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.

A vehicle insurance is mandatory for every vehicle as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

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.

• International Control Traffic Association (ITCA)

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

Applying for an international driving license is a simple process and also has a number of benefits:

• 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