International Driver's Licence

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Driving Abroad:
The International Driver's Licence

Driving abroad doesn't always require getting an international driver's licence - but in many cases it helps, especially in countries where English may not be understood well.

Formally called an international driving permit or IDP, this passport-size card confirms police and car rental agencies that you passed a driving test in your country and are therefore allowed to drive. Here are a few handy facts about the IDP:

You can't use the international driver's licence on it's own - you have to use it along with your own licence or driving permit.
You'll have to get it where you live - don't think you'll get to Europe and grab one there. I tried to get an international driver's licence in a neighboring town and wasn't even able to do that - place of residence or nothing.

**Coping with Bangkok traffic**
Photo: specialkrb via Flickr

You can apply for an international driver's licence at your nearest automobile club or association.
Cost varies but it's not hugely expensive when compared to a visa. You don't need any classes or exams: just bring two photos and your own driver's licence.
It is valid for a year after issue.
The international driver's licence is sometimes obligatory, sometimes not. You'll have to check each country individually. But even where it's not compulsory, you'll still be better off having it.
The IDP has your photo, and a translation of your driver's licence into ten languages.

What else do you need to know about driving abroad?

An international driver's licence is the first step to driving overseas, but there is plenty more to keep in mind if you plan to drive abroad.

Get the side right. Not everyone drives on the same side of the road as you do. If you don't check this beforehand, you may be in for a surprise. Most of the Western Hemisphere drives on the right, with a few exceptions - especially former British Caribbean colonies. Most of Europe is also on the right, except the UK, and Africa and Asia have a bit of both, usually depending on their history. And sides may change when you cross a border - that can be extremely confusing, like getting off the ferry from France to the UK, for example, or driving from China (on the right) into Pakistan (on the left).

Don't drive at night. Some countries don't believe in headlights - or they believe that keeping your headlights on drains the battery and causes your car to stall. I recall a harrowing night drive across southern Nigeria from Lagos to Ibadan and beyond - at night - with no lights. There were several accidents, and I saw a man die crossing the road. Driving in Nigeria in daylight is courting fate - driving at night is marrying it. Nigeria of course is just one example - there are unfortunately many others.

Camel crossing
Photo: 300td.org via Flickr

Learn local signage and rules. You'll often find these on the national tourist board or other tourism sites. Or ask when you get your international driver's licence. Posting on expat forums is another good way of getting good driving pointers before you go. Signs and rules often differ from country to country - for example, in most of Europe you have to yield to someone coming from the right, even if you're on what you think is the main road. I once had a car jump in front of me from a lane I couldn't even see to my right - and they had the right of way. In many Central European countries, on a hill the car climbing has priority. You won't be amused if you have to reverse on ice because you thought you would get through.

Know local customs. Sometimes these are even more important than rules. In Algeria, you are obliged by law (as is the case in most countries) to stop when you have an accident. In practice, ask any Algerian: you'll be told to press on the accelerator and run for your life. If you stop, and you've hurt someone, their relatives will come after you and may do so violently.

Find out where you're going. Organize your route before you leave. A map is good, a GPS and a map is even better. I say both because I've often been misled by GPS. If you're driving alone, the last thing you want is to have to stop and ask for directions at night because you're lost.

Learn to drive a stick shift. Many Americans drive only automatics - yet these are virtually impossible to hire in most countries and where they are available, they are much more expensive - they're considered luxury cars.

Learn basic maintenance. In many parts of the world garages will be too far to be of use and you'll have no way of alerting someone if you run into trouble. The best defence is being forewarned and forearmed - with tools and knowledge. Knowing how to change a radiator belt can save your life.

Take a course in defensive driving. Knowing how to escape a tight situation is good, but what this will really do for you is boost your confidence. If you've ever tried to cross a crowded bridge in Istanbul at rush hour you'll know that a bit of additional self-confidence will be more than welcome.

Always lock your door and windows. Whether in a poor country or rich, our civilization is unfortunately too unequal and a vehicle driven by a lone woman is a tasty target. From the simple grab and snatch to the violent carjacking, a locked door may be dissuasive enough to encourage a criminal to move on.

Don't use your cellphone. This may be legal where you come from but in an increasing number of countries, it is downright illegal to use it while you're driving. Phone calls can be traced, so don't try it.

Park in a safe place. Ask around. In Italy, even a guarded garage may be unsafe (my insurer declined to renew my insurance after my third radio was stolen in Italy - in a guarded parking lot). In many developing countries, you can pay a person or several to watch your car while you're inside. In East Africa this strategy guaranteed I'd find my four tyres intact - rather than my vehicle sitting on a bunch of old stones (that's happened too).

Photo: Peter Shanks via Flickr

Not even an international driver's licence will help in these situations!

Some countries aren't quite sure which side to drive on. Take Burma (if you choose to travel to Burma - but that's another story). Driving used to be on the left but is now on the right. Since most cars are imported from Japan, which drives on the left, you get the worst of both worlds - driving on the wrong side from your steering wheel. Similar situations exist in Cyprus (British history, Turkish cars) and the US Virgin Islands. Beware!

Gas and petrol stations may not be as plentiful as back home. If you're used to letting your gauge drop to below half, you'd better learn new habits. In some countries where there is a fuel shortage, stations are closed or there may not even be any. You'll have to stock up and carry your fuel with you.

In less developed countries, the terrain isn't always what you expect. That solid red line across a country might well be a near-invisible dirt track, which disappeared shortly after the map was drawn up decades ago. Make sure you ask locally before embarking upcountry.

Animals on the road can be a major hazard. Kangaroos in Australia, wild boar in France, monkeys and other primates in southern Africa... you never know what's going to jump out at you. When roads aren't that well-traveled, animals don't fear them as much.

If you're from the US or Canada you may be accustomed to turning right when the light is red. Don't! In most countries, red means red.

Not all cars are made alike. In wealthy countries, you can count on a late model rental car. In developing countries, your car may leave something to be desired. It may be an old model, with no airbags, or much worse.