One point that often raises a lot of questions among tourists who have never rented a car abroad is precisely the type of license required to travel safely on international roads, without running the risk of irregularities with documentation and the like.
For this, we have the International Driving Permit (IDP), which has established some very important common rules on the subject of driving. It guarantees that the driver is driving properly and following the laws of foreign traffic.
So, to make it easier for you to adapt and understand how to drive around the world, we've put together a few topics to explain how the PID works and what you need to do to get it. Stay with us and find out more!
What is the International Driving Permit?
The International Driving Permit is like an international driver's license, an international CNH (National Driver's License). In general, it serves as a driver's license in another language.
In this sense, the PID contains your native CNH data, with all the specifications, such as special needs, restrictions on the types of vehicles to be driven, among others. Despite the existence of this permit, it is still essential that you have your original driver's license in your country of origin. In other words, it is essential to have both your national and international license.
However, remember that the registration that will legitimize and declare your driving status is your original driver's license issued by the authorities in your country, the PID serves as a translation of all your data, in case the competent authorities need to confirm any of them.
In addition, this document is only valid for countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention, which is an agreement between several countries that establishes various rules, including permission to drive.
How to get your PID?
Applying for your PID is very simple. First you need to go to a DETRAN office or go online and pay a service fee. Once you've paid, you'll only need two documents to complete the process:
- The original driver's license;
- Proof of payment of the PID fee.
The officers will then check your full driving status and, if everything is correct, release your driving permit.
One detail is that the DETRAN you need to apply to must be the same as the state in which your CNH was issued. If you no longer live in the same state, you will need to apply for a transfer in order to submit the documentation.
If there are any restrictions, revocations or if your license is old by permit standards, you will have to regularize your situation in order to obtain the permit.
How much is the PID?
The value of the permit varies according to the Detran in each state. As such, there is no fixed figure, but it can range from R$78.00 to R$544.95.
How long does it take to apply for a PID?
The time it takes to get the permit is very quick, about 3 working days after paying the fee, if picked up in person. For those who wish to receive it at home, the time can be up to 14 working days.
What are the restrictions on the international driving license?
The main restriction is that the PID must only be used for tourist purposes. This means that you are not allowed to carry out any tasks for profit involving the rental vehicle. Otherwise, you could face penalties from the country you are in.
There are also examples of more radical countries, such as Japan, which is not a signatory to the Vienna Convention. By doing so, it exempts itself from the responsibilities adopted by the other countries that have signed it.
Foreigners are not allowed to drive there, not even those with an International Driving Permit! The country has its own peculiarities, a signaling system that is not up to international standards.
To drive in Japan and the other non-signatory countries, you need different permits, all of which are determined specifically by them. Germany is an example of this: although it accepts your driver's license for a short period of time, in order to get a longer permit, you must comply with the country's regulations.
Finally, the most important tip is that it's always worth finding out about the laws of your destination country when preparing for your trip, so you can avoid headaches and restrictions that could limit your plans. Planning is also a fundamental process, especially when it comes to getting your IDP.
Here, on the Happy Tours blog, you'll find out everything you need to know so that you don't have any unpleasant surprises on your trip. Oh, and now that you know about the PID, check out what you need to rent a car abroad.
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