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Study Abroad

Studying Abroad? Check If You Need an IDP

Every year, millions of students drive internationally during study abroad programs. Make sure you're legal.

🎓 Study Abroad IDP Checker

Popular Destinations

Top Study Abroad Destinations

Where an IDP is required, where it is required only in certain cases, and where you do not need one at all.

🇯🇵

Japan

IDP Required

A favourite for weekend trips out of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto — every rental desk checks your documents before handing over the keys.

🇦🇺

Australia

Required if your overseas licence is not in English

Coastal road trips are a fixture of an Australian exchange, and rental desks check documents at pickup.

🇹🇭

Thailand

IDP Required

Island-hopping students hire cars and motorbikes constantly, and roadside document checks are routine.

🇮🇹

Italy

IDP Recommended

Tuscany and the Amalfi coast are the classic exchange-semester road trips.

🇪🇸

Spain

Required if your licence is not written in Spanish

Students exploring beyond Barcelona and Madrid almost always hire a car at some point.

🇰🇷

South Korea

IDP Required

Popular for weekend trips outside Seoul, where rental desks check documents at pickup.

Why It Matters

Why Students Need an IDP

Driving abroad as a student comes with unique situations where an IDP is essential.

Rental Cars for Weekend Trips

Studying abroad means exploring. Rental companies at airports and city desks require an IDP before handing over keys, even for short weekend getaways.

👮

Police Checkpoints During Road Trips

Many countries have routine police checkpoints on highways and rural roads. Without an IDP, you risk fines, vehicle impoundment, or being turned back.

📋

Insurance Requirements

Car rental insurance policies often require a valid IDP. Without one, your insurance may be void in the event of an accident, leaving you personally liable.

If you're studying abroad and plan to rent a car for weekend trips, an IDP is often required at the rental counter alongside your national licence — check your destination before you travel.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, if you plan to drive or rent a car while studying abroad. Most countries require or recommend an IDP for foreign drivers, regardless of whether you are a student or tourist. The IDP translates your home licence into multiple languages and is recognized in 150+ countries.
How long before my departure should I apply?
A printed booklet has two waits that run back to back: we dispatch within 1–2 working days, and the tracked parcel then typically arrives 7–15 working days after dispatch, depending on destination and customs clearance. Both are estimates rather than guarantees — see our shipping policy — so apply as soon as your study abroad program is confirmed rather than counting back from your departure date. Digital delivery is 1–2 business days as standard, or as fast as 2 hours with the express option (+$10).
Which IDP package is best for a semester abroad?
For a semester exchange or summer program, the Digital package (from $29) or the most popular Printed + Digital package (from $49) is ideal. For full degree programs or gap years spanning multiple years, the 3-Year Pass ($89) offers the best value at about $29.67 per year.
Can I renew my IDP while abroad?
Yes. You can renew your IDP entirely online from anywhere in the world. Standard digital delivery takes 1–2 business days and the express option (+$10) can be as fast as 2 hours, so you can renew even while already overseas. Printed booklets can be shipped to your international address by tracked post.

Get Your Student IDP — From $29

Apply online in under 5 minutes. Digital in 1–2 business days (express as fast as 2 hours), printed booklet by tracked post.

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International Driving Permit — Digital in 1–2 business days · Express within 2 hours
Apply Now — From $29 →