International driving permits – tips for those who want to rent a car

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Recognised internationally, it normally allows you to drive a private motor vehicle when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence.
If you hold a driving licence issued in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or you hold a foreign licence, you will need to call the AA on 0870 240 1456 and they will advise you of what you need to do.

The AA are authorised to issue both 1926 and 1949 Convention IDP’s to people over the age of 18 who hold valid full UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) driving licence. IDP’s cannot be issued to holders of UK provisional licences without certificates of competence to drive.

A 1949 Convention IDP will normally be issued but for certain countries, a 1926 Convention IDP is necessary. Should both permits be required, you will need to include two photographs and two fees (L4 for each permit) along with your application. No more than one permit of each type may be issued to an applicant.

Applications for IDP’s can only be made up to three months in advance. An IDP may be post-dated but, under no circumstances can it be backdated. These are very strict guidelines, there are no loopholes or ways around it.

If you’re planning on going away for more than three months, to live or to work, or for any reason other than tourism, you should make enquiries about your personal position before relying on a permit. It is commonly known that it is an offence to drive a vehicle without a valid driving licence and, where required, an international permit.

Although seeminly obvious, it is very important to check the accuracy of the personal information printed on your driving licence. If there are any errors or you have a change of name or address (because of a house move), you should immediately notify the authority that issued your licence.

An IDP issued in the UK is not valid for use in the UK

When hiring a car overseas remember that driving licence requirements do vary worldwide. Although many hire companies only need to see your national driving licence, some will require an IDP and others a locally issued temporary licence. You can view the requirements of every location we offer when you click through from the resort directory.

Countries With Specific IDP Conditions

Algeria

UK licence accepted if accompanied by official local language translation. Otherwise IDP required.

Bahrain 

IDP recommended. Temporary local licence may be obtained on production of UK licence but this is time consuming and more expensive.

Bulgaria    

UK driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

Chile  

 UK driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

Czech Republic    

UK driving licences valid for 90 days. Licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

Hungary    

UK driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

Italy    

All valid UK driving licences should be accepted. This includes the older all green style licences, although the European Commission appreciates that these may be more difficult to understand and that drivers may wish to voluntarily update them before travelling abroad, if time permits. Application form D750 is available from most Post Offices. Alternatively, older licences may be accompanied by an IDP.

Jordan    

IDP required for foreign registered vehicle or Jordanian registered hire car. Local licence required to drive any other Jordanian registered vehicle.

Nepal  

IDP valid for 15 days – local licence must then be obtained.

Peru    

UK driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

Romania  

 UK driving licences valid for 90 days. Licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

South Africa 

 IDP recommended as, in the event of an accident, some insurance companies will insist on seeing one. Additionally, those licences that do not incorporate a photograph need to be accompanied by photographic proof of identity.

Spain (inc Balearic & Canary Islands)  

 All valid UK driving licences should be accepted. This includes the older all green style licences, although the European Commission appreciates that these may be more difficult to understand and that drivers may wish to voluntarily update them before travelling abroad, if time permits. Application form D750 is available from most Post Offices. Alternatively, older licences may be accompanied by an IDP.

Sri Lanka

 IDP recommended – must be accompanied by a recognition permit available free of charge from the AA of Ceylon in Colombo. A temporary local licence is available on production of a UK licence, but this is time-consuming and may be more expensive.

Tunisia 

 UK licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.

We thank Elite Auto Rent (www.eliteautorent.com) for many valuable advices.