If you’re an avid traveller who likes to take the wheel and see where the wind takes you, an international drivers licence NSW or an international driving permit (IDP) will help you unlock the world’s many treasures. From Italy’s winding roads to Thailand’s beaches, an IDP can help you experience everything the world has to offer.
To lawfully operate a vehicle or ride a motorcycle, several nations need you to possess the IDP in addition to your driver’s licence issued by an Australian state or territory. In New South Wales (NSW), you can apply online for an IDP through the Australian Automobile Association’s NSW member, NRMA, or the National Roads and Motorists’ Association.
An overseas licence holder from a ‘non-recognised’ country will be required to undertake the knowledge test and driving test to obtain an NSW driver’s licence. If you’re in a rush, you can get an IDP over the counter at Service NSW Centre or mobile service centre. Just make sure that you have your:
- Driver’s licence card
- A recent passport-size photo, taken not more than six (6) months ago.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
An IDP is a document approved by the United Nations. When you travel abroad, you are permitted to drive or ride a motorcycle if you have this permit. An IDP:
- operates in more than 150 nations
- is valid for 12 months from the moment it is granted
- includes a photo ID and important personal information about the overseas driver
- is printed in nine languages so that local authorities can understand it.
Moreover, an IDP serves as documentation that, when it was issued, you had a current driver’s licence in your home country. Remember that you must always carry your Australian state or territory driver’s licence card together with your IDP because it cannot be used in place of a valid NSW driver’s licence.
This permit costs only 49 AUD plus postage. After application, your international driver’s licence NSW will be posted and will arrive within 5 to 7 days.
You can also opt to apply personally by filling out this form and mailing it to the motoring club in your state or territory. The addresses for these clubs are listed at the bottom part of the application form.
What if I Don’t Have an International Drivers License NSW?
There are many disadvantages of not having an IDP when travelling abroad:
- When you drive a vehicle in another country, you can get arrested and jailed.
- Rental companies won’t allow you to rent their company’s vehicles.
- Insurance companies will not cover you if something happens to you while driving a vehicle in a foreign country without an authorised permit.
Why Do I Need an International Driver’s Licence NSW?
Having an IDP with you when you travel abroad offers a wide range of benefits that will protect you and give you access to car rentals in that country. These are the benefits:
- Language translation. Your international driving permit contains a translation of your current domestic driver’s licence photo card into most major languages and assists to interpret the categories of your driver’s licence for international law enforcement, customs, and hire car companies.
The Australian Government selected the following nine (9) languages:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Russian
- Chinese
- Arabic
- Greek
- German
- Japanese.
- Car rentals. Companies will allow you to rent the vehicle you use while staying in that country. This will serve as a valid licence to drive the vehicle. Without it, they may refuse your car rental request.
- Traffic accidents. It is crucial to have your permit and driver’s licence photo card on you at all times so that you can prove your driving eligibility in the event of an accident.
- Travel insurance. If you were driving in a country that required a rider licence or foreign licence, but did not have one, certain insurance providers might not honour your travel insurance policy.
Am I Eligible to Apply for an International Drivers Licence in NSW?
You are eligible to apply for an IDP if:
- you hold a current Australian state/territory driver’s licence (not a current overseas licence)
- you are 18 or over (including those with a provisional licence or P plate).
However, you cannot be issued an IDP if:
- you hold a learner driver’s permit
- you have restrictions on your Australian state/territory driver’s licence e.g., alcohol ignition, interlock, court orders, etc.
Important Things to Remember
- You have not had your licence cancelled, suspended, or been revoked during the one-year validity period of your international driving permit, a translation of your Australian state or territory driver’s licence.
- The IDP validity is solely for translational purposes and does not grant a legal right to drive within any signatory nation unless such a right is expressly granted by local domestic legislation.
- Applicants should be advised that, in some cases, additional certification from the host nation is necessary before the IDP is granted legal status. To validate the status of the IDP and learn more about the driving criteria and eligibility for the desired place of visit, a temporary overseas visitor should consult the AAA website or contact the embassy or consulate of that nation.
- The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the sole organisation authorised to issue IDPs in Australia. The state and territory motoring organisations distribute the IDPs that AAA issues. Fake IDPs are sold online at excessive prices, and these are illegal, which could get you in trouble with the traffic police in other countries.
Contact a Traffic Offence Lawyer for NSW Driver Licence Matters
If you’re experiencing issues relating to your international driver’s licence NSW, talk to a lawyer immediately. JB Solicitors has a wide range of services, such as:
- Dealing with traffic violations while driving with an IDP
- Defending you in court if you are charged with a traffic violation while driving with an IDP
- Appealing a traffic conviction if you are found guilty of not having a driver or rider licence
- Getting your IDP reinstated if it is suspended or cancelled
- Securing a temporary overseas visitor licence
- Getting an unrestricted Australian driver licence (Class C or higher)
- Assist overseas drivers if they had their visiting driving privileges withdrawn
Contact us today if you need help with your international drivers licence NSW.
