If you ask me, I love travelling by public transport. Budget-friendly means that allows a peek into the local culture, livelihood and places. But it means travelling within a timeline and the inability to stop at random spots for a quick visual capture. Pretty much all travellers these days prefer riding or driving to booking a Uber or Grab when tripping abroad. Here’s where International Driving Permit or IDP comes in handy. Although carrying an Indian driving licence (DL) suffices in quite a few countries, however, there are few that requires an IDP along with the DL. As we started chalking our Thailand plan, we realized that International Driving Permit or IDP is mandatory to ride or drive in Thailand. Many may disagree, stating you have ridden without an IDP. Won’t deny because so have we BUT if you are caught without an IDP, you will end up paying a hefty fine.

 

This is how to apply for International Driving Permit or IDP in India.

 

Through the Parivahan Website

While I would have loved to share how it’s done through https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/ this is still a mystery to me. After a point it just asks you to confirm your DL details!

 

Through The Nearest RTO (that’s how we did)

Go to the RTO and check at the counter. Usually at the counter they will give you an estimate of 3-4 working days and suggest it can be issued earlier but they need to speak to higher-ups.

But we didn’t want to take that risk since our trip is just two days away. So we approached one of the license brokers camping right outside the entrance of the RTO.

P.S. – We applied through Regional Transport Office Borivali (our pin code falls under their jurisdiction)

And this broker was by far charged the most reasonable amount. Before approaching him, we had checked with several others who quoted as high as INR 5,000.

 

Things to Remember Before Applying for International Driving Permit (IDP)

1. Individual applying for IDP must be 18 years of age
2. You have to be an Indian citizen with an Indian DL
3. Both your two-wheeler and four-wheeler license should be issued under one license. For e.g., the two-wheeler license is issued in Maharashtra and four-wheeler license is issued in Goa.
4. If you are applying over the counter then keep a good 10-14 days in hand (you never know when your application is rejected and you have to reapply).
5. Has a valid Indian Driving License and not a Learner’s license because the latter isn’t accepted.
6. Has a valid passport with minimum six of  validity remaining from the date of travel
7. Has Proof of Citizenship like Aadhar Card
8. Has Proof of Address like Aadhar Card or documents like ration card, electricity bill, or telephone bill.
9. Confirmed Travel Plans like the copy of air tickets and also visa in case it is applicable. For e.g. countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines are visa-free. In these cases visa is not required.

 

Documents Required to Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP) in India

• Filled Form 4A (download form 4A from Parivahan website and print it.
• 2 passport size photos
• Copy of Passport (carry original too for verification)
• Copy of Pan Card (carry original too for verification)
• Copy of Aadhar Card carry original too for verification)
• Copy of Flight Tickets
• Copy of Driving License (carry original too for verification)
• Visa (if applicable)
• Medical Certificate (this was completed by the broker since RTO required in a particular format and may even reject other formats) to be issued by list of doctors approved by the RTO. The list is available on the site. In some cases, a medical fitness certificate (Form 1A) may be required.

 

How long does IDP take in India

It takes 3-4 working days or business days through official route or else you may also receive in a day.

 

How much does International Driving Permit or IDP Cost?

The actual fee of IDP in case you are getting it issued by RTO is INR 1,000

 

Amount We Paid

We paid INR 2,500 to the broker which is inclusive of IDP fees, medical certificate and his own commission.

In case you require the broker’s contact you can drop message or an email and ai will share it with you.

P.S. – This is for the RTO office at Borivali, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

Validity of International Driving Permit or IDP

IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

 

There are however 21 countries where Indian Driving License (IDL) is valid. But, despite the validity it’s always the safest option to apply for an IDP.

Chartering through hidden alleys and unknown roads, sitting at random nameless cafes, stopping to capture extraordinary vistas of shifting landscapes is my way of exploring a country. But I am allowed this freedom to explore without inhibitions only through driving a car or riding and would have it no other way. Booking a Uber or Grab is definitely convenient but to bathe in the culture of a place one must be able to soak in every molecule of the local element. But the Indian Driving License isn’t valid in all the countries, which is why applying for an IDP is the best possible option!