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Tips To Get An International Driving Permit In Australia

Should the time ever come for you to travel, relocate, or work abroad, you are going to need to get your local driver's license translated per the language of the country you will be entering. The reason is that insurance companies, rental agencies, and even local authorities need to understand your credentials when they read them. Now, this is where an International Driving Permit guarantees that your driving license is translated accurately and is recognized as an official document that adheres to all the legal standards of the country you will be visiting. In this article, our focus will be on how to get International Driving Permits in Australia. 

What Is An International Driving Permit? 

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that translates your regular license information into multiple languages (often nine, including English, French, and Spanish). This way, authorities in foreign countries can easily understand your driving credentials. You'll need to show both your IDP and your valid home country license to drive legally in most of the over 186 countries that recognize IDPs.

Getting an IDP is usually a straightforward process. In Australia, for example, you can apply at an Automobile Association branch, online, or by mail. It typically lasts for one year, so make sure to plan ahead for your trip.

In short, an IDP is a must-have if you're planning to rent a car and drive yourself around in a foreign country.

When Is IDP Needed?

IDP is usually needed for the following reasons:

Driving in a Foreign Country: One of the main reasons people need an IDP in a new country is to be able to drive legally there, even if they do not have their own license from that country. 

Different Language Licence: In case the driver's licence is not in the language of the country he is visiting, then he would need to get it translated. What is great about IDP is that it provides a translation in multiple languages. 

Renting a Vehicle Abroad: What many people don't know when they visit a new country is that most car rental companies need drivers to have IDP along with their national driving licence to rent any vehicle.  

What You Need To Get an International Driving Permit in Australia

It's a walk in the park to apply for an IDP in Australia, as the process is quite simple. All you have to do is follow the steps below:

1. Check to see if you are eligible to get an IDP:

Must be 18 years of age and above.

It should not be a leaner.

Must be the holder of a valid provisional or full Australian driver's licence.

There should be no restrictions like needing an alcohol ignition interlock device in the car, or having any limitations due to court orders.

2. Make sure that you have all the required documents:

A digital copy of your valid Aussie driver's license. Make sure it's scanned clearly so all the details are visible.

A passport-sized photo (passport photo size, around 4.5 by 3.5 centimeters, and in a format like JPG or PNG).

The fee of AUD $49.

3. Choose the right Issuing Body:

National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) (New South Wales)

Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) (Victoria)

Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) (Queensland)

Royal Automobile Association (RAA) (South Australia)

Roya Automobile Club (RAC) (Western Australia)

Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) (Tasmania)

Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT) (Northern Territory)

NRMA (Australian Capital Territory)

IDP Application Process In Australia

Here's how to snag your International Driving Permit (IDP) to cruise legally overseas:

Three ways to apply:

Head to your local auto club's office: This is the most direct route. Just bring your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the application fee (they'll provide the form).

Apply online: Each state's auto club has a website. Find yours, fill out the online form, upload a scanned copy of your license and photo, and pay the fee with your Visa or Mastercard. Easy peasy!

Do it by mail: Download the application form from your state's auto club website. Print it out, fill it in, and include a certified copy of your driver's license and a passport photo. Mail it all in with the application fee to the address provided.

Important Note: Don't wait until the last minute. You can't apply for an IDP more than 3 months before your trip. So plan ahead and get your application rolling well before your departure date. Also, for those applying for IDP in person, they can expect to get it the same day. But for those applying via post or online, the IDP should be mailed to them in 7 to 10 days. 

In Conclusion

If you are planning to visit The Land Down Under anytime soon and plan to drive once you are there, It is advisable that you get an ADP so as to avoid any confusion or issues. If your documents need to be translated, you can reach out to experts at a professional translation service named Translayte by calling 0208 629 1290 or texting 07480 780705.