lose your original one (or it is expired) don't expect a police officer to accept this one if you get pulled over.



image of police cars


What are the Benefits of Having an IDP?


Legal Requirement: Many countries require an IDP for foreign drivers. Not having one in these countries can result in fines or legal trouble if stopped by local authorities. The following is a list of countries that require an IDP for travelers from USA/Canada.


In Europe:

Austria

Belgium

Croatia

Czech Republic

France

Germany

Greece

Italy

Poland

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain


In Asia:

Japan

South Korea

Thailand


In the Middle East:

Saudi Arabia

Israel

United Arab Emirates


New Zealand does not require one but Australia has varying requirements by state, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and get one.


Ease of Car Rental: Even in countries where an IDP isn't a legal requirement, many car rental agencies still ask for it. This is particularly common in countries with significant tourism industries. On the flip side, an agency in a country that requires an IDP may not ask for it. This may lead you to believe that you don't need it after all and for those who have tempted fate and driven without one in those countries, consider yourself lucky because had you been pulled over by the police, they would have been less forgiving. Car rentals agencies are focused on making money, they aren't enforcing the law.



Example of the Language Translation Pages in the IDP booklet

Language Translation: An IDP translates your driver's license information into multiple languages, which can be incredibly useful in countries where English isn't widely spoken. This translation helps local authorities understand your credentials without the language barrier.


Proof of Identity: In addition to your passport, an IDP serves as another form of identification. This can be useful in various situations, such as checking into hotels, providing ID for transactions, or dealing with local law enforcement.



Ok, But Do I Really Need it?


Well, that is where the caveat comes in. If you are not planning to drive, or rent a car or other type of motor vehicle (some places like Thailand require special permits for mopeds, etc.) then you absolutely don't need an IDP. Pretty obvious.


However, if you are traveling, and expect to be driving consider these other factors:


Traveling to Neighboring Countries: If you're from the USA or Canada, traveling to neighboring countries like Mexico or within North America in general you won't require an IDP. You are perfectly fine using your home state or province license to rent and drive. Make sure your insurance is up to date and that you have the proper coverage for your rental though!



Countries with Reciprocal Agreements: Similar to North America, many countries have reciprocal agreements recognizing each other's driving licenses. For instance, EU countries typically recognize licenses from other EU member states without the need for an IDP. So residents there can pretty much travel around Europe without restrictions. That being said, if someone in Spain or any other EU country comes to Canada or the USA, then they need an IDP to drive here. Guess what? They have to get it in their home country just like we do.



Well, Say I am Going to Italy and Want to Drive. How Do I Go About Getting an IDP?


Cost and Application Process: Here is the real crux of the argument. Obtaining an IDP is ridiculously easy and inexpensive. In the USA, the American Automobile Association (AAA) are authorized to issue IDPs and they will set you back all of $20. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles the applications and you'll pay about $31 but you may have a different application depending on your province of residence. The process typically involves filling out an application form, providing passport-sized photos which you can likely obtain at the same AAA office, and a copy of your valid driver's license. If you go in person you'll get it same day and you are good for a year. That's it folks. It really is that easy. I literally just went and got mine, and it took me longer to drive to the AAA office than it did to get the IDP.



Image of booklet page showing countries where IDP is accepted

Conclusion


Whether an IDP is worth it depends largely on your travel plans. If you're heading to a country where it's legally required or renting a car, an IDP is essential. Even in countries where it's not mandatory, having one can save you from potential hassles and provide peace of mind. Given the low cost and ease of obtaining one, an IDP is a valuable document that can enhance your travel experience and ensure you stay on the right side of the law while driving abroad. Speaking of which, you should probably learn all the different traffic signs you're going to encounter too. Try the quiz to see if you can figure out the different signs in our related post.




Even if you think you might get behind the wheel of a car, perhaps driving a family member home who had a bit much wine, then you would need it. For the paltry fee and simple process, just get the IDP. Don't forget, it is good for a year, and it is valid in most countries.

Which means, even if your upcoming trip doesn't require one, another in the near future may and as easy as it is to get, might as well just have one equipped at all times. You never know where you'll end up!



Happy Travels!




 


Il Digestivo


If you are going to be driving around in a car there are some things you should always have on hand. Here are a few that are recommended:



RB2132 New Wayfarer Sunglasses

You gotta have shades to drive. Glare from a setting sun or the sun reflecting off of a wet road can be blinding. I love my RayBans. I've probably kept a pair in my car now for close to 30 years. The Wayfarer has always been my favorite model. To protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, these sunglasses have lenses that are coated with 100% UV protection. Comes with a cleaning cloth and hard case.











ESR for MagSafe Car Mount Charger (HaloLock 15W)

If you have an iPhone model 12 and up then this item is a great addition to the car. It'll hold your phone on the dashboard or using a vent slip and will charge via MagSafe while you drive. Genius! Powerful magnets and a non-slip silicone ring keep your phone securely in place, even when driving on bumpy roads; an official MagSafe case or ESR HaloLock case is recommended for particularly rough terrain.


Kit comes with HaloLock Magnetic Wireless Car Charger, air vent clamp, dashboard anchor, 3.3 ft (1 m) USB-A to USB-C cable, and manual; car charging adapter not included


Note: This item is ONLY compatible with iPhone 15/14/13/12 series phones. If you have a Samsung or Google Phone you can find a similar item HERE.













ESR Case Compatible with MagSafe

Speaking of the HaloLock case, the one from ESR shown here is a clear scratch-resistant with a grippy frame, and fits the iPhone 12/12 Pro. Other models are available for iPhone 15/14/13/12 series phones and there are several color options as well depending on model of phone.










 

 

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 


 



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