International Driving License
International Driving License
Going out on a road trip is fun, especially if you’re planning a
trip overseas. But while the roads in your own country are open to you, your
idea of a road trip abroad can get disrupted if you are looking to drive in a
foreign land. Those looking to drive abroad on a holiday or on a business trip
are often unable to do so as they don’t have an international driving permit(IDP) that allows them to drive overseas.
Just like having a driving license is mandatory in India,
getting an international driving permit is also necessary if you wish to drive
in a foreign land. Though getting an international driving license can sound
like a task, but it really isn’t. This guide helps you with everything that you
need to know about getting an international driving license.
What is
an International Driving License?
An international driving license is an official document that
permits an individual to drive a motor vehicle in foreign countries. An
international driving license is authorized by United Nations, giving the
tourists the freedom to drive a motor vehicle in the foreign land.
An international driving license is issued in a number of
languages for the transport authorities abroad to be able to verify and
understand your driving credentials. In simple terms, an international driving
license is an official translation of your driving license.
An international driving license can be also be acquired by any
foreign individual who wishes to drive a motor vehicle on Indian roads. An
international driving license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
Acquiring an international driving license is not mandatory in
few countries, but it’s advisable you get one as it can help you in case of any
mishaps or while claiming insurance coverage.
How can
you apply for an international driving license?
Applying for an
international driving license is easy and you can procure one by following one
of either of the four ways:
- The process to
obtain IDL offline i.e. at the Regional Transport Office: You can
apply for a driving license at your nearest RTO office. This can be done
by filing 3 forms that are compulsory for obtaining an IDL. CMV-4A form
i.e. the application form for international driver’s license CMV1 form and
CMV1-A form related to your medical conditions. CMV1 is to be filled by
you and CMV1-A is to be filled by your doctor. You need to fill these
forms and submit the same at the RTO with relevant documents.
- The process to
obtain an International Driving License online: Transport
departments of some states provide you with the facility to avail
international driving license online. Visit your state transport
department’s website and download the three forms online i.e. CMV-4A, CMV1
and CMV1-A Get the printouts and fill the forms and get form CMV1-A filled
by your doctor. Submit these forms with supporting documents at your
nearest RTO office. For both online and offline process, you will have to
pay a fee of Rs. 1000 and can avail your IDL within a week’s time.
- Western India
Automobile Association (WIAA) If you are a resident of
Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad, then you can opt for getting an international
driving license through WIAA. But for availing an IDP through Western
India Automobile Association, you need to be a member of the association.
You need to pay Rs. 1500 as fees and submit the relevant documents. If you
apply for an international driving license through Western India
Automobile Association, you can get the license in 2 days and can also
receive travel discounts.
You can apply for IDL via
Western India Automobile Association only if you are traveling to countries
that are parties to 1949 Geneva Convention.
Another way of getting an
international driving license is through visiting the website of International
Control Traffic Association.
You will need the
following documents if you wish to get IDL through ITCA website
- Scanned copy of your national
driving license and passport
- Passport sized photograph
- You will also have to pay a
processing fee of 34 USD
- To initiate the process, click on
the apply button and send your documents at applications@e-itca.org
Documents
for obtaining an International driving license
- CMV-Form 4A and form CMV1 and
CMV1-A
- Passport size photographs
- Copy of air tickets
- Copy of valid driving license
- Copy of passport and visa
- Copy of age and address proof
- Certified proof of Indian
citizenship
Benefits
of International Driving Licence
- It certifies you to legally drive
your motor vehicle on International roads.
- An IDP is a confirmation stating
that you hold a driving license in your country
- It can be used as an identity
proof
- You do not require any identity
proof to procure this document
- An IDL is accepted in over 150
countries
- Some countries do not allow you to
rent a car unless you have a valid IDL
- Insurance companies require an IDP
to provide coverage to drivers who drive motor vehicle abroad
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