Do you need an International Driver's Licence in Europe?

Do you need an international driver's licence in Europe?

Yes, in most European countries Australian drivers are recommended to have an International Driving Permit, as well as a valid Australian licence (obviously). You don’t need one for the United Kingdom, but for the vast majority of Europe you should carry one with you if you intend to drive overseas.

What is an international driver's licence and how does it work?

An International Driving Permit is paperwork supplied by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) that provides multiple translations that confirm you have a driver’s licence in Australia. It’s needed in the event you are stopped by the police, are in an accident or need to rent a car.

The AAA International Driving Permit is translated into Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

How long have they been around?

International Driving Permits were an outcome of the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and have been used since.

Is an Australian driver's licence valid in Europe?

Yes, technically speaking your driver’s licence is valid and acknowledged by the local authority, but by having an International Driving Permit it makes it clear and easy for any foreign police officer or similar official to understand you are a qualified driver. 

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Do you need an international driver's licence everywhere in Europe?

As mentioned previously, you don’t need an International Driving Permit for the United Kingdom, but you do in most major European countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.

Who can get an international driver's licence?

Anyone with a valid Australian driver’s licence can apply for one before they head overseas.

How and where can you get an international driver's licence?

To apply for an international drivers licence you’ll need a recent passport style photo as well as a photograph of the front and back of your driver’s licence. You can apply directly through the AAA or your state’s automotive body, such as the NRMA in NSW, RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland, etc.

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How much does it cost?

Currently the cost of an International Driving Permit is $51 plus any postage. You can also apply in-person at an NRMA, RACV, etc branch to save on the postage fee.

How long does the process take?

There is an online form to complete that only takes a few minutes and then the AAA international driving permit is mailed to you within five business days. Or, as mentioned earlier, you can do it in-person and get it issued on the spot if you are under time pressure.

How long does an international driver's licence last?

Under the rules outlined in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic an International Driving Permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

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Where can you apply for an international driver's licence in each Australian state?

You can apply online directly through the Australian Automobile Association (www.aaa.asn.au) or you can go via your state’s motoring clubs, NRMA in NSW and the ACT, RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland, RAA in South Australia, RAC in Western Australia, RACT in Tasmania and the AANT in the Northern Territory.

Where can you find out more information about international driver's licences?

To learn everything you need to know about overseas licence requirements, check out the Australian Automobile Association website for full details as well as the application link.