If you’re in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, an IDP can help as it is automatically translated into 10 languages: English, Spanish, Russian, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian and Swedish.

As well as being a requirement for driving in some countries, you may also need it to rent a car too.But some nations who have not signed up to this still honour the IDP. International Driving Permits are recognized in around 150 countries which are part of the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic Act. What is an International Driving Permit?Īn International Driving Permit is a legal document that allows you to drive abroad, when presented alongside a valid Canadian driver's licence. This guide will help you find which countries you need an IDP for, and where and how you can attain one. International Driving Permits (or ‘IDPs’) are accepted alongside a valid Canadian driver's licence in well over 100 countries, and failing to produce one when required can result in a substantial fine.įor example, you’ll need an International Driving Permit in India, and an International Driving Permit in Japan, as well as many European destinations. If you’re travelling abroad and plan to drive in that country, International Driving Permits are often recommended and sometimes legally required.