International Driving Permit

In News

  • Recently, The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification for greater facilitation of citizens in the issue of International Driving Permit (IDP) across the country.

About International Driving Permit

  • It is an international travel document, regulated by the United Nations, which allows a person to drive in a foreign country
  • According to the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention) ,a country is required to issue IDP ,for the acceptance of the same on reciprocal basis with other countries.
  • The validity of this permit is for one year and the applicants are required to get the licence from the country visiting within one year period.
  • Status In India : India is a signatory to Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention), 
    • Currently, the format, size, pattern, colour etc. of the IDP being issued was differing across States in India. 
    • Due to this, many citizens were facing difficulties with their respective IDP in foreign countries.
    • Now, through the amendment, the format, size, colour etc. for IDP has been standardised across India, and in adherence to the Geneva Convention. 
      • A comparison of vehicle categories across various Conventions and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 has also been added for facilitation of regulatory authorities. 

Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention)

  • It  is an international treaty promoting the development and safety of international road traffic by establishing certain uniform rules among the contracting parties
  • It was prepared and opened for signature by the United Nations Conference on Road and Motor Transport held at Geneva from 23 August to 19 September 1949. It came into force on 26 March 1952.
  • The convention addresses minimum mechanical and safety equipment needed to be on board and defines an identification mark to identify the origin of the vehicle.

Source:PIB