Iinternational driver's license and Enhanced international drivers license

   Many countries are issuing Enhanced international drivers licenses. These are not permits allowing motorists to drive in an enhanced manner but contain ID features like enhanced ID cards. Enhanced international drivers licenses translations essentially combine a regular driving license with the same specifications of the new pasport card . Thus in addition to proving driving privileges, the enhanced international driving license also is proof of citizenship, and can therefore be used to cross the countries roads, rail, or sea, but not air (this will always require a traditional pasport book) The enhanced internationa driver licenses are also fully real ID compliant. These cards have RFID so they may be used at border crossings that have RFID readers.

In a number of countries (including the United States, New Zealand and some provinces of Canada) people who drive commercially are required to have special international drivers licenses. In most cases, commercial truckers must hold a commercial driving license and international drivers license. In India, a commercial driving license is valid for 5 years while an individual license is valid for 20 years. In the United Kingdom, one must hold a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license to drive a vehicle with more than eight passenger seats for hire or reward, or a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) license to drive a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (Maximum Authorized Mass) in excess of 3 500 kg.Categories for driving licenses are standardised throughout the Europian driving licence.

Where to get a valid International Driver's License

       Many countries do not have organizations like the AAA in the USA, which provide International Driver Permit only for those who possess a US driver's license and want to use it outside of USA. The IDL Network, Inc helps people from those countries that do not offer International Driver Permit overcome difficulties driving within foreign countries by providing an INTERNATIONAL DRIVER LICENSE. The International Driver License is a translation/interpretation of a native driver's license and is very straight forward and easy to understand. The International Driver's License issued by IDL Network, Inc consists of two parts, a plastic card and a passport-like booklet. The plastic card resembles the format of other well recognized driver licenses for easier comprehension. The passport-like booklet has English data numbered with a foreign language translation adjacent to it for easier comparison and understanding.

 

 

Here's How:

     Where to get a valid International Driver's Permit. In the United States, International Driver Permits (IDPs) are only issued by the American Automobile Association and the National Automobile Club. The State Department recommends against purchasing an IDP from other outlets.
Understand the details. IPDs can be issued to anyone over 18 who has had a valid drivers license for six months or longer. They typically remain valid for one year, or the expiration of your existing state driving license.
       Select a provider. Go to either the AAA or National Automobile Club's website and print out the International Driving Permit Application National Automobile Club's information and application; AAA's information and application

Complete the application.

Driver License in USA and International drivers license
The Department of Licensing issues international driver licenses and identification (ID) cards for people residing in Washington State. A driver license provides permission to drive in Washington and serves as official identification. The ID card does not authorize driving, but serves as official identification. It can be useful to have legal identification from Washington for activities such as banking, domestic travel, proving your age (such as at 21-and-over venues), etc.  If you plan to drive, visit the DOL website to find out how soon you must obtain a Washington driver license (you may be able to use your license from home for a temporary period). You will note in the application instructions that some applicants must provide proof of Washington residence. Your primary ISS adviser will issue a printout from your SEVIS record that shows your Washington address. Allow one week for processing. You will receive an email when your SEVIS printout is ready for pick-up. You can then take this printout to the nearest DOL office, along with the other required documentation, to apply for your driver license. Leave the printout it its sealed envelope.

Some state dont recognize International Driver Permits, but instead recognize the internationl drivers license translation for the issuing country.

The licence includes images that reflect the province's diverse landscape as well as security elements that meet international standards similar to those used on passports and currency.

The new licence will replace the current two-part driver's licence, which has a photo identification card and paper certificate.

It will also have a longer renewal period, with customers renewing every five years instead of annually.

In 2011, all licence holders will get a new licence when they renew.

The old two-part licence is still valid until the licence holder gets their new card, either at their regular renewal time or if they need to replace their licence prior to that.

