International Driving License

The International Driver's License / Document is a document which when attached along with the Original Driver's License gives a person the right to drive a vehicle in more than 200 countries worldwide. It is not a substitute for the Original Driver's License and thus must always be used as a complementary document when traveling abroad. The International Driver's License, is simply a translation of the information contained in the Original Driver's License in some languages that helps a person to explain to the

traffic police of that particular country that he/she has the right to drive a motor vehicle in that country.

The standards for the International Driver's License were defined by the United Nations Conference on Road Traffic, Final Act held in the year 1968. According to this law, the International Driver's License is defined mainly as a document:

• That states the main information contained in the Original Driver's License in English or French.
• That has the photo and signature (or thumbprint) of the owner of the vehicle.
• That states the categories of vehicles for which the Original Driver's License is valid.
• That states the restrictive conditions of driving and terms of disqualifications.

International Driver's License consists of two parts. The first part consists of a booklet which states all the standards approved by the latest UN convention and a plastic identity card. The genuineness of the information on the plastic card is ascertained by the presence of a hologram.

How to obtain an International Driving License

International driving permits can be had of the various zonal transport offices. This permit is valid up to one year. One is required to get his/her license from the country he/she is visiting within a period of one year. Following documents are required while applying for an International Driving Permit:

• Valid Driving License issued
• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa
• Photocopy of address proof (attested)
• Photocopy of Birth Certificate (attested)
• Fee of Rs. 200/-

One can also get the International Driving Permit between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm from:

International Driving License Unit,

Transport Department (HQ) 1st floor,

5/9 Under Hill Road, Delhi-110054