Do I need an International Driver’s Licence to drive overseas?

Planning on driving while on your next overseas trip? You’re obviously going to need a licence, but will the one you have be sufficient?

We live in a global market, so for the most part you’ll find the large rental providers in the USA or Europe will be happy with your Australian licence, but like all things, it never hurts to check or plan ahead.

An International Driving Permit is a world-recognised and standardised driving permit, which is often mandatory to carry if you plan on driving in some countries. These are easy enough to obtain, but do you really need one?

Bottom line, and just to be on the safe side, we would always recommend obtaining and carrying an international permit (as well as your regular license), regardless of where you are travelling. But getting one must be done before you leave, so if you are reading this on your final approach to your holiday destination and just had a flash of panic, here’s a breakdown of where you’ll need one.

For clarity too, in this article, we are looking at only driving on a temporary basis, as when you are travelling for work or a holiday. If you are moving overseas for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a local licence in your new country of residence.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised provider of an IDP in Australia. The permits cost $42 and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and while you used to have to go to a specific NRMA/RACV etc store to obtain one, you can now conveniently apply online.

Allow approximately five business days to receive your licence.

Visit the website here.

For the most part, no. The majority of car rental suppliers like Hertz and Avis are happy to use your local Australian state licence and passport as a means of identification. It always pays to check beforehand though, particularly if you are using a niche or boutique rental provider.

That said, each U.S. state operates differently, and some may require you to carry an IDP, especially in the event of a traffic infringement or accident.

You can check on the requirement of specific states here.

Yes. Providing you are visiting for less than 12-months, your Australian licence will allow you to drive cars in the UK. Further, if you have a motorcycle endorsement on your Australian licence, you can ride in the UK too.

You can confirm all the details here.

Once again it will depend greatly on your car rental provider and where you are travelling. Larger cities and more popular regions, with a car sourced through one of the big rental brands tend to be happy with your Australian licence.

Most of the rental providers will advise you in a confirmation email if you require an IDP additional to your standard licence, and once again it never hurts to ask when you make your booking.

Travel off the beaten track, particularly in countries where English is not commonly spoken, and the local authorities may be more comfortable with a familiar document like an IDP than they would with an Australian state licence.

Some countries will fine you if you are driving without an IDP even if your rental company didn’t require it. Furthermore, the specific rules change as you cross European borders, so if you are planning a multi-faceted road trip, then an IDP would be well worth obtaining ahead of time.

No. If you do not hold an Indian driver’s licence then you will need to obtain and carry an International Driving Permit as well as your regular state licence.

See more information here.

Yes and no. China doesn’t recognise any driver’s licence other than a Chinese one, be it your Australian licence or an IDP.

However, if you want to drive in China you can apply for a temporary Chinese licence at the airport, but to do this you will need both an IDP and your Australian state licence.

Once you obtain one of these (there is a cost of approximately USD$40 / A$60), you can only use it to drive a rental car, not your own car.

We would recommend discussing the process with your hire car provider or tour organiser before you leave.

See more information here.

No. If you do not hold a Japanese driver’s licence then you will need to obtain and carry an International Driving Permit as well as your regular state licence.

See more information here.

No. Your full Australian licence will be fine. However, if you carry a driver’s licence from another country that is not represented in English, you will need an International Driving Permit.

Probably not...

If you are planning to drive (or ride) around South East Asia, we would suggest carrying an IDP at all times, mainly due to the different policies between countries and even regions within countries. For example, you probably don't need one in Vietnam, but you probably do in Malaysia. You don't in Singapore but you do in Thailand.

Our advice is to carry one at all times, just to be sure!

No. Your full Australian licence and tourist visa will be sufficient for most South American countries, particularly those with significant tourist activity.

However, due to varying policies and governance between countries, we would always suggest carrying one just to be sure.