International Driving Permits/Licences

[SYD]

That’s a shame. Maybe they will in the future as it has saved me from purchasing an IDP lately.

Quite! That would overcome my chief complaint that Oz issued IDPs are only valid for 12mths and not the life of the DL.

 

[GDS]

Go karts in Japan when driving on rad require it

 

[vetrade]

Heading to the Swiss Alps and Dolomites in Italy in a few months time and an IDL is apparently a definite requirement. Driving in multiple European countries in the past, my Vic Licence has always sufficed. Obviously you just need to check reuirements for whichever country you go to.

 

[Oscarq]

Agree with you @vetrade, Italy is one country that requires IDL by law. Car rental Sicily in 2023 required we carry IDL in case we are pulled over by the police. Never required in English speaking countries.

 

[SYD]

Heading to the Swiss Alps and Dolomites in Italy in a few months time and an IDL is apparently a definite requirement. Driving in multiple European countries in the past, my Vic Licence has always sufficed. Obviously you just need to check reuirements for whichever country you go to.

Yes, your VIC DL is fine to rent a car. But as @Oscarq says, you need an IDP if you’re pulled over by the Police in non English speaking countries.

 

[Hvr]

Go karts in Japan when driving on rad require it

You mean these things? They look incredibly dangerous. I wonder if TI covers you for any injuries whilst driving them.

 

[VPS]

Just looking at some prices in this article. Germany 16.30 euros and lasts for three years. Canada 1 year and C$31 and USA 1 year and US$20

Australians are being ripped off

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/08/20/whine-wednesday-procuring-international-driving-permit-for-renting-vehicles-abroad/?omhide=true

 

[Jacques Vert]

Just looking at some prices in this article. Germany 16.30 euros and lasts for three years. Canada 1 year and C$31 and USA 1 year and US$20

Australians are being ripped off

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/08/20/whine-wednesday-procuring-international-driving-permit-for-renting-vehicles-abroad/?omhide=true

Can we Australians use a IDP issued in Germany? Would be nice if we could.

 

[DC3]

Definitely needed in Japan.

Same experience here. No IDP = no car.

 

[VPS]

Can we Australians use a IDP issued in Germany? Would be nice if we could.

I was thinking I might try it next time I'm there

 

[RB001]

I was thinking I might try it next time I'm there

Hopefully your German driver's licence is up-to-date...

"An IDP must be issued in the same country where the traveler’s domestic driver’s license was issued."

Frequently Asked Questions - International Driving Permit

Learn some key facts and the most frequently asked questions about the International Driving Permit/ International Driving License here.

internationaldrivingpermit.org

 

[Jacques Vert]

Hopefully your German driver's licence is up-to-date...

"An IDP must be issued in the same country where the traveler’s domestic driver’s license was issued."

Bummer

 

[SYD]

Bummer

But is it cheaper to get a German DL and then a 3 yr IDP compared to a Oz issued IDP for $53 pa?

 

[VPS]

But is it cheaper to get a German DL and then a 3 yr IDP compared to a Oz issued IDP for $53 pa?

let me know when you find out

 

[SYD]

let me know when you find out

Apparently a 15yr German DL costs over €1,500….

 

[VPS]

Apparently a 15yr German DL costs over €1,500….

Holy Moly - you'd want the IDP to be cheap then

 

[clifford]

Apparently a 15yr German DL costs over €1,500….

Somehow, that doesn't sound quite right to me. A 10 year DL in the ACT costs nothing to me. Just a slight difference. I know that Germany can be expensive, but I'm having a problem with this.

 

[SYD]

Somehow, that doesn't sound quite right to me. A 10 year DL in the ACT costs nothing to me. Just a slight difference. I know that Germany can be expensive, but I'm having a problem with this.

If first starting out, it can actually be upwards of €5000…

Is driving becoming a luxury in Germany? – DW – 04/28/2025

For many young people in Germany, getting a driver's license has become almost unaffordable. Calls for reform are growing louder, but will it be enough?

www.dw.com

Converting a foreign DL might be much less but still looks like a complete PITA (and no change from several hundred Euros)…

How to trade your foreign driver licence for a German one

This is you can exchange a driving licence from another country for a German one.

allaboutberlin.com

I’ll just pay Services NSW / NRMA for an IDP…

 

[Cossie]

A German driving license is quite an involved process, and expensive...

This is for an expat wanting a German license.

Driving licence in Germany for foreigners

Get essential guidance on acquiring a German driving license for foreigners, including the process, requirements, and practical tips.

www.expatrio.com

You must do a first aid course as well. Germans would laugh at what is required to get a license in the A.C.T.
I followed a car here recently with an L plate sitting in the right hand lane of a road with 2 lanes each way, for quite a distance. If the person "teaching" them can't get them to keep left, what hope is there that they will become decent drivers.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just looking at some prices in this article. Germany 16.30 euros and lasts for three years. Canada 1 year and C$31 and USA 1 year and US$20

Australians are being ripped off

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/08/20/whine-wednesday-procuring-international-driving-permit-for-renting-vehicles-abroad/?omhide=true

The reason it is one year is because of international treaties. Basically, most countries have signed and ratified the Geneva Convention on Road Motoring which provides member countries with the ability to issue IDPs that last up to one year. Other countries most notably those in Europe have ratified the newer Vienna Convention on Road Motoring which allows them to issue IDPs that last for 3 years.

So if you want a 3 year IDP get your government to ratify the Vienna Convention, as simple as that. Now yes they have to do things behind the scenes to comply with the convention particularly around how driver’s licenses are classed and road signage but it’s not a big deal, at least for Australia since you don’t use a lot of nonstandard road signs like we do in North America (e.g., speed limit sign).

Then again, with my experience interfacing with motorists in Australia I suspect many of them don’t even follow the Geneva Conventions when driving!

-RooFlyer88