An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid driver licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic driver licence. It is a very useful travel document and is required or recommended for many countries when hiring a motor vehicle.
Please be advised that the following conditions apply for Australian drivers. Last updated 28 May 2008 and subject to change without notice.
It is compulsory to possess an IDP for the following countries: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, France (some suppliers), Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thiland, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Vanuatu & United Arab Emirates.
It is recommended to possess an IDP for the following countries: Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France (some suppliers), Gozo, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela & Zimbabwe.
For non-English drivers licence holders, an international drivers licence is required for all countries worldwide.
IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs and the cost to obtain one ranges from about AUD25 to AUD50.
Shown below are the relevant IDP authority in your state:
New South Wales/ACT - NRMA
www.mynrma.com.au then click on “Travel.”
Queensland - RACQ Ltd. (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited)
www.racq.com.au
Victoria – RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria)
www.journeys.racv.com.au
South Australia – RAA (Royal Automobile Association of South Australia, Inc)
www.raa.com.au then click on “Travel.”
Western Australia – RAC (Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (Incorporated)
www.rac.com.au
Tasmania – RACT (Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited)
www.ract.com.au then click on “Travel.”
Northern Territory – AANT (Automobile Association of Northern Territory Inc)
www.aant.com.au then click on “Travelling Overseas.”