International Driver's License in United Kingdom

International Driver's License In UK

Apply Now For Your International Driver's License In The United Kingdom

The best way to experience a country’s local flavors and sights is by opting for a road trip rather than taking the conventional route of tour buses and public transportation. However, there’s a difference between going on a road trip in your home country and going on a road trip in a foreign land. One of the most important documents you’ll require to embark on your road trip across a new country or city is an International Driver’s License (IDL). Just like you need a valid Driver’s License in the United Kingdom (UK), you would need an International Driving License to be able to lawfully drive on foreign soil.

International Driver’s License is an official legal document that authorizes someone to drive a car or two-wheeler outside of UK. If you already have a valid driver’s license, acquiring an IDL won’t take you more than 4 to 5 business days.

The International Driving License is nothing but an official translation of your government issued driver's license into eight languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Russian, French, Arabic and Chinese) to make it easy for authorities abroad to understand.

Significance of an International Driving License:

Having an international driver’s license would mean you can drive on foreign roads legally and not get into trouble with foreign authorities, which most probably is the last thing you would want to happen.

You can easily rent a car in a new city/country, which is not just a means to commute, but also a means to explore a new place in a way that lets you connect with locals and allows you to wander around non-touristy paths. An IDL ensures you have the freedom to do so at peace.

Discover the benefits of owning an International Driving License:

  1. Rent a car (reputable car rental agencies require this document) and drive on foreign roads
  2. Use it as an identity proof while traveling abroad
  3. Experience driving in one or more countries across the world
  4. You won’t be asked to give any separate driving tests abroad
  5. You will need your IDL to be able to benefit from your insurer, in case there’s an accident.

Procedure on how to apply for International Drivers’ License Online:

You can submit the application online, and here the steps for that:

  1. You will have to visit the official website https://www.idlorder.com/ 
  2. Download the application form, fill in the driving (domestic) license number, date of birth, and submit the request.
  3. All the necessary information is to be filled by you as per the requirements and needs to be submitted together with uploading of the necessary documents, including your photo, signature and a copy of your native driver's license.
  4. For mail applications, download the application, fill it out completely and sign it.  Include your color photo, copy of your native driver's license and your payment.
  5. After the above step, the application number will be generated which you must take a print out of.
  6. Make the payment.
    1. You can pay online with your debit card or the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. 
    2. If you do not have a credit card or debit card, you may complete your payment through Western Union or Money Gram services or mail a money order.  Personal checks aren’t accepted.
    3. You can also make a payment by telephone, simply call IDL Worldwide at 732-851-3636.  You must have complete online application with an application ID number handy so representative can locate your application. Our office hours is Monday to Friday- 8:00 am till 4:00 pm EST, and we are closed on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.

It’s also advised that you purchase the IDL Protection Plan alongside the International Driver's License.  Your IDL can be replaced free of charge, in case it is lost or stolen or needs changes.

To sum everything up, you cannot drive in a country outside of the United Kingdom without a valid international driver’s license. This document is absolutely mandatory if you are behind the wheel. With an international driver’s license, you can rent/drive vehicles when you’re traveling overseas.

Keep in mind that IDL works in conjunction with your native driver's license, it does not replace it.