Driving License Translation – What you will need for driving around the world
When planning on driving in a foreign country, it is essential to know what the specific regulations are before you set off. It is important to be aware that not only do the requirements vary from country to country, countries will often have different requirements depending on the country the foreign driver is from, such as the need to hold a translation of your driving license, or hold an International Driving Permit (IDP).
In this article, we will go through the regulations of the countries most of our readers are from, namely France, the UK, the US and China, and the steps they would need to take in order to drive legally in those countries, such as the need for having their driving license translated.
If you are not from any of the countries listed below, or if you are, but are looking to drive in countries not covered in this article, you can go to https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/ to find out the specific requirements of every country around the world, and the documentation and translations you would need to provide.
DRIVING IN FRANCE
British citizens:
To drive in France, UK citizens must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving license, insurance and vehicle documents. A translation of the UK license, or an additional International Driving Permit (IDP) is not necessary.
American citizens:
American temporary visitors to France (less than 90 days) may drive with a valid US driver’s license during this period only. In addition to having their U.S. driver’s license, American visitors must carry an International Driving Permit or attach a certified French translation to their U.S. driver’s license. To find out how to have your driving license translated with us, check out our article here.
Chinese citizens:
For Chinese visitors coming to France for a short visit (less than 90 days), it is possible for them to use their Chinese license. It must be valid and accompanied by a certified translation into French or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
DRIVING IN THE UK
French citizens:
French citizens may drive in the UK using their French driving license, provided they also have an insurance ‘green card’, and other proof of insurance. No translation of their French license is necessary
American citizens:
In the UK, Americans can drive any type of small vehicle (for example cars or motorcycles) listed on their full and valid US license for 12 months from when they last entered Great Britain.
Chinese citizens:
In the UK, Chinese citizens can drive any type of small vehicle (for example cars or motorcycles) listed on their full and valid license for 12 months from when they last entered Great Britain. As Chinese driving licenses are already written in Chinese and English, there is no need for an official translation.
DRIVING IN THE US
French citizens:
French citizens need to have a full French driving license. In some states, they are also required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP – see section below).
British citizens:
British citizens need to have a full UK driving license. In some states, they are also required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Chinese citizens:
Chinese citizens can drive in most states using a Chinese driver’s license if visiting the U.S. for a short stay. As Chinese driving licenses are already written in Chinese and English, there is no need for an official translation. Also, in some states, Chinese citizens are also required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
DRIVING IN CHINA
British citizens:
British citizens cannot drive in China using a UK or international driver’s license, and they can only apply for a Chinese driver’s license if they have a resident’s permit in China
American citizens:
Americans cannot drive in China using a U.S. or international driver’s license, and they can only apply for a Chinese driver’s license if they have a resident’s permit in China
French citizens:
French citizens who have been in China for less than one year can obtain a temporary driving permit without a medical examination or test with a French driving license and a certified translation of their French license. Those residing in China longer than one year must follow the same route as for US and British citizens. For more information about driving in China if you are a French citizen, check out our article here.
International Driving Permit (IDP).
As mentioned above, you may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. This international driving permit is in addition to, and not a replacement of the driving license you obtained in your home country, and the permit you may need depends on which country you’re visiting and how long you are staying.
How to get your International Driving Permit (IDP).
French citizens:
Holders of a French driver’s permit may apply for an international permit online here. They will need a colour copy of both sides of a valid French licence, a colour copy of a valid photo ID (passport or Carte de Séjour), 2 recent photographs, proof of address (justificatif) such as a water or electricity bill, and an email address or a mobile phone number.
British citizens:
British citizens can get their International Driving Permit over the counter at the Post Office. They cost £5.50, and applicants must live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, have a full UK driving license, and be 18 or over. There are three different types of IDP (1926, 1949, and 1968), and the IDP you need depends on what country they are visiting. If British citizens are travelling through more than one country, they might need more than one type of IDP. Check the table here for the IDP required for each country around the world.
American citizens:
Chinese citizens:
The People’s Republic of China has not adopted any of the International Driving Permit conventions. As a result, China has no authority to issue an IDP to its license-holding citizens. It is possible that a certified translation of the Chinese driver’s license may be accepted in some countries, but the driver would need to check the specific rules of the country he wishes to drive in.
Beware of scams!
When browsing on the internet, you may have seen websites offering an International Driver’s License, however there is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ International Driver’s License.
When you travel internationally, you need to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and a valid driver’s license, both issued by your country of residence. So for example, if you are an Austrian citizen visiting in the US and holding a US driver’s license, you will need an American IDP.
The IDP must be accompanied by a valid driver’s license at all times – it has no value on its own and is not a substitute for a driver’s license.
In short, make sure you get your International Driving Permit from the official automobile association or club of your home country.
Contact us
For further information on this subject, or if you are looking for a translation of your driving license, shoot us an email today!
Have a safe trip!