Not all driver's licences renewed in 2011 will initially have a five-year term. During the transition to this new licence, the licence renewal term will vary between one to five years based on the expiry date of a customer's current photo identification card. The renewal fee will be pro-rated based on the length of that term. All subsequent renewals will be for a five-year term.

As a customer convenience, drivers will have two payment options for renewing their licence. They can pay $25 per year for each of the five years, or they can pay for the entire five years up front for a discounted fee of $100.

The new licence includes several special security features that make it easy for groups like law enforcement and retailers to determine the card is authentic, but make it very difficult to counterfeit. An international drivers permit is not universally recognized in the US, each and every State has their own rules. If your drivers license from your home

Useful Tips On Renting A Car Abroad

   When you next go on vacation the best way to explore a new country is by car. Renting a car allows you to sightsee at your own pace to tourist spots of your own choice. You can easily rent cars from car rental services, but there are certain things you should keep in mind when you are renting a car abroad.

   It is a good idea to make all arrangements from the USA itself before you embark on your vacation. If you rent directly in a foreign land the language and cultural barriers, the foreign currency conversion rates, unfamiliar rental rules and other differences may utterly confuse you. Instead if you rent right from your home country, you are more likely to catch the hidden costs such as late penalties, gas charges and others.
Make sure your billing starts right from the time of the drop-off. Remember, there are agencies that charge on a full 24-hour basis, even if you use the car for lesser hours per day. Avoid these types of car rental agencies.

   There are various types of discounts that are available on car rentals internationally. For example, the frequent flyer discount, credit card discount, AAA discount or senior citizen discount etc. are the most common type of car rental discounts. Insist on getting the discounts if you qualify for them.
When you are booking in advance, consider the prospective size of your luggage and the number of people traveling with you. In case the luggage and the size of your group are small you can consider a smaller car. But if you feel you are going to travel with a big group or have big or quite a few luggages, then book a roomier car.
   You should carry an international driving permit, international driver license ( international driver licence) with you. In the USA, two agencies are authorized to issue the international driving permit: the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. It is recognized by some 150 countries. However you must be at least 18 years old to obtain an international driving document.

     The International translation of Drivers License is printed in 11 languages: the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese) as well as German, Italian, Portuguese, Sweden. It is also easy to apply for and does not require taking a driving test. Please note that we do not issue International Driving Permits or Licenses nor are these documents intended for legal driving use. You are required to have valid government issued driver's license to operate a vehicle!

   Do not expect to rent a luxurious or automatic car in other countries as you would expect to rent back home. For example, if you rent a car of European make, there is a high possibly that you have to drive a manual stick shift car. However, since you are not familiar with your way around in a foreign city it is better that you insist on renting an automatic car even though it comes at a higher price tag.

  So you see, driving in the foreign land is much more than laughing about driving on the wrong side of the road! Be prepared and carry the right documents (international driver's license )for safe and happy driving abroad.

 

 

How to Get a Temporary Driving License for Foreign Travel in US

          An International Driving Permit (IDP) is used by U.S. citizens who hold valid driver's licenses( driver's licence ) when they are traveling overseas and want to drive an automobile during their visit to a foreign country. The IDP is valid in more than 150 countries and can only be issued by the American Automobile Association, more commonly referred to as AAA. The permit is valid for one year from date of issue for foreign driving, but cannot be used as a driver's license in the United States. The permit contains your name, photograph, and pertinent driver information.

International auto insurance

  Even though traveling overseas seems to be a great opportunity because of the fabulous experiences that you are going to be able to be a part of however, there are some things that you need to know about your auto insurance.

  There are many people that actually think that their auto insurance policy that they have in the United States will actually cover them when they are overseas. However, this is not the case all of the times. So what you are going to need to do is take the time to read your policy so that you are able to determine that if you are covered when you are traveling abroad. It is a known fact that most of the auto insurance providers that are based in the United States are not going to offer coverage when you are renting a car overseas. If you are planning to go overseas you are going to need to talk with your current auto insurance provider in a timely manner so that you are able to plan to get insurance so that you are covered overseas. You may have to take the time to consider international auto insurance so that you are able to be covered while you are overseas. When you are talking with the agent or the broker you are going to need to discuss with your options so that you are able to purchase the auto insurance coverage that you are going to need.

