An international driving permit allows tourists to drive freely in a foreign country. More than 150 countries accept international drivers licenses so that visitors can explore the land on their own terms and on their own time. Even though traffic is not any better in foreign countries and road rules differ from American rules, driving through another country can be an exhilarating experience.
Not all countries permit the use of international drivers licenses, however. One of those countries is China. China has strict rules on who is legally permitted to drive in the country and most tourists are not. However, while China does not accept an IDP in the mainland, tourists are permitted to drive in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau with an international driving permit.
Directions:Licensing requirements include a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test on the satisfactory operation of a motor vehicle.The knowledge test for your learner's permit is based on information contained in this driver’s manual. To pass the knowledge test, you must demonstrate a basic understanding of Wisconsin traffic laws. Wisconsin driving test score sheet. Knowledge tests administered at most Division of Motor Vehicles service centers are given on a computerized system.The Knowledge tests include 50 multiple choice questionsIf you answer at least 40 questions correctly from the sample tests provided here AND you have thoroughly read the 'Wisconsin Driver's Handbook' and 'All You Need to Know About Your Driver's License', you will be well prepared to take the knowledge test for your learner's permit.
Foreign Nationals Driving in the United States. People who drive in the U.S. Must have a valid driver's license. Some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, in addition to a valid license from your own country. Contact the motor vehicle department of each state you will drive in for its requirements.
This article will equip you with the knowledge of obtaining an international driving permit for use in approved Chinese regions as well as the procedures to follow if you want to drive in mainland China.
What is a Chinese International Driving Permit?
An international driving permit in China allows you to operate vehicle as a foreign visitor in Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau. Travelers often ask, “What is IDP and how does it allow me to drive in foreign country?”
Ultimately, an international drivers license is a translation of your state-issued U.S. drivers license. It does not grant you driving privileges but rather transfers the driving privileges you already earned in the US to another language (if necessary). It verifies your US driving license as valid and up to date.
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As mentioned above, China is not one of the international driving permit countries, at least not in its entirety. Your IDP is only valid in:
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Macau
If you wish to drive in mainland China, you will have to go through the process of acquiring a provisional driving license once you arrive in China.
When is an international drivers license necessary in China?
If you are planning to visit Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macau for less than 12 months and prefer to drive yourself around, you will need to apply for an international drivers license. A full or provisional Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macau license is only necessary for travelers who decide to or must stay in those areas for longer than 12 months.
If you are traveling to mainland China and wondering “do I need to get an international driver’s license?” the answer is no. Neither an international driving permit nor a U.S. drivers license will permit you to operate a vehicle in China. You will need to apply for a provisional drivers license at the airport or nearest police station.
You may also begin the process of obtaining a full Chinese driving license if you anticipate your stay to be longer than 12 months. Travelers seeking temporary Chinese licensure must first be approved for a visa of at least 180 days. This license cannot be renewed or extended under the same visa.
Driving in the USA with a foreign license is similar to China’s policy in that the United States prefers for its drivers to have valid US licenses. However, in the U.S., foreigners may drive with an international permit for three months before facing legal penalties.
How do I get a Chinese international driving permit?
A Chinese international driving permit can be easily obtained at an AAA office location. To get the AAA international drivers license, travelers must submit the application along with two 2×2 inch passport-acceptable photos and a form of payment that is not cash.
Another method of applying for the AAA international driving permit is by mail. With this method, you must send in the international drivers license application, photocopies of both sides your drivers license, two identical 2×2 inch photos and a check or money order.
How long do international driving permits last in China?
When travelers obtain international driving permits, they have a limited time to use them before they expire. These permits are valid for 12 months.
If a foreign traveler continues using his or her IDP in China after that 12 months, he or she will have to undergo the process of earning a driving license there. However, the processes may differ in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau as each location has different procedures.
Where can I get a Chinese international driving permit?
Currently, you can only acquire a Chinese international driving permit in person or by mail. Applicants are not permitted to submit an international drivers license online.
After submitting the appropriate documents, application and fees, however, applicants will receive their permit in the mail in no more than 10 business days after processing. These permits are not available at regular driving license office such as the DMV.
You might already be abroad in China and wondering where to get an international drivers license. In this case, you can mail your application, documents and payment to an AAA office in America. You can also expedite the process by paying extra fees.
Tips for Avoiding International Drivers License Fraud
There are many dishonest people and businesses offering fraudulent international drivers licenses. Travelers looking for information on how to get an international driver’s license should not seek answers from ads or any private companies.
The only two authorized private companies permitted to issue an international drivers license in the USA are the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. Anyone offering an international permit outside of these companies will only supply you with false information and fake documents.
These companies also ask you to pay a fee that is higher than the real AAA international drivers license fee. If you are caught by law enforcement with a fake international driving permit, you might face serious repercussions especially if you are using it as a drivers license or ID card.
