When travelling abroad, having the proper driving documentation is essential for a smooth and hassle-free experience on the road. Whether you plan to rent a car, drive through scenic routes, or explore foreign cities, the proper documents ensure you comply with local laws and avoid legal complications.
Many travellers often confuse an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a translated licence, assuming they serve the same purpose. This misunderstanding can lead to difficulties with law enforcement or car rental agencies, which can ruin your trip.
This blog will clarify this confusion by explaining the key differences between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a translated licence. By understanding these distinctions, you can make informed decisions and ensure you have the correct documentation for driving legally and confidently in Australia.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) in Australia is an official translation of your valid Australian driver’s licence photo card into nine languages. It is issued by authorised bodies such as the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its state or territory motoring clubs (e.g., NRMA in NSW, RACV in Victoria, RAC WA in Western Australia).Â
The IDP is a United Nations-sanctioned document allowing Australian drivers to legally drive in over 150 countries without additional tests or assessments. It is valid for 12 months or until your Australian driver’s licence expires, whichever comes first.Â
You must carry your Australian driver’s licence and IDP when driving overseas. Many countries require the IDP alongside your domestic licence for legal driving or vehicle rental. The IDP helps foreign authorities understand your driving credentials by providing a standardised translation recognised internationally.
What is a Translated licence?
A translated licence, in contrast, is simply a direct translation of your Australian driver’s licence into another language, usually done by a certified translator or private agency. Unlike the IDP, a translated licence is not internationally standardised or officially recognised under international road traffic conventions. It may help foreign authorities or rental agencies understand your licence details but does not guarantee legal acceptance for driving abroad. Translated licences vary in format and acceptance depending on the country and issuing entity, and they do not replace the need for an IDP where one is required. Only the IDP issued by authorised bodies in Australia is accepted internationally as a valid driving document.Â
Let’s learn about the International Driving Permit vs Translated License Australia!
Key Differences Between an IDP and a Translated Licence
The key differences between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a translated licence are as follows:
Legal Recognition:
An IDP is a legally recognised document issued under international conventions (such as the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions) by authorised national automobile associations or government agencies. It is an official translation of your domestic driving licence into multiple languages and is accepted in over 150 countries. In contrast, a translated licence is often just a private or unofficial translation of your domestic licence, usually provided by private organisations, and lacks legal recognition abroad.
Purpose and Use:
The IDP supplements your original driver’s licence, allowing foreign authorities to understand your driving credentials easily and legally. In many countries, renting vehicles or driving legally is required or strongly recommended. A translated licence may help explain your licence to foreign officials but does not guarantee legal acceptance or the ability to drive legally in another country.
Issuance and Format:
IDPs are issued by authorised entities such as national governments or automobile associations and follow a standardised format with translations in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, and others. Translated licences vary widely in format and issuing authority and often lack standardisation.
Validity:
IDPs typically have a validity of one year from the date of issue or until the domestic licence expires, whichever is earlier. The validity of overseas licenses in Australia is not standardised and may not be accepted after a particular time or in certain jurisdictions.
Requirement:
Many countries require an IDP alongside your original licence to drive legally, especially if your domestic licence is not in a widely understood language. A translated licence may not fulfil this legal requirement, potentially leading to difficulties with law enforcement or car rental agencies.
When Should a Foreigner Use an IDP vs a Translated Licence?
Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) if:
- You are a foreign visitor driving in Australia whose overseas driver’s licence is not in English or does not meet Australian format standards. The IDP provides an official, multi-language translation of your licence, recognised by Australian authorities and car rental companies.
- You plan to rent a car in Australia, as many rental agencies require an IDP alongside your original licence.
- Your overseas licence is in a foreign language, and the vehicle type you are authorised to drive is not easily recognisable.
- You want to avoid legal issues or misunderstandings with police or transport authorities since the IDP is the only internationally accepted translation issued by authorised bodies in your home country.