  Another major factor that you are going to want to consider as an overseas traveler is the situation of a car rental. There are many of the overseas agencies that deal with rental cars that will not take the time to provide you with rental auto insurance unless you have an international driver’s license (international driving licence) or international drivers permit (internationalk driving document).

  However, it is not necessarily a driver’s license it is more along the lines of a permit. What you are going to need to take the time to check with the country that you are going to be traveling to so that you are able to find out whether or not you are going to need a permit. Overall if you find out that your insurance company is not going to cover you when you are overseas you are going to make sure that you are going to need to check on some international auto insurance so that you know what you have to do to be covered while you are overseas.

International Driver's License in Germany

An American driver's license is valid in Germany for up to six months. If you plan on staying longer, you will need to acquire a German driver's license.

This requires either simply exchanging your current license for a German one, depending on state of residency, or taking both a written and a driving exam. International Driver's License allows you to travel abroad with confidence. The International Driver Document is recognized worldwide as a valuable document identifying you as a properly licensed resident. No test is required, however, you must have a valid Native Driver's License and be 18 years of age or older to qualify.
    The translation of native Driver's License provided by idlicense.com is certified. The "International Driving License" passport contains pages in 11 foreign languages representing your National Drivers License. This will allow you to drive in almost any country in the world using your International Driving License. The passport of the International Driving Document also contains the list of countries which have signed the "United Nations Convention on Road & Traffic" resolution to accept the International Driving License.  The authorization for the International Driver License has its basis in the United Nations conventions on Road Traffic and Safety held in 1923, 1943, 1949 and 1968, which established standards for the International Driving permit.

When traveling overseas, carry an International Driving Permit,  even if you're not planning to drive. Should you need to communicate with foreign authorities, this recognizable form of identification can help you get on your way more quickly.

Although many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP).  IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the United States. An IDP functions as an official translation of a U.S. driver's license into ten foreign languages.  These licenses are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid U.S. license.  IDPs are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. Before departure, you can obtain an IDP from an automobile association authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs.  Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949) authorizes the U.S. Department of State to empower certain organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses.  The Department designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance as the only authorized distributors of IDPs.

 

 

How To Get International Driving Permit ?

If you are traveling abroad, then you must have an international driving permit. When you know driving, it is always easier to use your own rented car or a friend's car in a new country. It costs less than twenty dollars to get a driver's permit that is valid internationally.

The international driving permit issued by the United States traffic authority is valid for at least 3 years, but you can request a shorter time period also. In the mean time, you can travel any number of times and to any country in the world and use your international driver's permit to drive around.

The international driver's permit issued by the United States government is valid in more than one hundred and fifty countries across the world. It is recognized by all the road traffic associations of the world, and is registered by the United Nations.

Getting an international driving permit is very simple process. You need to take a copy of your driver's license and two recent passport sized pictures, and apply personally or through mail at the local driver's license office. Before that go to the international driver's license website and download the form for license application. Fill in the form accurately and submit it along with the application fee in cash or check. Usually if you apply personally, the license is issued the same day or in a couple of hours. If you apply through mail, then it will be sent back to your address through mail, and you will receive it within a week.

How Long Is An International Drivers License Good For ?

