Pakistani travelers now have an easier way to drive abroad, thanks to the newly issued International Driving License (IDL) that’s accepted in 132 countries. This license facilitates driving internationally without needing additional permits, enhancing convenience for tourists, business travelers, and those eager to explore other cultures independently.
Below is a breakdown of the countries accepting Pakistan’s IDL by continent.
Countries Accepting Pakistan’s International Driving License (IDL)
North America
- Countries: United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica
Europe
- Countries: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Finland, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia
Asia
- Countries: Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, Mongolia, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, India, Bhutan
Africa
- Countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Sudan
South America
- Countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru
Australia & Pacific Islands
- Countries: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu, Palau, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands
How to Get an International Driving License in Pakistan
Getting an International Driving License involves a straightforward process with specific documents and steps, outlined below:
Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Submit an attested copy.
- Passport-size Photos: Two attested photographs.
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC): Three copies.
- National Driving License: One copy.
- Additional Documents: Applicants over 50 years old may require a medical certificate and a blood group report, especially for applications through the Motorway Police.
Application Steps
- Visit the Driving License Authority
- Token & Data Entry: Obtain a token and complete data entry at the relevant office.
- Eye Check-Up: Complete a vision test to ensure you meet eyesight requirements.
- Verification: Provide biometric details and a live photo for identity verification.
- Tests
- Traffic Signs Test: Applicants must pass a traffic signs test and may also need to complete a scenario-based test (especially in Islamabad) to show road sign knowledge.
- Driving Test: Complete a supervised practical driving test in a personal vehicle or one provided by the office to demonstrate driving skills.
Processing Time
Upon successful completion of these steps, the International Driving License is typically issued within one week, allowing for quick and easy access for international travel.
The IDL represents a significant stride in making travel more accessible for Pakistanis, facilitating smoother journeys for both leisure and business across borders.
