Archive
By Valerie Frazee
Feb. 1, 1997
Globally relocated employees should be aware that different countries require different documentation and tests before they’ll be allowed to drive a motor vehicle in the host country. Fortunately, many countries accept the International Drivers Permit (IDP), which can be obtained in the States through the American Automobile Association (AAA). The following information, provided by New York City-based ECA Windham, outlines the specific requirements of eight common expat-destination countries.
United States: IDP and home-country national license needed; valid for one year; vision exam, written test and practical test required; apply at any motor vehicle office.
France: IDP or national license accepted; valid for one year; written exam, 20 hours of driving lessons and a practical test required; application available at nearest Préfecture.
United Kingdom: IDP or national license accepted; valid for one year; practical driving test required; application available at post offices.
Hong Kong: Neither IDP nor national license accepted; application available at the Transport Department.
Italy: IDP (with Italian translation) accepted; valid for one year; penal certificate of noncriminality and health certificate from family doctor required; free translations are available at any national motoring organization.
Japan: IDP accepted; valid national license, passport and photograph required to obtain a Japanese license.
Malaysia: IDP or national license accepted; valid for three months; no test required, but certificate is required by the expat’s embassy in Malaysia.
Mexico: IDP accepted until Mexican license is received; visa, signed statement of fitness and driving ability as well as local address required; applications for license are processed at Mexico City’s International Airport.
Workforce, February 1997, Vol. 76, No. 2, p. 19.
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