Driving by country
An International Driving Permit is not a licence. It is a translation of your Australian one, it is only valid alongside it, and in some countries it is mandatory while in others it is ignored entirely. It costs about $45 from your state auto club and takes minutes to get, but only before you leave: no Australian IDP can be issued from overseas.
Driving in 36 destinations
How these comparisons are made
Licence and permit rules come from the destination's road authority and the Australian motoring clubs that issue International Driving Permits, and each page states whether an IDP is legally required, required in practice by hire companies, or genuinely not needed - three different situations most sites blur into one. Read the full editorial policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Australians need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on the country, and the table above says which. Italy, Japan, Korea and Thailand all require one. New Zealand, the UK, the US and Singapore accept an Australian licence on its own for short visits.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit in Australia?
From your state auto club: NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT or AANT. It costs around $45, needs a passport photo and a valid full Australian licence, and it cannot be issued once you have left the country.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
Twelve months from the date of issue, and only while your Australian licence is also valid. It is not renewable from overseas.
What is actually worth booking.
New destination guides and side-by-side comparisons for Australian travellers - which eSIM, which travel card, which insurance is worth paying for, and what to sort before you go. Prices in Australian dollars, a few emails a year.