- You are visiting Australia short-term (usually up to 3 months) and want to drive legally without converting your licence immediately. After the grace period or if your stay extends 6 months, you will have to convert your IDP into a local one. So, learn and understand how to convert your International Driving Licence in Australia to drive legally!
Use a Translated Licence if:
- Your overseas licence is not in English, and you are staying in Australia for the long term and need to convert your licence to an Australian one. Some states require an official English translation by a NAATI-accredited translator or an official consulate translation as part of the conversion process.
- You are a permanent resident or long-term visa holder who must transfer your overseas licence to an Australian state licence after the allowed visitor driving period (usually 3 months).
- You want to comply with specific state or territory requirements where an official translation is accepted instead of or alongside an IDP during licence conversion.
How to Obtain Each Document?
Driving in Australia with an International Driving Permit: How to Obtain?
- Eligibility: You must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence (full or provisional, not learner or interim) and be over 18 years old.
Where to Apply:
- Online via authorised bodies such as the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) or state motoring clubs like NRMA (NSW), RACV (Victoria), RAC WA (Western Australia), etc.
- In-person at motoring club offices, Service NSW centres, or RAC member service centres, depending on your state or territory.
IDP Application Process in Australia:
- A clear scan or photo of both sides of your Australian driver’s licence.
- A recent passport-sized photo (usually taken within the last 6-12 months).
- Payment of the application fee (around AUD 51, subject to change).
Processing Time:
- Online applications typically take 3 to 5 business days for delivery.
- In-person applications can often be processed instantly or on the same day.
P.S.:
- The IDP is valid for 12 months or until your Australian licence expires, whichever comes first.
- Always carry your original Australian driver’s licence and IDP when driving overseas.
- Only apply through authorised bodies to avoid counterfeit permits.
Driving in Australia with a Translated Foreign License: How to Obtain?
- When Needed: This is usually required if you are a foreign resident converting your overseas licence to an Australian licence or if Australian transport authorities request a certified translation.
How to Get It:
- Engage a NAATI-accredited translator or a certified translation service to translate your overseas driver’s licence into English.
- Some consulates or embassies may also provide official translations.
Use:
- You must submit the translated licence as part of your application to convert your overseas licence to an Australian state or territory licence.
- It is not a standalone document for driving but supports legal compliance during license transfer.
Common Misconceptions of Australian Requirements for Overseas Drivers: IDP and License Translation
Misconception 1: You must always have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Australia. Visitors can drive on their valid overseas licence for up to 3 to 6 months (depending on the state or territory).
Misconception 2: A translated licence alone allows you to drive legally in Australia. It must be an official translation by a NAATI-accredited translator or embassy-certified to be accepted alongside your original license if it is not in English. Therefore, always choose NAATI-certified Driver License Translation Services.
Misconception 3: Overseas visitors can drive indefinitely on their foreign licence. While some Australian states and territories allow visitors to drive on their overseas licence indefinitely if it is current, others, like New South Wales and Victoria, limit this period to 6 months, and the Northern Territory to 3 months.
Driving Regulations for International Drivers in Australia
- Overseas visitors can drive in Australia indefinitely on their valid foreign licence in most states, except Northern Territory (3 months), New South Wales, and Victoria (6 months).
- If the overseas licence is not in English, drivers must carry an IDP or an official English translation alongside the original licence.
- Visitors must only drive vehicles with their overseas licence authorised and follow all local road rules and licence conditions.
- In most states, permanent residents must convert their overseas licence to an Australian one within 3 months of residency.
- Some countries have recognition agreements allowing licence conversion without tests; others require knowledge and practical tests.
- Each state and territory manages its rules, so checking local requirements before driving is essential.
- Carrying the overseas licence and IDP or translation is mandatory when driving in Australia if the licence is not in English.
Conclusion
In summary, an International Driving Permit is an officially recognised, standardised translation of your domestic licence that allows or permits you to drive legally in foreign countries. In contrast, a translated licence is an unofficial translation that may not be legally accepted or sufficient for driving abroad.
