The International Driving License (IDL) is the most practical and empowering piece of paperwork that Pakistanis may carry for ease of travel, education, or work outside their own country. This is not only convenient, it is your legal means of going on driving business in over 132 countries abroad.
Whether you are contemplating a long vehicle trip to Europe, a tour of the lovely highways of one of the countries of Southeast Asia, or a residence in one of the Arabian countries for business reasons, the IDL will allow you to travel with complete confidence and without fear of breaking the law.
Why You Need An International Driving License
The International Driving License is an official translation of your Pakistani driving license into various languages and is recognized by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. It certifies that you are a licensed driver of an automobile in Pakistan, and it likewise entitles you to hire and drive automobiles in foreign countries without further driving tests.
This is a document every traveler, student, and professional should have, one that facilitates the mobility of persons in breakdowns where local transportation is expensive and limited. Even more important, to the traveler, businessman, and student, it will save him trouble and danger of offending the laws of countries where he may otherwise be driving without proper authority.
Where Pakistani Can Drive?
With an IDL issued from Pakistan, you can be legal in those countries which are:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman.
- U.K., France, Italy, Spain and Germany.
- Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
- USA, Canada and Australia (subject to local regulations)
Validity period varies in various countries, but in most instances, the IDL is valid for upto one year from the date of issue.
How to Obtain an IDL from Pakistan
It is a simple job to get International Driving License which may be obtained in person or Online in some areas, as follows.
Go to the nearest Traffic Police Licensing Centre. In the metro cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad a separate counter has been assigned for IDL license applications.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Original & Copy of own Pakistani Driving License
- Copy of CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Copy of your Passport & Valid Visa (if needed)
- Two or three passport-sized Photographs.
- Pay the prescribed Processing Fee – the charges vary slightly in the Provinces.
- Submit your case for movement & after processing, which takes some days to complete.
- Get your International Driving License – it is generally valid for one year and is renewed on expiry.
In some Provinces, portals are available which allow partial or full submission of the application, thus making it available much quicker.
Advantages of having an IDL
- Worldwide acceptability: it is recognized in over 130 countries of the World.
- Convenience: Doing away with public transport.
- Safe: Assurance that legal driving has been done abroad.
- Flexibility: Ideal for business trips.
