Driving Overseas

You may have the opportunity to drive while in your host country. ECU advises you to be extremely careful when driving in another country and would like to suggest that you;

• Check with the local authorities first before getting behind the wheel to ensure that you are eligible to drive in that country either on an Australian licence or with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Obtain a copy of the foreign country's rules and familiarise yourself with them before you begin driving in that country.
• Carry both your IDP and your Australian driver's license with you at all times.
• Practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive during peak times or on freeways as many countries drive on the opposite side of the road to Australia .
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Make sure you have full insurance when renting a car.
• Always know the route you will be travelling. Have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering your vehicle.

International Driving Permit

What is an international Driving Permit (IDP)?  

• IDPs are a special permit for tourists, authorised by a United Nations Treaty for the purpose of allowing motorists to drive internationally without further tests or applications provided their domestic driver's licence is valid
• It provides proof that you hold a valid driver's licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic drivers licence
• A valid IDP permits you to drive in most foreign countries in case of an emergency under normal IDP conditions.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries and is helpful for tourists who find themselves in need of identification or assistance.

IDPs are officially sanctioned by the United Nations and accepted worldwide (in over 150 countries) as a recognisable form of identification. Your IDP carries your identification details in nine languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, Swedish and French) in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities.

Even if you do not intend to drive when you travel overseas, you should always carry an International Driving Permit. In addition to simplifying identification requirements abroad, an IDP provides inexpensive additional security.

Where can I apply for an International Driving Permit?

In Australia , the Government appointed the Australian Automobile Association as the only authority to issue permits. As a member of the AAA, the RAC issues IDPs at RAC Branches throughout Western Australia .

IDPs are issued at all RAC Offices. All you need to do is take a copy of your current driver's licence into your local office with a passport size photograph and fill out an application form. Passport photographs are available from RAC Perth Office only.

For more information contact any one of the RAC branches or call 13 17 03 (press Option 4 for Travel & Touring).