World Drivers Association and IDL for US Citizens, Rules to Follow

One of the things that you should know is that, more than 10 years ago, the World Drivers Association was formed to show the interest of the drivers who are international and assist them in getting familiar with the regulations and rules of international driving. It also provides and promotes enhanced driver training and also the international conduct of driving. There is a continuous review of the updates and propagation of information to the members of the International Drivers Association. Besides all of that, the World Drivers Association has also introduced the International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a translation of the domestic driving licence of any country into an international language. This is something that is recognised world-wide.

United Nations Convention-

The International Driving Permit is issued in accordance with the United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic. The online application process takes only 5 minutes for the application. The United Nations created the IDL or IDP, which is a domestic driver’s licence that permits the holder to drive a private, rented, or any motor vehicle in any country or jurisdiction that recognises that document, and the motor vehicle to be driven is specified in that document. For the IDL to be valid, it should be accompanied by a national driving licence from the applicant’s country of residence.

International Conventions Governing the IDL-

International driving licences are governed by 3 international conventions. They are as follows: the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the 1926 Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic. Plus, when the state is following more than one convention, then the new convention gets terminated and replaced by the previous one.

IDP for US Citizens-

An international driver’s licence can also be called an international driving permit or IDP. It is a document that allows the driver of a motor vehicle to legally drive the vehicle overseas in 174 countries. The IDL is valid when it is accompanied by your original and valid national US or Indian driving license, as the case may be, from country to country. The IDL will have your photo, name, and other details. If you are a resident of the US, then you are eligible for an IDL or IDP, provided you are at least 18 years of age or older, and from the date of issuance, your driver’s licence should be valid for a period of 6 months. There are several rental car agencies that recommend international driving permits.

AAA Issues IDP in the United States-

Also, you ought to know that your IDL or IDP will not allow you to legally drive in every country. only in those countries that recognise it. You should check online for a full list of participating countries, and the country that is not on the list is the Republic of China. To drive legally in China, you should have a licence issued by the Chinese government. For citizens who are in the US, the IDL basics are that you should be a permanent resident of the US, be at least 18 years of age, and have a valid US drivers’ licence that stays valid for a period of the next 6 months. IDL or IDP in the US is issued by AAA, i.e., the Automobile Association of America. The fee for IDP issuance was $20, which may have now increased. It takes 15 business days for the issuance of an IDP. And IDP is valid for one year only.