It’s important that when you are traveling to any foreign country, you should find out more about the laws on driving in foreign countries. Two concepts often arise with international travelers: the International Driving Permit (IDP) and the International Driving License (IDL). Even though they both denote legal versions of products or services, they are different from one another, and recognizing the difference will keep you out of hot water for the time you will be traveling. In this blog post, we will describe a data flow diagram and context diagram, explain the differences between them, and guide you toward the document you may require for the next journey.
Meaning of an International Driving Permit
An IDP, or International driving license, is a legal translation of your home country’s driving license, officially accepted in over 150 countries. It is not a stand-alone document but exists in conjunction with your valid domestic license. The International Driving Permit renders the driver’s information supplied by the driver in diverse foreign languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.
The IDP is mainly used to ensure that foreign drivers obey the rules of the road. The national automobile associations or other certified centers produce it in your home country. It is usually good for one year; however, car rental companies and local authorities in some countries often request this certificate when obtaining a vehicle.
What Is the Meaning of an International Driving Licence?
IDL stands for International Driving License, but in legal terms, it is not considered a legal document and is referred to as an IDP. The IDL is frequently a marketing term that some unauthorized organizations use to deceive consumers into thinking they are applying for an official document. Most countries do not recognize the IDL, and hence, it cannot be used in the same way as an IDP.
Specifically, an IDL cannot be considered a legitimate paper for driving in foreign states. Unfortunately, if you are faced with an offer to provide you with an IDL, you should be careful. With such “licenses,” you can get into a situation where they are fake, or your local government will not recognize them.
Main Difference Between an IDP and IDL
Here are the primary differences between an International Driving Permit and an International Driving License:
1. Legality:
– IDP: Official and formal in most countries, that lets you drive legally in a foreign country.
– IDL: It is not legal and doesn’t allow it.
2. Issuing Authority:
– IDP: Dealt by organizations accredited by the government, such as the National Automobile Associations.
– IDL: Not infrequently, they are published by private or non-governmental organizations, which may have no legal force.
3. Purpose:
– IDP: Function as your driving license issued in your home country and helps you make the necessary address with the local authorities in the foreign countries you visit.
– IDL: Most commonly used by pirate organizations, with little or no legal legitimacy.
4. Validity:
IDP simply means that the license can only be used for a Short term, most often one year.
IDL: Some kinds don’t really have a fixed validity period, while many kinds aren’t even recognized by anyone.
Why an IDP is Necessary for Travel Abroad
An International Driving Permit is essential for someone who intends to drive in another country. Acting as a legal translation of the home country’s driver’s license, it helps drivers navigate foreign roads without running afoul of the law. The IDP is needed for car rentals in many countries and to drive a car. If you do not have this document, you might get a fine or no car at all.
Ways to Apply for an IDP
Applying for an IDP is easier. The process typically involves:
1. Checking Eligibility: It requires a domestic driver’s license that has yet to expire or be suspended to process the application.
2. Choosing the Right Agency: One can apply through authorized bodies, such as national automobile associations or governmental bodies.
3. Submitting the Application: Sign and complete the application form with the required fields, and submit the necessary documents, such as a driver’s license, a valid passport photo, and a valid processing fee.
4. Receiving Your IDP: The IDP is often completed within days unless expedited services are requested.
The Question Everyone Is Asking – is an IDP Sufficient to Navigate Internationally?
In most countries, an IDP and a valid domestic driver’s license are needed. While moving abroad, it is mandatory to always have both papers with you. Of course, you should recall that the IDP is provided as a translation of the original license and is not the original license from your home country. Some of the other rules that may be present may include insurance. Thus, it is necessary to obtain information on the driving laws of the country of your destination.