Different countries have different identification regulations when it comes to driving a vehicle. For the most part, on short vacations a regular driver’s license works well for vehicle rental, however what most people forget is your regular old driver’s license is theoretically only valid in a given country for three months.
In the new year, Joey and I will be traveling to Europe for 10 months. We have a general idea of what countries we plan on visiting and for what length of time, but our plans are not set in stone. We like the idea of having the flexibility to come and go as we please, change our plans if we really like a certain country and to venture off somewhere unexpected at the last minute.
Because of our extended plans and having our own vehicle licensed and insured in the Netherlands we figure it will be smart to each get our International Driving Permit.
An International Driving Permit, or IDP for short, is an identity document that allows the holder to drive a private motorized vehicle. This highly recognized document functions in conjunction with your valid driver’s license. They allow motorists to drive in over 150 countries worldwide without additional tests or applications. In some countries simply having a valid driver’s license is not enough, you need to have further proof, from a competent authority, that you are fit to drive a motorized vehicle.
Looking to get an IDP? Applying for your own International Driving Permit is simple. In Canada, it can be done by mail or in person via the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
When Joey and I applied we simply went into a local CAA and they were able to issue us our permits in under an hour. It was absolutely flawless. If you don’t have a CAA store in your hometown you can also mail all the requested documentation and within 1-2 weeks you will have your IDP.
As handy as International Driving Permits are, these documents do have some important limitations worth noting.
Depending on who you talk to, everyone will have a different opinion on the matter. Sure, Joey and I may not run into trouble on the road and hence never need to show our IDP, but having this permit should something go wrong would cover all our bases. It will give us some peace of mind driving our own wheels in a strange country. Not only that but, it also has our driver’s license terms translated into various languages making it handy in countries when English is not often used.
Stay safe while on the road in a strange country. The last thing you want to be dealing with on vacation is a police officer who may or may not be having a good day!
Trying out Stream2Sea's reef-safe sunscreen, lip balm and neck buff in the middle of a Canadian winter.
Canada is home to some of the most pristine and untouched underwater environments on the planet and with that in mind here is a sneak peek at underwater Canada in stunning photographs.
Spending the day walking the streets of Barcelona offers the perfect opportunity to see, feel and learn the local history and architecture in a single day.
Did you know southern France has free roaming Barbary Macaques? Meet, touch and learn all about this endangered species at the Forêt des Singes in Rocamadour.
Famed for its caves, Slovenia's Karst region has some of the most unique underground systems in all of the Balkan countries. Join us as we venture into the heart of the Skocjanske James UNESCO cave.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, who wants to avoid the crowds while traveling in Portugal, head to the Arrábida region of this country and try coasteering, an extreme sport that combines swimming, climbing, and cliff jumping.
Trying to windsurf for the first time is no easy feat but a good place to start is on Spain's Mar Menor a sheltered lagoon well-known for watersports.
Visiting Croatia's beautiful city of Dubrovnik and exploring the Game of Thrones filming locations around old town.
Use this list during your vacation to take yourself to the top 5 most important sites on Zakynthos island!
Take to the water and sail around Santorini, one of Greece's most beautiful volcanic islands.
PIN ME FOR LATER
RECENT POSTS
CONNECT WITH US
CATEGORIES
Gear
Extreme
Activity
Accommodations
Camping
Hiking
Scuba Diving
Shopping
Sightseeing
Animals
Art and Culture
Food and Beverage
Science
Historic Sites
News
TransportationDESTINATIONS