Driving Rules in China
The driving rules in mainland China differ from those of the US and Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. In the mainland and in Taiwan, cars drive on the right-hand side but in Macau and Hong Kong cars are on the left-hand side.
Travelers with international drivers licenses must maintain constant vigilance when driving in foreign countries, especially China. Traffic in China is less organized and structured than in the U.S.: vehicles often drive through red lights without consequences, on opposite sides of the road into oncoming traffic, on sidewalks and in the middle of the road.
International Driver's License Online
Last updated on Friday, May 3 2019.
You must obtain an international driver’s license for Italy if you plan to explore the country on your own by car. Also known as the international driving permit, this document allows you to drive in Italy. It works hand in hand with your U.S. license and makes it easier for foreign officials to interpret your credential. However, it is not a valid license to use in your state. Obtaining the IDP requires documentation and the completion of a few steps. While it is recommended that you purchase the IDP before your trip, you can also submit the application while overseas.
With so many fraudulent sites on the internet, it is important to know that there are only two agencies in the US that issue the IDP in Italy: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Association (AATA). For details on how to obtain the permit, read the following sections.
What is an IDP?
When visiting a foreign country, you must often obtain an international driver’s license to operate a vehicle. In Italy, the rules are no different. An IDP is an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license that you must obtain before traveling to the country. It translates pertinent information relating to your identity and driving rights.
Despite popular belief, the permit is not valid by itself. You must always have it on hand along with your U.S. driver’s license. If you drive with one and not the other, you may face consequences for violating Italy’s driving laws.
When do I need an international driver’s license in Italy?
If you plan to drive in Italy, you must obtain an AATA or AAA international driver’s license. Without it, you do not have the proper credentials to operate a vehicle in the country.
The permit is valid for one year and is nonrenewable. This means that once the permit expires, you must submit a new application. Visitors with a long-term stay in Italy will have to get the Italian license.
How to Get an International Driver’s License in Italy
To get an international driving permit for an upcoming trip to Italy, you must first be eligible. The agencies only issue IDPs to applicants who are older than 17 years of age with a valid U.S. license. The information on your U.S. license is the same that will be included in the permit. The next step is collecting important documents. You will need to present the following:
- Two recent passport
- Photocopy of both sides of your U.S. driver’s license
- Completed application
- Payment
You cannot submit an application for an international drivers license online. You must visit an agency’s office in person or mail it in. Moreover, in addition to the $20 international driver’s license fee, some shipping fees may also apply.
How long does an Italian International Driving Permit last?
The AATA or AAA international driving permit is valid for one year and is tied to your license. It is non-renewable, which means that if your permit expires while you are abroad, you must submit another application.
U.S. citizens who plan to remain in Italy for an extended period of time will eventually have to obtain the Italian driver’s license. The Ministry of Transportation in Italy does not waive the skills and road tests for U.S. driver’s license holders. As such, you must complete a series of tests at the local driver’s license office in Italy to obtain a license.
Where to Get an International Driver’s License in Italy
If you are already abroad, you can still obtain an international driver’s license in the USA. You must gather documents such as recent passport photos and a photocopy of your license. You must also complete the international driver’s license application form, which can be found on the AAA or AATA’s website.
Once you fill out the form, you must include your payment and mail the envelope overseas to one of two agencies. It is important to keep in mind that if you are submitting the application to the AAA, you must use FedEx. However, with the AATA, you may use DHL’s international express service. It may take up to one month and half to receive the IDP.
Tips for Avoiding International Driver’s License Fraud
The AAA and AATA are the only agencies that can issue international driving permits. Websites and companies who claim to offer this service are fraudulent. They often charge up to $400 for fake documents to get access to your sensitive information. Fraudulent websites often claim that you can use the international driver’s license to drive in the U.S., which is false.
To drive in the U.S., you must obtain a driver’s license from your state of residence. If you are the victim of an IDP scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately to file a report.
Driving Rules in Italy
International Driving License Egypt
In international driving permit countries like Italy, it is important to understand the traffic laws. The first thing to keep in mind is that most vehicles use a stick shift. Automatic vehicles are harder to come by and generally, more expensive. Aside from that, there are traffic rules to take note of before getting on the roads.
Some areas of a city, known as ZTL driving zones, require specific permits to drive through. There are signs to designate where the boundaries of the restricted zones are. If you do drive in the ZTL zone, an officer will not stop you. Instead, without an appropriate permit, motorists will receive a fine within a year of the violation.
When it comes to speed limits, they are generally listed on the roadways. There are automatic traffic control cameras that monitor your speed on certain highways. If you exceed the limits, you will receive a traffic ticket. Other rules to keep in mind include:
- Motorists must drive on the right side of the road.
- Motorists may not turn right during a red light.
- Motorists and their passengers must always keep their seatbelts on while in the vehicle.
![Getting international driving license in china Getting international driving license in china](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124869084/567677052.jpg)
Last updated on Friday, May 3 2019.