Some countries say that they require an International Driving Permit. Will that help you know about traffic laws abroad? The short answer is…. NO. There is no test on the rules of the road for an International Drivers Permit. No booklet to read.

You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country or state. All that this permit (the IDP) does is translate your license into ten foreign languages…. English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese.

This makes it easier for police to read. It also certifies the validity of your license; proof to the police abroad, so they don’t have to try to figure out licenses from all over the world.

The IDP shows information in a standard format that is internationally recognized…. It will have your name and other driving license information. Since this IS just a translation and not a driver’s license, you must carry your license along with the permit.

We’ve never been asked for one, even when we were stopped for a minor traffic infraction in Croatia. We’re reading more often that they are required, and that you can be fined if you can’t produce one. While you may never be asked for one, our feeling now is to just get one.

We’ve rented cars in Italy often, with no permit, but the rules have changed. The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Italy states that “Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driver Permit before leaving the U.S.”

You may or may not be asked for it by the car rental companies wherever you are. We helped Belgian friends pick up their rental car here in the U.S. The car rental agency here in California didn’t want the International Driving Permit… they wanted to see their Belgian driver’s license.

It is, after all, that driver’s license that is proof you are qualified to drive. You want to be able to produce both, though, if you are asked for them.

Americans can get one from the American Automobile Association or the National Auto Club. You need two passport size photos and . The Permit is valid for one year.

Citizens of other countries can get them from government authorized organizations such as national auto associations. Over 150 countries recognize the IDPs and most have agencies which will issue them.

Beware of internet scams. Most of those will try to sell you an “international driver’s license”. Remember, the real thing is not a license… it’s a permit, with translations. If you can’t get a driver’s license at home, even if you DO buy something through these scam artists, it’s not going to do you any good… and it could get you into trouble.

So even if, like us, you’ve never had to bother with an International Driving Permit, it’s probably time to check traffic laws for the country you’re going to visit… and think about getting one.

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Next, get two passport-size photos. You should make sure they are the right dimensions because the issuer of the IDP will not accept photos that are not the right size. Apply with either of the two agencies authorized by the US Department of State to issue IDPs. You should be aware of scams – individuals or companies claiming that they can get you an IDP are just after your money. The only two agencies you can get an IDP from are the American Automobile Touring Alliance and the AAA or the American Automobile Association. Note that you can make the application online. Online applications are advantageous because of convenience since you do not have to leave your home or office and because you can apply whenever you want, anonymity since all communication and transactions are online, and cost benefits because you do not need to travel.

In the application, you will be required to give personal information and details of your travel such as the length of you stay. After you have applied, contact the agency for details on permit fees. After this, visit the local offices to make the payment and to collect the permit. The combination of a U.S. driver license and an IDP will allow you drive in 150 countries. You should research on whether the country you are visiting is among these 150 countries and if it is not, research on what the country requires you to drive there. You should note that in most countries, the age limit for having a driver license is 18 years. Since the age limit in the United States is 16, this means even if you fulfill all other requirements for getting an International Driver Permit and you are given the permit by the AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance, you may still not qualify to drive in the country.

However, even with an IDP, you should note that wherever you are, driving is a responsibility and a privilege. You should therefore study the traffic rules and regulations of the country you are visiting because some are very different from U.S. rules and regulations, such as driving on the left side of the road in some countries.

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