Are you planning your first foreign road trip? We know it sounds like an interesting adventure. After all, the idea of being able to stop anywhere, anytime and explore the destination at your own interest sounds attractive. But did you know that you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) while driving in a few cities? Here is what you must know.
- Why an IDP is required?
It is a popular fact that the Singapore red passport is the second most powerful passport in the world, with access to nearly 189 countries visa-free. Unfortunately, the Singapore driving license is not very powerful. Most of the time holding an International Driving Permit is suggested if you plan to drive in foreign countries. It is the only official legal document which is sanctioned by the UN Convention on Road Traffic.
As IDP consists of driving terms in different languages, it can help in minimizing the inconvenience for drivers in countries where English is not spoken commonly. It will prove useful for the following situations in an overseas country:
- Traffic violation
- Vehicle rental
- Motor insurance claims
- Traffic accidents
- Driver verification with photo identification
- Where is the International Driving Permit Needed?
You may be wondering if your travel destination needs you to hold an International Driving Permit for driving there, along with your Singapore driving license. As there is no exhaustive list of countries that identify the local license, it is safe to check with the nation’s embassy prior to travelling. It is an official travel document, identified in over 150 countries today. However, there are four countries where it is not recognized. These are Cambodia, China, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
Simply explained, tourists are forbidden to drive in the above nations. Therefore, you can dismiss that self-driven drama if you think of travelling to these countries.
- Any other things that one must know regarding driving in a foreign country?
The planning does not stop after settling the legal needs for foreign driving. Do research for checking the right driving laws for your road trip before you start. Understanding the rules of the road means you will be less likely to face problems and enjoy a smooth journey.
- Check your IDP’s validity
It is significant to note that the IDP is valid when accompanied by a valid driving license issued in the holder’s place of residence. Therefore, never leave home for your foreign road trip without the Singapore driving license. In addition, the IDP is only valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. It is not renewable, so you need to apply for it again when it gets expired.
- Left side driving vs right-side driving
In Singapore, people drive on the left side of the road. However, all the countries do not follow the same rule. Most of the countries that were earlier British colonies drive on the left side of the road like Singapore. This includes famous travel destinations like Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, and Malaysia. On the contrary, most of the European countries drive on the right side of the road except Ireland and the United Kingdom. You also must change your orientation to the other side of the road while driving in countries like Taiwan, United States, and South Korea.