Get your driving passport before going overseas

To drive in most overseas countries, Australian travelers need more than just a valid Australian driver’s license.

But many travelers don’t realise the serious risks of driving without a current international driving permit (IDP).

Not having an IDP can ruin your plans in several ways.

A permit is required for renting a motor vehicle in most countries, which means some companies won’t even let you rent a car unless you have a current IDP.

“Our staff get calls almost every day from travellers who have made arrangements to hire a car but have been turned away when they were not able to show a current IDP,” says Australian Automobile Association Managing Director, Michael Bradley.

“It’s much less hassle to organise an IDP before leaving Australia than it is from overseas.

“But travelers can actually face worse problems if the rental company lets them hire a car without a valid IDP. If they have an accident or are stopped by the police, their trip can really go sour.”

A routine traffic stop can turn into a bureaucratic nightmare, culminating in a hefty fine, and insurers won’t pay out on accidents if you have been driving without an IDP. In most countries, driving without an IDP is equivalent to driving without valid insurance.

How an IDP works

An IDP is a United Nations-sanctioned document printed in nine languages, so that local authorities can read it. It lets you drive legally in more than 150 countries and is valid for 12 months.

It includes photo ID and driver information, so it is also very helpful for travelers who find themselves in need of identification or assistance.

While an IDP is proof that you hold a current domestic driver’s licence, you must also carry your domestic driver’s licence card with your IDP.

Mr Bradley warns that your IDP only covers you for the classes of vehicle you are licensed to drive in Australia.

“If you hire a motorcycle but don’t have an Australian motorbike license, you could have serious problems with the police and insurers.

“Many countries don’t make it clear that these rules apply, and some travellers only realise after they have been stopped by police or have had an accident that they face serious consequences.

The Australian Government recommends that travelers obtain a valid IDP before leaving Australia.

An AAA survey of IDP customers showed 77 per cent used their IDP while overseas. The countries where the IDPs were most widely used included Japan, Italy, France and the US.