International Driving License :
Just as a driving license is required to drive a car on the roads, an International Driving License is necessary for citizens of one country to drive in another country. To drive abroad, you need to obtain an International Driving License in advance. In this article, we will discuss the rules for obtaining an International Driving License or IDL. Let’s find out the process for getting an IDL.
Rules for Obtaining an International Driving License or IDL :
A driving license not only reflects one’s technical skill in driving a vehicle but also involves the safety of pedestrians and the driver himself. Therefore, before driving on the road, one must obtain a driving license through the proper procedures.
A driving license is an essential document for identifying an individual’s technical skills in operating a motor vehicle, as well as for identification purposes on both national and international levels. In every country, it is mandatory to have a valid driving license to drive a car. No country permits driving without a license. Obtaining a driving license in a foreign country can be very complex, so it’s advisable to get an International Driving License from your own country before traveling abroad.
Identification of an IDL :
In any part of your country, you can drive a car if you have a valid driving license. However, this license does not allow you to drive in foreign countries. For driving abroad, you will need an International Driving License.
In other words, an IDL is a single license that permits you to operate a motor vehicle both within your home country and in other countries.
With this driving license, you can drive a motor vehicle in any country around the world. Therefore, a driving license that allows you to drive in your own country as well as in any other country is known as an IDL.
The international term for an International Driving License is International Driving Permit, abbreviated as IDP.
Which Organization Issues the International Driving Permit or License?
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is an international organization. In countries where they have member organizations, these members issue the International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driving License. If you have a valid driving license, you can easily obtain an International Driving Permit by applying with the necessary documents and fees.
It is worth noting that the FIA, or Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), was established in 1904 and consists of 246 organizations from 145 countries around the world.
Documents Required for an International Driving Permit:
To obtain an IDL or International Driving Permit, the essential documents required are:
• A valid smartcard driving license (the license must be valid for at least 1 month).
• An application form for the IDL, which can be obtained from your country’s transport authority website.
• A certified photocopy of the smartcard driving license.
• One copy of your passport and four passport-sized photographs.
• A photocopy of your National ID card (NID).
• Photocopies of pages 1 to 4 of your passport (only the information pages).
Validity of the IDP :
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally valid for 6 months. It allows you to drive a motor vehicle in 180 countries around the world for a period of 6 months from the date of issuance. After the validity period expires, it can be renewed.
If you travel abroad with an IDL and the validity expires, you can renew or obtain a new license from the same country where you initially received it.
Filling Out the Application Form :
The application form for the International Driving Permit must be filled out in uppercase letters (block letters) in English. Additionally, the following details must be completed according to the applicant’s smart driving license:
1. Full name.
2. Place of birth.
3. Date of birth.
4. Address.
5. Blood group.
6. Occupation.
7. Bangladeshi smart passport number, issuance date, and expiration date.
8. Phone number or mobile number.
Step 3: Fee Payment :
There is an application fee for the International Driving License or Permit, which can vary by country and time. However, if someone wants to receive the IDP quickly, within 7 days (Super Express), they will need to pay an additional fee on top of the regular application fee.
Step 4: Approval :
After filling out the application form and attaching the required documents and the payment receipt, you need to submit everything directly to the office of the Automobile Association. After submission, you will need to wait for a while.
If all the information in your application is correct, you can expect to receive the license within 7 to 15 days. If there are any issues, it may take up to 2 to 3 months.
Step 5: Collecting the IDP or Driving License :
When you submit your application, the receipt you receive will include an estimated date. After this period, if your International Driving Permit (IDP) application is approved, you will be notified via SMS on your mobile phone. You can then collect your IDP from the Automobile Association office.
Final Note :
Driving a motor vehicle without a driving license, whether in your home country or abroad, is a punishable offense. It is essential to drive legally. Therefore, those who wish to drive abroad should obtain an IDL or International Driving Permit from their country.
I hope the above article helps you understand the process of obtaining an International Driving License from start to finish.