In the US, international driving permit (INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE) is usually issued the same day. If you plan to travel to foreign countries frequently, then it is a good idea to get yourself an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE. It helps to stay mobile and also to rent your own vehicle while traveling abroad. The INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE issued by the United States is valid in more than 150 countries.The procedure to get an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE is very simple. However, the eligible criterion to get one is that you should have a permanent driver’s license issued by the Federal law. A state permit or a learner’s license is not good enough to get an international driving permit.The INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE will carry the same number as the driver's license and will have your picture and the driver's license number and address written on it. The common language the INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE is issued in is English. The INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE, however, will not have the same validity as the driver's license. Usually, in the United States, you can request a validity of up to three years at the most. The cost for a three year INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE is more than one year validity. You can go to the AAA website and check out the details of the forms and the proof that you will need to submit for obtaining an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE. You can do it at the local State drivers' license office also.Usually, you will be required to fill up the form and submit two recent passport sized photographs taken on a plain background. You should not be wearing a hat or a goggle while taking the picture.

About International Drivers License: countries Where International Driving License Is Valid ?
An international driving license, or an IDL, is a type of license given to foreigners who travel frequently to other countries. It authorizes them to drive a vehicle in the foreign country for a stipulated time. The international driving license is always accompanied with the standard driver's license of the home country for the person.In countries like the United States, a car is the main means of transport in several cities. There is no frequent public transport available for people in all the cities. In such a case, a person traveling to the United States would carry an international driving license. The United States government allows international driving license from various countries to be used as valid driving license within the boundaries of the country.  

The International driver’s license has to be published in one of the five languages authorized by the UN, and they are English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Several countries authorize international driver's permits like the United States, the UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and many more. However, a person carrying an IDP should also carry their own driver's license otherwise the IDL would be considered invalid.

The respective countries cannot issue an international driving permit without a driver’s license in the first place.

Having international drivers license is very convenient because you do not have to always depend on public transport. Some countries are well connected, but others are not. So having a rental car is much easier. You can visit the United States official driver's license website to know more about the IDL.

Travel the world, carry an International Driver's License.

When you travel the world, carry an International Driver's License.

The International Driver Document or International Driver's License issued by idlicense.com is an official translation of a national or domestic driver's license, which allows motorist to drive in different territories without experiencing difficulties with various language barriers.

This International Driver's License, however, is valid only with the original driver's license, which must be currently valid and not suspended or expired. The International Drivers License also indicates that you are a holder of a valid drivers license from your home country, fulfiling the right for a person to drive in another country when accompanied by an original and valid driver's license.

The authorization for the International Driver License has its basis in the United Nations conventions on Road Traffic and Safety held in 1923, 1943, 1949 and 1968, which established standards for the International Driving Permit.
    
IT TAKES LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION!  Click here to order inrenational drivir's license
    

International Drivers License  Samples

Samples of International Driving Licence, International Driving License, International Drivers Licence,International Driving Licence

International drivers license Regular style International Driving Licence

International drivers License booklet International driving licence book

  

The International Driver's Document issued by IDLicense.com is an official translation of a national or domestic driver's license. You are not permitted to present IDL as the main document because it is only a translation of your original driver's license. This International Driver's License, however, is valid only with the original, domestic driver's license, which must be currently valid and not expired or suspended.

International Drivers License Benefits

International Driver's License allows you to travel abroad with confidence. The IDL is recognized worldwide as a valuable document identifying you as a properly licensed resident. No test is required, however, you must have a valid Native Driver's License and be 18 years of age or older to qualify. 

    

 

   International Driver License can be used as identification in most places worldwide. It is common if a police officer for some reason stops you, or you need identification, you can present both documents - the IDL and your valid driver's license that will be in the appropriate language, or at least can be understood. Travel officials in Europe and other parts of the world state that International Driving License is advised for most countries. In many countries worldwide, you are unable to rent a car unless you have this document. While the IDL is not a requirement for driving in some countries, it is still great advantage for a motorist. Whether you travel on business, vacation or honeymoon travel, the International Drivers License is recommended by most countries, and mandated by many; for driving, and car or bike rental. 
    
  Enjoy access to convenient online service that keep your account safe and make your life a little easier. 
    
