Driving Abroad

It's not essential in every foreign country but as a general rule of thumb is if the country you're visiting's official language is different to the one your driver's licence is in then you should get one. The permit isn't a licence in itself, it's just proof you hold a valid drivers licence in your home country. It needs to be carried with your actual drivers licence.

You need to obtain the permit before you leave home. For Australian travellers visit DFAT's Smartraveller.gov.au International Driving Permits page to find out where to get a permit.