Most of the time, it is total fun when you choose to go on a road trip, especially when you are planning the journey overseas. One of the facts that you should know is that you are well-versed with the roads in your own country, but the idea of a road trip in a foreign land can get a bit different. That too, when you are in a foreign land. So, those people looking to drive on a holiday in a foreign land or on a business trip are not able to do so because they don’t have an international driving permit or IDP, which allows people to drive when they are in a foreign land. The way a driving licence is compulsory in India, so getting an IDP, or international driving permit, is compulsory if you want to drive overseas.
What is an International Driving License?
Many people may think that getting an international driving licence is a huge task. But the fact is that it is not some huge tasks. It is also important for you to know what an international driving license is. An international driving licence is an official document that allows an individual to drive a car or motor vehicle in a foreign country. Also, you should know that the United Nations authorises an international driving license, allowing people to drive on foreign land in motor vehicles with freedom. Plus, an international driving permit or licence is something that is issued to people in various languages by the authorities of transport abroad so that they are able to understand and verify your driving credentials.
Validity of International Driving License-
In other words, an international driving licence is a kind of official translation of one’s driving license. A foreign individual can also get an international driving license if they desire to drive a car or motor vehicle on Indian roads. An international driving licence is valid for one year from the date of issue. In a few countries, having an international driving permit is not compulsory, but it is also important that you have one, so that, in case of any mishap or claim of insurance coverage, it will be a useful one.
Ways of Obtaining an International Driving License:
- You can obtain an international driving licence very easily. The offline process of getting an IDL is through the RTO or regional transport office, and this can be done easily for which you will have to file 3 forms, which are compulsory for obtaining an international driver’s license. You will require form no. CMV-4A (application for IDL), then you will require form no. CMV1 and CMV1-A (related to your medical condition). Form CMV1 should be filled out by you and form CMV1-A is to be filled out by your doctor. Also, you should attach relevant documents with these forms.
- Then, there are transport departments in some states that provide you with the IDL online. You can check your state transport department website and download the forms mentioned above, fill them out, and submit them. You should submit these forms in the nearby RTO and for both the offline and online processes, you shall be required to pay Rs.1000/-and you can get your IDL in a few weeks’ time.
- Next, you can apply through WIAA (Western India Automobile Association). This can be done by the residents of Ahmedabad, Pune, and Mumbai. You should also be a member of the association, and you should pay Rs. 1500 as a fee and provide relevant documents. Here you will get your licence in 2 days and get discounts on travel. You can apply for the licence through WIAA, provided you are travelling in countries that are party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. Check online.
- Lastly, you can obtain an IDL through the International Control Traffic Association (ITCA) and their website.