International Driving Permit for Singaporeans driving overseas
Planning to do a road trip for your next holiday? Woohoo, you must be so excited! Having the freedom to explore at your own pace, discovering new hotspots with your friends or family - what adventures lie ahead? 🚗 But before you hit the roads, did you know that you might require an International Driving Permit (IDP) when you’re driving in certain countries? If you’re unsure of how to apply for one or whether you even require one, read on to find out more!
What is an International Driving Permit?
If you’re going overseas and plan to drive, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) can minimise inconvenience for drivers in countries where English is not the first language and thus, not commonly spoken or understood. Think about the International Driving Permit as your passport of sorts when driving overseas.
Containing driving terms in various languages, the International Driving Permit eases communication with car rental companies and other authorities. The IDP is the only official legal document sanctioned by the UN Convention on Road Traffic.
Why do I need an International Driving Permit?
The IDP will come in handy in the following situations:
- Car rental
- Traffic violations
- Traffic accidents
- Motor insurance claims
- Verifying driver details with photo identification
What are the requirements to apply for an International Driving Permit?
- Applicants must have a valid Singapore driving licence
- Applicants must present BOTH a valid Singapore driving license and NRIC
- Applicants must apply for the IDP in the country that issued their driving license
Which countries require an International Driving Permit?
As a rule of thumb, most countries whose primary language is not English will require you to obtain an International Driving Permit on top of your Singapore Driving License. The International Driving Permit is recognised in these countries. Do note that China, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam DO NOT recognise the International Driving Permit.
Popular countries that require an additional International Driving Permit are:
- Taiwan
- Selected European Union Countries (eg. France, Italy, Spain)
If you have a valid Singapore Driving License, your license is recognised in selected countries and you will not be required to obtain an International Driving Permit. The countries that DO NOT require an additional International Driving Permit are:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
How to apply for International Driving Permit?
Applying online
You can choose to apply for the International Driving Permit online through the Automobile Association of Singapore website.
You will require the following:
- Passport-sized photo
- NRIC (front/back)
- Singapore driving license (front/back)
- Credit/debit card for online payment of application fee ($20)
Do note that there is a courier fee of $5.50 for online application. Processing and courier delivery takes 10 working days.
Walk-in application
You can also choose to head to the Automobile Association of Singapore counters where you can apply directly at the kiosks provided. The entire process will take you about 10-20 minutes (depending on the queue!).
Steps:
- Get a queue number
- Go to the kiosk and fill up your details for the application
- You can take your photo on the spot at the kiosk
- Remember to bring your IC and driving license
- Once you are done, wait for your number to be called and then you can verify and collect your International Driving Permit
- Application fee is $20
Locations:
AA Centre
- Address: 2 Kung Chong Road, #04-01, Singapore 159140
- Opening Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 6.45pm
AA @ GB Point
- Address: 535 Kallang Bahru, #01-08, Singapore 339351
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 11am to 7.30pm
AA @ Broadway Plaza
- Address: 4190 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #03-03, Singapore 569841
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 11am to 7.30pm
How long is my International Driving Permit valid for?
Your International Driving Permit is only valid for a year from the date issued. You will also need to have your Singapore driver’s license along with your IDP when driving overseas.
Renting a car overseas
Can’t do a road trip without a car, so get your car rental settled with Klook! Klook’s car rental service is serviced by top rated suppliers and familiar names for your peace of mind such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis. We also recommend adding on minimum basic protection insurance when you are booking car rental.
Your road trip awaits!
Now that you’ve got your IDP settled, here are some ideas for your next road trip:
Alternatively, if driving overseas is too much of a hassle, you can just opt for a private car charter! Car charters provide flexibility to travel at your own pace, as well as fuss-free convenience, especially if you are travelling with kids. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the driver take you to where you wanna go!
✈️ Travel Essentials for Your Next Holiday ✈️
Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
- Accommodation (Hotels, Villas, Resorts, and more)
- Transport Passes (Train passes like the JR Pass for Japan or Swiss Travel Pass for Switzerland, and more)
- Private Airport Transfers (Fuss-free travel between the airport to where you need to go)
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