Over two years of constant lockdowns and restrictions have passed, and the world is finally opening up again. Now is the best time to plan those much-needed vacations and scenic road trips to your dream destinations. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider investing in an International Drivers Permit (IDP) before your next trip.
What Is An International Drivers Permit?
Currently, 186 countries in the world recognize the IDP. It is an official document sanctioned by the United Nations (UN) and is relatively easy to acquire. However, it should not be mistaken for a driver’s license.
The IDP is separate from your license; you will need both when you travel. It is also worth noting that it will be the IDP holder’s responsibility to research the rules of the road. That includes knowing the side of the road to drive and necessary contacts in case of an emergency. You should know the road rules and regulations for each country beforehand.
In this article, you will understand the three best reasons why an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is worth the investment and where you can apply.
It gives you security and peace of mind
It would be best if you did not consider the value of having an IDP from a legal standpoint. Instead, consider getting one for peace of mind in case you run into trouble during your vacation.
Some people have indeed driven a motor vehicle in a foreign country without a permit, especially frequent travelers. That situation is quite common, and there are ways around the need for a permit. This is especially true in countries with relaxed road rules.
However, this is not the same in every country, primarily non-English speaking ones. First-world countries like Japan even go as far as deporting or arresting tourists caught driving without permits. As you can probably imagine, being locked up abroad is a vacation ender no one would ever wish to have.
The IDP is an official document translated into ten different languages, including Arabic. Having one makes it easier for you to communicate with the authorities in non-English speaking countries.
It allows you to take the safe and scenic route
Imagine being able to legally drive a motor vehicle in 150 countries without fear of being ripped off or mugged. This often happens in the more popular tourist destinations. The good news is that an IDP makes this entirely possible, which is precisely why you should apply for one.
Say you rent an RV to drive along the nature-filled coasts of Australia. You have a front-row seat to scenic views, sunrise and sunsets, and beautiful wildlife while on the road.
Perhaps you dream of cruising through the streets of Italy in a Vespa while sightseeing. Stopping by the best cafes for some pizza and gelato is a must-do. Maybe you prefer the taste of the salty air, delicious street food, and sea of endless rice fields in Indonesia.
All those countries and more accept and honor the IDP as an official document. You can use it to secure the vehicle of your choice for your ideal vacation. You can have a look at the complete list of countries here.
It only takes 2 hours to secure
Many permits of this nature take a long time to secure, but an IDP is not one of those. Gone are the days when you had to endure long lines and even longer waiting times.
With The International Drivers Association, you can get your IDP in 2 hours upon confirmation. As for the application process, you can get this done in four easy steps. The whole process should only take 3 minutes to complete:
1. Prepare your requirements and fill in the forms
Have your driver’s license and delivery address ready for a smoother transaction
2. Upload clear and high-quality photos
All applicants must upload a photo of themselves and a picture of their original driver’s license for verification purposes.
3. Place an order
The International Drivers Association has different price plans for different needs. You can choose to have a purely digital permit. You can also opt to have a printed copy sent to your address. The latter is highly recommended, so you have a backup in case things go awry. A printed copy can come in handy if you temporarily lose access to your digital copy.
Depending on your planned trips, you can choose the length of your permit’s validity. The options range from 1-3 three years. You have unlimited replacements free of charge in case you misplace or lose your permit.
4. Get approved
Once you are verified and confirmed, you will receive the digital copy of your new IDP in 2 hours or less. If not, you will be guaranteed to get your money back. However, only applications with complete and approved requirements are eligible for these guarantees.
Summary
All roads lead to fun, safe, and hassle-free travels by securing your International Drivers, Permit with The International Driver’s Association. At the same time, you get to save time, money, and energy. All you need is complete the easy 4-step application process and wait a maximum of two hours.
