International Driving Permit (IDP)
Some European countries accept an Australian driver's license; however, most countries will require an International Driving Permit. This is used as a legal identification document and has the information relating to the Australian driver's license translated into 11 foreign languages.
The International Driving Permit is used as a supplement to the Australia driver's license and you need to obtain it before your departure.
SMART TRAVELLERS Always carry an International Driving Permit
Guide to International motoring from The Australian Automobile Association
International Driving Permit Authorities in Australia
To obtain an International Driving Permit, please contact the relevant International Driving Permit authority in your state:
New South Wales
NRMA
Queensland
RACQ Ltd.(Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited)
Victoria
RACV(Royal Automobile Club of Victoria)
South Australia
RAA(Royal Automobile Association of South Australia, Inc)
Western Australia
RAC(Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (Incorporated)
Tasmania
RACT(Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited)
Northern Territory
AANT(Automobile Association of Northern Territory Inc)
New Zealand Drivers - Organise an IDP
At your local AA Centre or AA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agent
Countries which require an IDP
| Country | Continent | Country code | Side of Driving | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Africa | D2 | Right | - |
| Argentina | Americas | RA | Right | - |
| Austria | Europe | A | Right | - |
| Belgium | Europe | B | Right | - |
| Bermuda | Americas | - | Left | - |
| Bolivia | Americas | BOL | Right | - |
| Bosnia-Herzegovina | Europe | BIH | Right | - |
| Brazil | Americas | BR | Right | 11 |
| British Virgin Islands | Americas | - | Left | - |
| Bulgaria | Europe | BG | Right | - |
| Cambodia | Asia | K | Right | - |
| Central African Republic | Africa | RCA | Right | - |
| Chile | Americas | RCH | Right | - |
| Egypt | Africa | ET | Right | - |
| Georgia | Europe | GE | Right | - |
| Greece | Europe | GR | Right | - |
| Hungary | Europe | H | Right | - |
| India | Asia | IND | Left | - |
| Indonesia | Asia | RJ | Left | - |
| Israel | Southwest Asia | IL | Right | - |
| Italy | Europe | I | Right | - |
| Jamaica | Americas | JA | Left | - |
| Japan | Asia | J | Left | - |
| Jordan | Southwest Asia | HKJ | Right | - |
| Korea | Asia | ROK | Right | - |
| Macau | Asia | - | Left | - |
| Malaysia | Asia | MAL | Left | - |
| Mexico | Americas | MEX | Left | - |
| Peru | Americas | PE | Right | - |
| Poland | Europe | PL | Right | - |
| Portugal | Europe | P | Right | - |
| Romania | Europe | RO | Right | - |
| Saudi Arabia | Southwest Asia | SA | Right | 9 |
| Singapore | Asia | SGP | Left | - |
| Solomon Islands | Australasia | Left | - | |
| Somalia | Africa | SO | Left | - |
| South Africa | Africa | ZA | Left | - |
| Spain | Europe | E | Right | - |
| Sri Lanka | Asia | CL | Left | - |
| Syria | Southwest Asia | SYR | Left | - |
| Tahiti | Australasia | F | Left | - |
| Taiwan (Nat/Republic) | Asia | RC | Right | - |
| Thailand | Asia | T | Left | - |
| Ukraine | Europe | UA | Right | 6 |
| Vatican City | Europe | V | Right | - |
| Vietnam | Asia | VN | Right | - |
| Zaire (Congo) | Africa | RCB | Right | - |
We recommend taking an IDP to these countries
| Country | Continent | Country code | Side of Driving | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Asia | BD | Left | - |
| Barbados | Americas | BDS | Left | 1 |
| Canada | Americas | CDN | Right | - |
| Croatia | Europe | HR | Right | - |
| Czech Republic | Europe | CZ | Right | - |
| Denmark | Europe | DK | Right | - |
| Estonia | Europe | EW | Right | - |
| Finland | Europe | FIN | Right | - |
| France | Europe | F | Right | - |
| French Polynesia | South Pacific | F | Right | - |
| Germany | Europe | D | Right | - |
| Ghana | Africa | GH | Right | 4 |
| Honduras | Americas | - | Right | - |
| Iran | Southwest Asia | IR | Right | - |
| Ireland | Europe | IRL | Left | - |
| Liechtenstein | Europe | FL | Right | - |
| Lithuania | Europe | LT | Right | - |
| Luxembourg | Europe | L | Right | - |
| Malta | Europe | M | Left | 7 |
| Mauritius | Africa | MS | Left | - |
| Netherlands | Europe | NL | Right | - |
| New Caledonia | South Pacific | F | Right | - |
| New Zealand | Australasia | NZ | Left | 8 |
| Northern Ireland | Europe | GB | Left | - |
| Pakistan | Asia | PK | Left | - |
| Philippines | Asia | RP | Right | - |
| Slovakia | Europe | SK | Right | - |
| Solvenia | Europe | SLO* | Right | - |
| Sweden | Europe | S | Right | - |
| Tunisia | Africa | TN | Right | 6 |
| Turkey | Europe | TR | Right | - |
| Uganda | Africa | EAU | Left | 6 |
| United Arab Emirates | Southwest Asia | UAE | Right | 4 |
| United Kingdom | Europe | GB | Left | - |
| United States of America | Americas | USA | Right | - |
| Uruguay | Americas | ROU | Right | 6 |
| Yemen Rep | Southwest Asia | YAR | Right | 6 |
| Yugoslavia | Europe | YU | Right | - |
| Zambia | Africa | Z* | Left | - |
| Zimbabwe | Africa | ZW | Left | - |
An IDP is not currently required in these countries.
| Country | Continent | Country code | Side of Driving | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australasia | AUS | Left | - |
| Belize | Americas | BH | Right | - |
| Botswana | Africa | RB | Left | 2 |
| Cyprus | Europe | CY | Left | - |
| El Salvador | Americas | ES* | Right | 6 |
| Fiji | South Pacific | FJI | Left | - |
| Hong Kong | Asia | HK | Left | - |
| Kenya | Africa | EAK | Left | 6 |
| Monaco | Europe | MC | Right | - |
| Norway | Europe | N | Right | - |
| Papua New Guinea | Australasia | PNG | Left | - |
Note column definitions
- A fee is required for a visitors Driving Permit on presentation of a valid current national Driving Licence.
- An International Driving Permit is generally required for car hire.
- A Temporary Licence is required from the Traffic Department of China - apply 2 months in advance. Visitors are not allowed to drive themselves without special permission from the tour company.
- A Visitors Driving Licence will be exchanged for a National Driving Licence and will be returned on departure. Some countries have a 90 day maximum.
- Visitors may apply to the Issuing Authority for a Local Driving Licence and must have a valid National Driving Licence.
- 90 days.
- Apply to the Traffic Branch of Port Louis for a Temporary Driving Permit (not on following list).
- All National Driving Licences are recognised.
- Women are not allowed to drive.
- Apply to the Local Issuing Authority with your National Driving Licence.
- The National Driving Licence and IDP's are not legally accepted, but we recommend carrying them.
More information
Neither the IDP nor a current Driving Licence is valid in the Cook Islands, Tonga, China and Samoa, but a Visitor's Driving Licence can be obtained after arrival, upon production of the current Driving Licence to the authorities and payment of a fee.
Page Updated 24 February 2011
.jpg)
.gif)
.gif)
