Difference between International Driving license and permit?

Question

I am a citizen of Azerbaijan, working in Canada with 1 year contract. According to Canadian regulations, you can drive in Canada for 1 year, if you have an international driving permit. My license does not seem to be international. My questions are: Is there any difference between International driving license and driving permit? If I get my license tranlated through IDL web services in USA, will it be acceptible in Canada? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hello!

The 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) is a special licence for tourists, authorised by a UN treaty among nations of the world, for the purpose of allowing motorists to drive vehicles in international traffic without further tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's licence issued by a competent authority in their country of residence.

It provides the holder with an extra photo ID. Provides translation of your valid Canadian Drivers licence since the IDP is printed in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Scandinavian and Portuguese.) Most Car Rental agencies will request an IDP even though one is not required to drive in their country.

An IDP is valid only for one year from date of issue. Each time a new IDP is required, the applicant must complete a new application form.

In Canada, the organization that issues these permits is the Canadian Automobile Association, and you can check the apllication form here http://www.caa.ca/english/travel/documentation/idp-app.shtml

The only thing is that you should request this IDP in your own country, because the IDP is not valid at the country where it is issued, so in this case if you would get your IDP in Canada, it would not be valid to drive in Canada.

I recommend you to take a look at the website http://www.caa.ca and contact them to explain them your situation, I am sure they could guide you.

I deserve my 10 points!

Answer 2

Just to add to the above post. You can get an IDP in the US for use in Canada.