Get International Driving Permit In Canada
When moving or traveling overseas, it's a good idea to get an international driver's permit. Know how to get one before you leave.
If you're moving to another country or even traveling overseas to scope out the prospects of a move, it's a good idea to carry an international driving permit (IDP) even if you don't think you'll need to drive. It provides an extra piece of photo ID and you never know when you might need to rent a car.
According to the American Automotive Association (AAA), this card is recognized by over 150 countries and is a special license for tourists authorized by a UN treaty to allow motorists to drive vehicles in international traffic without any tests or applications. It's proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's license issued by their country of residence.
Along with a photo ID, the international driving permit provides a translation of your valid driver's license and 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.
For more information or to apply for an IDP, contact your local AAA office (USA) or the CAA (Canada). Note that if you hold a Canadian or American driver's license, you're allowed to drive in North America, including Mexico. However, even though you can use your current license south of the border, it's a good idea to have an IDP as it's translated into Spanish and local authorities recognize it as a valid document.
Once you've made a permanent move, you'll need to investigate how to obtain a license for your new home country and the international driver's permit can give you the needed time to practice driving in your new space. Before you leave, check with the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be moving to learn about requirements for driver's license, road permits, and auto insurance. You should also learn the rules of the road for that particular country and keep in mind that road conditions and road safety varies. Find out about road signs and the laws and penalties associated with a traffic violation. Know all the rules before you step behind the wheel.
Tips for Driving In a Foreign Country
- Obtain an international driver's permit (IDP) from your local automobile association
- Carry both your IDP and your state driver's license with you at all times
- As many countries have different driving rules, obtain a copy of the foreign country’s rules before you begin driving in that country.
- Information may be available from the foreign embassy in the United States, foreign government tourism offices or from a car rental company in the foreign country.
- Check the minimum and maximum age that you're allowed to drive.
- Check road permits and speed limits and other rules that you may need to know to use the local highways and streets.
- Always 'buckle up.' Most countries have penalties for people who violate this law and it will keep you safe.
- Many countries require you to honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
- Find out who has the right of way in a traffic circle and if you're not used to driving in traffic circles, make sure you're careful and understand how to properly navigate them.
- If you rent a car, make sure you have liability insurance.
- If the drivers in the country you are visiting or moving to drive on the opposite side of the road, it may be prudent to practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive during heavy traffic.
- Always know the route you will be traveling. Have a copy of a good road map or GPS system, and chart your course before beginning.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
Americans looking to visit their Canadian neighbors in the North may be interested in obtaining an international driver’s license before embarking on their trip. While not always mandatory, a translation of a U.S. driver’s license to French can be useful when travelling through Canada.
Norton internet security 2011 crack 88 years young. Valid licenses from foreign countries are typically accepted in Canada for a short time. Even Americans driving in Canada after an extended period of time will be required to attain an international driver’s license from the USA.
What is a Canadian International Driving Permit?
An international driving permit translates your state-issued driver’s license for officials from foreign countries to interpret. These permits translate government-issued licenses into 10 different languages. When you go to drive in Canada, your license will be translated to be readable in English and French.
An international permit is not a substitute for a valid license, nor can it be used in place of a suspended or revoked license. If you are wondering, “what is an IDP used for”, they can be utilized when you are required to prove your identity or your authorization to drive without any further tests or applications.
When do I need an international driver’s license in Canada?
All drivers from foreign countries are required to obtain an international driver’s license before driving a car or renting a vehicle while visiting Canada. Drivers from America have the benefit of driving in Canada with just a valid U.S license if they remain in the country for less than 90 days. Any tourists or visitors who stay in Canada for longer than 90 days may be required to get an AATA or AAA International Driving Permit to avoid potential fines.
How to Get an International Driver’s License for Canada
Motorists in the United States can request an International Driving Permit from two different authorized agencies. The only approved distributors are the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Applications can be mailed to either organization for processing, or they can be submitted in person at an AAA brand office. In order to be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver’s license. The following items are required to complete a request:
- A completed international driver’s license application from AATA or AAA.
- Two original passport photos.
- They can be taken at AAA brand offices for in-person applications.
- Photos must be signed on the back for mailed applications.
- A valid U.S. driver’s license.
- A photocopy of both sides is required for mailed applications.
- Payment for the AATA or AAA International Driver’s License Fee.
Note: If you are a Canadian driver applying for an International Driving Permit, you must contact your local driver’s license office and ask about the application procedure. This procedure only applies to U.S. drivers requesting an International Permit to drive in Canada.
How long do International Driving Permits last in Canada?
Whenever a Canadian IDP is issued, it will be valid for one full year from the date of application. Furthermore, permits must be utilized within six months of the application date. This means that you must apply for your International Driving Permit within six months of your trip.
Permits will also remain valid along with your current driver’s license. If your driver’s license expires, your permit will also no longer be usable. Permits are nonrenewable, so new applications must be submitted for each request.
Note: Anyone who becomes a permanent resident in Canada will need to abide by the local driver’s licensing laws. International permits are only intended for temporary visitors and tourists.
Where to Get an International Driver’s License in Canada
If you already have a valid U.S. driver’s license, you can request an International Driving Permit in person or by mail. Furthermore, if you happen to be out of the United States, you can submit a request to either the AATA or AAA by mail.
This is the only application method for Americans who are already in Canada, but need an IDP because they will be in the country for over 90 days. Currently, there is no option of applying for an international driver’s license online.
Tips for Avoiding International Driving Permit Fraud
Due to the immense number of travelers requesting international driving permits, there have been numerous organizations that have started selling fake permits. In the United States, the only agencies that are authorized to issue these permits are the AATA and AAA. Be cautious with individuals or companies that try to sell these permits online on their websites or through unsolicited emails.
In any case, be mindful that International Driving Permits cannot be purchased online. Fake permits are typically useless and can cost victims a lot of money. Always ensure that the agencies have the proper authorization to distribute travel documents.
Driving Rules in Canada
Although an international driver’s license may be required, the driving laws in Canada are very similar to those of the United States. Vehicles still drive on the right-hand side of the road, but speed limits are posted in metric units.
Additionally, you may notice that road signs are in English, French or both in certain provinces in Canada. Signs in Quebec may only be displayed in French, so be prepared if you plan on visiting the province. Some other unique driving rules in Canada include:
- Car seat requirements for children under 40 lbs.
- Smoking in cars where minors are present is prohibited.
- Cell phones must be used in hands-free mode while driving.
- In Montreal, right-hand turns are not permitted during red lights.
Driving in the Winter
Get International Driving Permit In Canada
Driving a car through a Canadian winter can be incredibly challenging, even if you are an experienced driver. Make sure to check the weather conditions before traveling and prepare for the possibility of heavy snow, black ice, and white-out conditions.
Have a fully charged cell phone and emergency contact numbers available for easy calling. Pack a small travel kit with items such as blankets, flashlights, ice scrapers and kitty litter if you ever need tire traction. Sometimes, the safest option may be avoiding driving until a winter storm passes.