International Driving Permit (IDP): Everything You Need To Know

People love to explore when travelling, especially in a foreign country. It allows you to have new experiences and explore many places. Many people love to drive even if they are travelling abroad. Do you know about IDP(International Driving Permit)? If no, read the blog.

What is an IDP?

It allows you to drive to another country and translates the domestic driver’s licence into multiple languages to make it easier for foreign authorities to understand and validate the driving credentials. Therefore, it doesn’t replace the original driver’s licence, so the individual must also carry the IDP and UK licence.

Do You Need To Carry an IDP?

If you have a photocard driver licence issue in the UK, you don’t need the IDP. However, you can drive in countries like:

• EU
• Norway
• Switzerland 
• Iceland 

You might have a paper licence/license issued in:

• Guernsey
• Gibraltar
• Jersey
• The Isle of Man

In such situations, you might need an IDP to drive in Norway and some EU countries.
Around 150 countries require IDP, regardless of whether you have a photocard licence. Furthermore, some countries require a permit if you want to hire a car. In contrast, others require it if you stay for more than a period of time. Therefore, it is valid for 1-10 years, but it depends on the type of IDP required by the country. In addition, driving without IDP can be costly. So, check the countries’ requirements before travelling. 

Differentiation Between International Driving Licence And International Driving Permit in the UK

How To Acquire an IDP?

You can get the permit if you have a driving licence from Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Even if you have licence issues from the following places, you can get it:

• Jersey
• Gibraltar
• The Isle of Man
• Guernsey

Anyone can apply for international driver’s licence in the UK easily. In addition, have the following details for an international driver’s licence online:

• Name
• Email and phone number
• Birthplace
• Current residence 
• National driving licence number
• National driver’s licence issued date and expiry date
• Driving licence picture and your photo for IDP

When applying for IDP, you can contact the tourist offices, travel agents, or embassy. Most importantly, you need to be 18 years or above to have a valid UK driver’s licence international. Moreover, IDP cannot be issued to a provisional licence holder.

If you need UK translation service, you can contact us. 

Which Type Of IDP Is Required?

Many unofficial sellers online claim to sell legitimate UK international driver’s licence online. Don’t fall into the trap of a fake international driver’s licence. Be aware of all these sellers. 

How Much Time It Takes To Get International Driving Permit?

It depends on the process used by the authorities and the administration that issues the IDP. It can take minutes or weeks. Once all the documents are submitted, it takes around 2 to 3 weeks to receive an IDP.

What Is The Validity Of My IDP?

The 1949 convention IDP is valid for up to 1year from the issue date. While 1968 IDPs are valid for up to 3years. Besides, some countries accept IDPs only for a few weeks, as long as the tourist visas are valid. However, the validity of the IDP cannot exceed that of the domestic driver’s licence. 

DVLA Gives Warning To The UK Drivers About New IDP Rules

In April 2024, the DVLA warned drivers about new rules for International Driving Permit. Now, IDPs are only available from PayPoint stores instead of Post Office branches.

There are 3 types of IDPs:

• 1926: Lasts for 12 years
• 1949: Lasts for 12 years
• 1968: Lasts for 3 years or until UK driving license expires, whichever comes first