  
Drive a car in almost any country in the world.
Rent a car, wherever you are.
Useful backup for identification purposes.
Register your vehicle title, insurance or general documents of a motor vehicle. *
No test required, you only need your valid domestic/national Driver's License.
Lost or stolen IDL? Call us to arrange for a free replacement card to be mailed to you. **
 
    
  The IDL consist of the following 2 documents:  
     
  1. Translation of International Driver's License presented in a form of a passport size booklet translated into 9 international languages. 
    
  2. For security cause a plastic card with a size of credit card accompanies the booklet, which also extends driver's identity information. To avoid any forgery - every plastic card is covered by our Security Shield Hologram which protects and prolongs the life of the card eliminating any possibility of counterfeiting. Each plastic card has newly developed 2D barcode (PDF417) which contains encrypted information and is fully readable by police scanners.

 

There are a few things when driving in Europe

When driving in Europe there are a few things to keep in mind. Consider the following ten items;

1. Radar. The use or possession of radar detecting devices is illegal in most European countries. The penalties can be steep, including a fine, driving ban and even imprisonment. GPS systems that shows the location of fixed speed cameras are also illegal. Simply deactivate the "fixed speed camera" function.

2. Tunnel Safety. European tunnels can be quite long. The longest is the Laerdal tunnel in Norway which is 24.5km long. Before entering a tunnel be sure to check your fuel level, turn the radio to the traffic station and switch on your headlights. Pay very close attention to the speed of the  vehicles in front of you and if there is a sudden hold up, turn on your hazard lights. Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front of you and make a note of the safety equipment and facilities, like the emergency exits and phones.

3. Paperwork. Be sure to have all necessary documents to hand at all times including your  full  Drivers licence  (Provisional Driving Licences are not valid abroad)with paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence , International Driving Permit, International Drivers License (International Driving licence),motor insurance certificate and your passport. You may also need a visa when visiting certain countries. 

4. More Paperwork. If the  vehicle  you are driving is borrowed, hired or leased,  you must take the V5 registration document with a letter from the owner authorising you to drive  it .

5. Crime. Keep purses and other items that would be easy to steal out of obvious view.  Always lock the doors and  never leave anything in an unattended car. 

6. Credit. If you are planning on using a credit card for the trip and are relying on it, it is a good idea to check ahead of time if it is accepted in the countries you are visiting.  should they also make sure that there is a sufficiently high credit limit?

7. Mobile Phones. Do not use a mobile phone while driving. It is prohibited in many countries.

8. Reflective Jackets. Visiting motorists have to carry reflective jackets when traveling. It is recommended that there  is one jacket  per person kept in the passenger compartment.

9. Warning Triangle. It is also compulsory in many European countries to carry a warning triangle.

10. Most of important of all – make sure you have a European breakdown cover and that your motor insurance policy covers you for all of the countries that you will drive in.

Why You Need The Proper Car Insurance For International Drivers

There is special auto insurance for the drivers who want to commit the trip abroad. You must be covered in other country as well as you are in your own one. So it is not reasonable to go with your usual coverage because in different country the different conditions of the car insurance are possible.

Quite often those drivers who make up their minds to cross the border don’t want to put at risk their own vehicles. As a rule they prefer to rent a car. By the way in this case a driver needs the international driver license( international driver licence ) or international driver permit. You will be able to visit 150 countries having this kind of the permission ( international driver's license, international driver's licence, international driving permit). The data which is in your usual license( licence ) will be translated into 10 widely spread languages. Being stopped by the road police in the country you are visiting at the moment you will have a lot of troubles without the international driving license (international driving licence). The car insurance companies that can provide you with international drivers license(international drivers licence ) will put in front of you some special conditions. For example you will have to obtain a valid U.S license within 30-45 days.

 

You shouldn’t forget that the car insurance policy for the International Drivers is going to cover and to protect only the car but the driver. You can avoid such a situation if some friend of yours makes a call from the country you are going to visit and gives his or her agreement for adding you to his or her own car insurance policy. But this scheme work in case you decided to borrow you friend’s car. You must have at least a basic knowledge of the laws regulating car insurance in the foreign country you are going to visit. Besides the international drivers liscense ( international drivers liscence ) you will need the local valid driving license(valid driving licence).

