What is an International Driving Licence
Before you read further, let us first understand what an international driving licence is and how different it is from a regular driving licence.
An international driving license is officially called the International Driving Permit(IDP). This is a document authorised by the United Nations and can be issued by different zonal offices in India. The document certifies that a person has a driving licence in his/her home country and verifies his/her ability to drive. When you go to a foreign country, you can drive any vehicle according to your driving license.
Additionally, the document is translated into many languages so that officials can understand the credentials more easily.
Eligibility to Apply for an International Driving Licence
There are four main criteria you have to fulfill to be eligible for an IDP.
- You should be eligible for a driving licence if you want to apply for IDP. So, you must be 18 or older.
- You must be an Indian citizen if you are applying in India.
- You need a valid driving licence.
- A valid visa and passport are also needed to be eligible.
Documents Needed to Apply for an International Driving Licence
All the documents listed below are needed in all countries that recognise IDP if you wish to apply. However, there may be some difference in the fee incurred for the document issue.
- You need to fill out the Form 4 driving licence application and submit it.
- You will need to submit a copy of your driving licence.
- You have to get a copy of your visa and passport.
- Copy of your air ticket for verification.
- Medical certificate as mentioned in the form( Form-1A)
- Submit five passport-size photographs.
- Proof of your Indian citizenship.
- Copy of address verification
- Copy that proves your age.
- Application fee of Rs. 1000
How to Apply for an International Driving Licence?
You can apply for IDP online and offline according to your convenience.
Applying for an International Driving Licence Online
Step 1. Visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa.
Step 2. Then choose the Online Services button and click the drop-down and choose Driver Licence Related Services.
Step 3. Next, you will be asked to choose the state.
Step 4. Then click on apply for an international driving permit and click continue.
Step 5. Next, you enter your driving licence number, your date of birth and the captcha.
Step 6. After that, a page for terms and conditions will pop up. When you agree to it, you can proceed further.
Step 7. After this, fill out the application form correctly.
Step 8. Then upload all the needed documents properly.
Step 9. You can fill in your signature and upload your passport-size photos.
Step 10. India levy Rs. 1000 fee that you have to pay.
When you complete this form, you will likely receive your IDP within four days.
Applying for an International Driving Licence Offline
Step 1. Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office(RTO) to apply for IDP offline.
Step 2. You can fill out the form online and carry the acknowledgement or, you can fill out the form in the RTO yourself.
Step 3. Collect all the necessary documents and photographs.
Step 4: Submit all the documents with the form in the RTO.
Step 5: Lastly, you can pay the levied fee of Rs. 1000
The procession period usually takes three to five working days.
Points to Remember While Applying for Your Licence
Here are some vital rules you should remember that apply to specific situations.
- If you apply for an IDP within three months of your driving licence issuance, then you will take another driving test to be eligible for the permit.
- There are numerous websites which offer the issuance of IDP ,and many of them are scams. So, always be careful and apply through the official Minister of Road Transport and Highway(MoRTH) portal.
- As per the MoRTH report from January 7, 2021, you can get your IDP renewed through Indian embassies if it expires when you are abroad.
- The IDP issued by the Indian government is valid for one year.
Advantages of an International Driving Licence
If you are someone who loves travelling or you are staying abroad for some time, then you may need to have an IDP. Here are some of the advantages
- IDP is a document recognised by over 150 nations as a valid driving licence and an identity proof.
- If you have the IDP, you do not need to take any additional driving tests in the country you are visiting or staying at.
- It is easier to rent a car when you have the IDP. You may not be allowed to rent a car in some countries without a valid IDP.
- You can use the IDP as an identity card. It is advantageous and comfortable because your information is written in the language of the country you are in.
- IDP is one way to ensure that you can drive and have a valid driving licence in your home country anywhere you go.
Conclusion
IDP may be useful for someone who is on a vacation abroad for a short period. It is more convenient to drive and go wherever you need whenever you want. However, IDP is the most useful for an individual who is staying abroad for a longer time. In this case, having an IDP is no more about comfort but mostly about necessity.
The article discusses in detail about having an international driving licence which can be advantageous to people in many ways. Moreover, eligibility is not an issue for many adults, and the application and issuance process is fairly easy as well. For such a simple process, the advantages one gets are far superior to the effort one puts in.
Frequently Asked Questions
