Countries Requiring International Driving Permit

Prior to 1949, the amount of travel abroad was limited mainly to those men and women serving in the Military. After the completion of World War II, the world saw a huge influx of people traversing the oceans and vast lands to foreign continents, especially Europe. It quickly became evident that in order to keep the roadways as safe as possible, a massive effort was needed to ensure that those behind the wheel were qualified to drive. In September, 1949, the United Nations presented the first Road Traffic Act for countries requiring international driving permit documentation. By establishing this decree, motorists were able to comfortably travel between nations, with a document that could be read and understood by anyone in the world. Nearly 180 countries signed the finalized Act in 1969 and now require foreign visitors to hold a valid license prior to hitting the road. An international drivers permit from the International Automobile Association is translated into eight different languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, German and Japanese. The first six are commonly known as the official languages of the United Nations.

International Drivers Permit Preparation

Although packing your suitcase is an important detail that shouldn't be overlooked, visitors to foreign lands should take some time to learn about the culture and language of the country they are traveling to. An international drivers permit is a great start and can help you out in difficult situations with law enforcement officials. Why not take your preparation a step further?

Learning a few conversational phrases in the native language can be invaluable to successfully navigating your trip. Many bookstores feature tapes or booklets which highlight useful and informative key phrases that may be encountered. For example, if you plan to drive across the Swiss Alps, you may want to learn how to ask for assistance with a flat tire or snow chains in French. If taking in the bountiful cherry blossoms during a Japanese spring is more your style, consider learning how to say the various types of trees or parks you wish to visit in the native tongue. You will find that in many countries requiring international driving permit cards, these extra measures will be greatly appreciated by the locals.