How does an IDP look like?
The front of an International Driving Permit produced in Australia
Here's a guide we wrote in a style of Questions and Answers, so you can easilly find what you're looking for.
Why the IDP is needed?
It was introduced a hundred years ago, after the First World War and had a few updates after the Second World War and late 60's. Honestly, it still looks and feels like that (old and out dated). The origins of it at times where national regulation for driving vechiles was limited and very different between countries, especially for the means of identification of the driver and the vehicles he's allowed to drive. By now, most national licenses, including the Autralian driving license, look alike - there's a Driver facial photo, his name, date of birth, allowed vehicle groups (which are almost identical internationally by now), driver experience and expiration date.
Will I be able to rent a car aborad with my Australian Drivers License?
Yes. And no. Actually, there's a lot of miscommunication and confiusion around the validity of your driving license aborad. Sometimes the rental company agents may force you to hold an IDP, even while their country laws strictly allow you to drive with an Australian license and even police officers might get confused. That's why we created this website - we collect the Australian laws together with the destination country laws, rental agency rental terms and real life reports from other Australian travelers in every destination.
Can I order the IDP online?
Well.. Yes but it will take 3-7 working days to prepare + the postage delivery time. You can go online to your appropriate RAC (Royal Automobile Club) website and get it.
Where can I get the IDP?
You can get to your nearest RAC office. In South Australia visit RAA, in Western Australia visit RAC WA or RAC Travel & Cruise Center, in Victoria visit RACV, in Queensland visit RACQ, in New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory visit NRMA, in Northern Territory visit AANT and in Tasmania visit RACT.
Can I get the IDP in Sydney Airport?
No, there's no RAC office in the airport, but it is pretty close to get to the RACA nearest office, approx 20 minutes driving by car.
Can I get the IDP if I'm already abroad?
Not officially. There are alternative, unofficial website where you can purchase a fast and online IDP and get it to your email within an hour. As these websites are not official websites, we only recommend using them if you're stuck abroad, the rental agency or local officers of the law asks you for an IDP and you need to get an IDP now. Google for such services and find an appropriate one. We got feedback from travelers saying this website saved them.
Where can I find the sources of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949?
The original sources are to be found on the United Nations website. You will find the guidelines for national driving license in Annex 9 and the guidelines for International Driving Permit in Annex 10.
Where can I find the sources of the Vienna Road Traffic Convention of 1968?
The original sources are to be found on the United Nations website. Please note this version also includes updates from 1993 and they are marked with underscore. You will find the guidelines for national driving license in Annex 6 and the guidelines for International Driving Permit in Annex 7.