If you decide to rent a car after you arrive the country you must obtain a special coverage for it. Of cause you can refer to your current car insurance provider but it would be better for you to get insurance from the company where your rental car is from. You must be ready for the situation that your own provide doesn’t have this type of coverage at its disposal.

New driving license( driver's licence) as a rule mean the new car insurance policy. Driving without the car insurance coverage is not only a dangerous thing for your future financial state it is illegal in any American or European country. You will have a lot of problems with the local law system. It is better to think it over in advance and to get your car properly insured for the period of your trip or visit abroad.

Anyone who is realistic about finding auto insurance must start from a simple step – go and gather auto insurance quotes all over the Internet. As much as you can.

Driving in Thailand

There is a good network of well maintained highways and roads between major towns and most of the north-south route is dual carriageway. Road signs follow international standards and are in both English and Thai. Motorists drive on the left hand side of the road most of the time.

Heavy trucks dominate the main roads at night so night driving is not usually recommended as truck drivers in Thailand have little respect for cars. Tourist coaches often think they are driving Ferrari’s so be aware.

 

The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km per hour and varies between 90 and 120km per hour on main and country road outside the city centers and the police apply regular speed checks. Seat belts are compulsory and drink drive laws apply which makes insurance invalid if drivers exceed the legal limit.

Speed limits:
Urban areas: 45 - 60kph/28 - 37 mph
Highway: 90 - 110kph/56 - 68 mph.

There are about 64 600 kms/40, 141mls of paved roads in Thailand as well as an extensive network of dirt roads (especially in the north). Major roads radiate outward from Bangkok to all major cities, with most of the north-south route consists of road. Interconnecting roads to smaller towns and cities are generally wide, and a single-lane two-lane sections on trade.

Parking in cities is usually in the street for a small fee or, for the most part, covered parking in the hotel / shopping plazas. More to the parking lot outside the city centers are generally free, if you can find a space. Do not block access government building or you are likely to be towed.

All kinds of fuel are readily available with petrol stations being in plentiful supply. Most of the larger ones will accept major international credit cards. In remote locations cash will be needed.

All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an International driving license(International driving licence). A valid passport must be carried at all times. You will need a Thai driver licence(driver's license) as opposed to an international drivers license (international drivers licence) once you have been in Thailand for more than 3 months.

If you get stopped by the police you will almost definitely get a fine of about B400, about £6, but if you are lucky it will be just B200, or £3. To get stopped you have done something wrong ‘maybe’ even if you don't know what it was! It is advisable to discreetly pay the money and never argue or lose your temper as it will cost your more.. Don’t expect a receipt for the money and you will never know if it is a genuine fine or whether it is being pocketed for that special occasion.

 

Be very wary of your speed and use every visual aid at your disposal, always check every direction before turning. Look well ahead on highways and one way streets they will come towards you on the wrong side for sure – heart stabilizing pills are a must. Unlike many Western countries, it is easy to pass a driving test here or even buy a license(licence), many of the drivers have little or no experience at all. This is changing with many checks and Police road blocks daily in the attempt to eradicate this problem but I fear it could take some time.

Since Thai motorists are notoriously ill-disciplined to give way or observation of traffic rules, motorists are advised to drive to a 'gentle pace' (50 kilometers or less) in urban areas. In the case of an accident, Thai perfer to resolve the legal outcome on the ground and often expect the wealthier motorist to absorb the cost, this includes foreigners.

Stay away from downtown Bangkok, traffic is terrible and the roads are confusing, to say nothing of road users who have a general disregard for other vehicles. Do not drive too close to the roadside on any road as motorcycles often enough to drive the wrong way, and stay out of the path of buses and trucks.