Frequently Asked Questions About the International Driving Permit

• Get quotes from multiple insurers
• Cashless garages available
• Buy/renew your policy online without hassles

An international driving permit is a document that authorises an Indian driving licence holder to ride/drive motor vehicles when he/she is abroad. It is a multi-language translation of your Indian driving licence, thus helping the authorities abroad recognise it. To obtain an international driving licence, the concerned individual will have to make an application for the same to the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Possessing an international driving permit is a boon for frequent travellers who would like to drive/ride a vehicle when they are abroad. Those who do not want to be dependent on public transport when they are abroad can also apply for an international driving permit before leaving India. Listed below are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the international driving permit.

1. How many countries recognise the international driving permit?

More than 150 countries across the world recognise the international driving permit as a valid document. If you would like to drive motorised vehicles when you are abroad, it is advisable to apply for an international driving permit.

2. How should I go about applying for an international driving permit?

To obtain an international driving permit, you should approach an RTO that is located in your area of residence or business. You will need to submit the application form to the RTO along with a few supporting documents. You will also need to specify the names of the countries that you intend to visit and mention your duration of stay in each of these countries.

3. What documents am I required to submit when applying for an international driving permit?

The documents that you will have to submit when applying for an international driving permit are as follows:

• Application form (Form 4A)
• Copy of your driving licence
• Medical certificate (Form 1A)
• Passport copy
• Copy of visa (if applicable)
• Copy of your air ticket
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Applicable fee

4. Is there any restriction with regard to the types of vehicles I can drive/ride with an international driving permit?

When you are abroad, you can only drive/ride the class of vehicle that you are authorised to ride/drive in India. For example, if your Indian driving licence only authorises you to ride two-wheelers, you cannot drive a car when you are abroad.

5. How long does the Regional Transport Office take to issue an international driving permit?

Once you apply for an international driving licence, the RTO can take between 2 and 7 days to issue the permit.

6. Am I required to hold a permanent driving licence to apply for an international driving permit?

Yes, the international driving permit is only issued to individuals who hold a permanent driving licence. Also, since the validity of the international driving permit is linked to the validity of your permanent driving licence, you cannot continue to ride/drive motorised vehicles when you are abroad if your driving licence happens to expire during your stay in that country.

7. Can I rent vehicles when I am abroad with an international driving licence?

Yes, you can rent motor vehicles when you are abroad if you have an international driving licence.

Also Read: Bike Insurance Online

8. How long is the international driving permit valid for?

The international driving licence is valid for a period of 1 year.

9. What is the applicable fee to obtain an international driving permit?

If you are applying for an international driving licence through the RTO, you will need to pay Rs.1,000. Members of the Western Indian Automobile Association (WIAA) can apply for an international driving permit through the association. In this case, the applicable fee will be Rs.1,500.

10. What are the benefits of having an international driving licence?

The benefits of having an international driving licence are as follows:

• You can ride or drive vehicles when you are travelling abroad.
• The international driving permit may serve as a proof of identity when you are abroad, based on the rules and regulations of that particular country.
• Since the international driving permit is printed in multiple languages, it can help authorities identify the document without any hassle.
• You will be able to hire vehicles when you are abroad if you have an international driving permit.
• You won’t have to be completely dependent on public transport if you have an international driving permit.

11. Do all countries require Indian driving licence holders to have an international driving licence?

No, there are many countries that allow Indian driving licence holders to ride or drive motorised vehicles without an international driving permit. However, if you are a frequent traveller who likes riding or driving vehicles when abroad, it is recommended that you carry an international driving permit. Further, many foreign countries require individuals to have an international driving permit if they want to hire a vehicle.

12. Can I renew my current international driving licence after its expiry?

No, you cannot renew an international driving permit. The international driving licence is only valid for one year. You will need to apply for a fresh permit if you need the licence for over a year.

13. What should I do if I lose my international driving permit?

If you happen to lose your international driving permit while you are in India, you will need to register an FIR at the nearest police station. If you lose the permit while you are abroad, you will need to report the loss to the Indian embassy. You will also have to inform the local authorities of the same.

If you are considering applying for an international driving licence, make sure to keep the above-mentioned information in mind.