Preparing for a trip abroad can be a thrilling experience, but it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork to avoid any inconvenience during your journey. When it comes to driving in a foreign country, one of the most important documents you need to have is an International Driving License.
If you reside in Lahore and plan on driving overseas, it’s essential to understand the process of obtaining an International Driving License to make sure you’re legally covered while driving in a foreign land. Graana.com has prepared a comprehensive guide.
This guide will provide you with all the details on how to obtain your International Driving License, including the necessary documents, application process, and other important considerations.
An International Driving License (IDL), also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP), is an official document that translates your native driver’s license into several languages, making it easier for authorities in other countries to interpret your driving credentials. It is not a standalone document but complements your existing national driver’s licence.
Here is the list of Countries that Accept IDP:
Africa | Asia | Europe | North America | Oceania | South America |
Algeria | Afghanistan | Armenia | Canada | Australia | Argentina |
Angola | Bahrain | Belarus | United States | Fiji | Bolivia |
Benin | Bangladesh | Bosnia | Kiribati | Brazil | |
Botswana | Bhutan | Bulgaria | Chile | ||
Burkina Faso | Brunei | Croatia | Colombia | ||
Cape Verde | Hong Kong | Czech Republic | Ecuador | ||
Central African Republic | India | Estonia | Guyana | ||
Chad | Indonesia | Georgia | Paraguay | ||
Comoros | Iran | Hungary | Peru | ||
Congo (Democratic Republic of) | Iraq | Italy | Suriname | ||
Congo | Israel | Kazakhstan | Venezuela | ||
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | Japan | Kosovo | |||
Djibouti | Jordan | Latvia | |||
Equatorial Guinea | Kuwait | Lithuania | |||
Eritrea | Laos | Luxembourg | |||
Ethiopia | Lebanon | Macedonia | |||
Gabon | Macao (Macau) | Malta | |||
Gambia | Malaysia | Moldova | |||
Ghana | Maldives | Montenegro | |||
Guinea | Mongolia | Netherlands | |||
Guinea-Bissau | Myanmar (Burma) | Poland | |||
Kenya | Nepal | Portugal | |||
Lesotho | Oman | Romania | |||
Liberia | Pakistan | Russia | |||
Libya | Palestine | Serbia | |||
Madagascar | Philippines | Slovakia | |||
Malawi | Qatar | Slovenia | |||
Mali | Saudi Arabia | Spain | |||
Mauritania | Singapore | Sweden | |||
Mauritius | Sri Lanka | Switzerland | |||
Morocco | Syria | Turkey | |||
Mozambique | Taiwan | Ukraine | |||
Namibia | Thailand | United Kingdom (UK) | |||
Niger | Timor-Leste | ||||
Nigeria | Turkmenistan | ||||
Rwanda | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | ||||
Sao Tome and Principe | Uzbekistan | ||||
Senegal | Vietnam | ||||
Seychelles | Yemen | ||||
Sierra Leone | |||||
South Africa | |||||
Sudan | |||||
Swaziland | |||||
Tanzania | |||||
Togo | |||||
Uganda | |||||
Zambia | |||||
Zimbabwe |
Here is the list of Driving License Centres in Lahore:
Test Center | Licence Category | Test Day | Timing |
CTPL Smart Licensing 24/7 Center, Manawan | All categories | 7 days | 24 hours |
Arfa Karim Tower | Car, Motorcycle | Monday to Saturday | 8 am – 6 pm |
Driving License Center, Greater Iqbal Park | Car, Motorcycle | Monday to Saturday | 8 am – 6 pm |
Driving License Center, Bahria Town | Car, Motorcycle | Monday to Saturday | 8 am – 6 pm |
Women Licensing Center, Liberty, Gulberg | Car, Motorcycle | Monday to Saturday | 8 am – 6 pm |
94 K Block, Phase 1, DHA | Car, Motorcycle | Monday to Saturday | 8 am – 6 pm |
Here is the list of required documents for an international driving licence:
Instant Issue: You’ll get your International Driving License on the same day you apply for it.
Bring Originals: Don’t forget to bring your original CNIC, driver’s licence, and passport with you when you apply
Here are the fee details for the International Driving License;
This is a small fee of Rs. 66 that goes to the court to cover the legal processing of your application. It’s like a payment for the court’s time and effort in handling your paperwork.
This payment needs to be made through a bank challan for processing and administrative charges.
This ticket costs Rs. 60, and it covers various administrative fees related to the licensing process. It might include things like processing costs, record-keeping, or other services provided by the licensing authority.
The STR Form Fee of Rs. 180 is specifically for the Special Traffic Rules form. You’ll only need to pay this fee after you’ve successfully passed the required driving test. It likely helps fund traffic safety initiatives or related programs.
Your International Driving License will be processed and delivered within 5 working days after you submit your application.
You will receive your licence conveniently through courier once it’s ready.
Remember: You’ll need to pay these fees separately at the appropriate stages of the application process.
Here are FAQs on Getting an International Driving License in Lahore:
An IDP is a translation of your Pakistani driving licence into 12 internationally recognized languages, allowing you to drive legally in many foreign countries.
Not all countries require an IDP, but it’s highly recommended. Check the specific requirements of your destination country to be sure.
You can obtain your IDP at the Traffic Police Headquarters near Liberty Roundabout or at other branches like Gulberg Traffic Police Station.
The total cost is around Rs. 660, including the IDP fee, court fee, and bank challan fee (if applicable).
The process usually takes 5 working days after submitting your application and paying all fees.
No, currently, you need to apply in person at the Traffic Police Headquarters or designated branches.
No, you don’t need to take any additional driving tests for an IDP.
IDPs are typically valid for one year, but some countries may accept them for longer.
Yes, you can get an IDP for cars, motorcycles, or even commercial vehicles, depending on your Pakistani driving licence category.
You can renew your IDP at the Pakistani embassy or consulate in your destination country.
Yes, some countries may have specific restrictions on IDP usage, such as age requirements or vehicle limitations.
Yes, some countries accept Pakistani licences for short-term visits without needing an IDP. Check country-specific requirements.
Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate for assistance in replacing your lost IDP.
The Traffic Police website and official social media pages often provide updates and information on the IDP application process.
If you want to know more about the International Driving Licence in Islamabad, follow the Graana blog.
Kalabagh, a small yet historically significant town in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is located within the…
Nazimabad Number 2 is a well-known neighbourhood in Karachi, Pakistan, renowned for its vibrant community,…
Quetta Town is a residential neighbourhood located in the vibrant city of Karachi, Pakistan. Known…
Akbar Chowk in Lahore stands as one of the city’s most critical intersections, serving as…
Khuda Baksh Colony, located near Bhatta Chowk in Lahore, is a rapidly developing residential area…
Gol Market in Karachi is one of the city's most iconic and bustling commercial centres.…