International Driving Permit Gibraltar
The city of Gibraltar lies to the west of the rock. Due to its proximity to Spain, Gibraltar can usually be easily reached by bus or even on foot from the mainland, and the port serves as a stop for cruise ships. For a small country of only 4 square kilometers, Gibraltar certainly has more than a large portion of tourist attractions. Get ready for your trip here then, and as it’s a small country, you save time by driving around. But there are some requirements to rent and drive a car in Gibraltar.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
Why do people carry International Driving Permits?
You can use an International driving permit (IDP) in 150 countries and include your name, photo, driving details, and contact details. Using the program, it can read identification details in 10 languages; this will speak English when the other language is not spoken. The majority of nations recommend International Driving Licenses. The US government has no way to permit IDPs when using them on US roads or other routes with a license. An IDP accompanying a statewide driver’s license is limited to the United States. Many countries require the use of IDPs for driving. A driver who doesn’t have the IDP may be fined very high. Get a copy of your destination requirements.
Applying for an IDP
Apply for an international driving permit online or by phone on our website easily and quickly. The application form can be completed in 20 minutes; you will need your domestic driver’s license, passport-sized photographs, and ID to verify your driver information.
Benefits of IDPs
It proves that you can legally drive vehicles on international roads. In many countries, non-resident drivers require a global license to operate legally. If you don’t have it and you’re caught by law enforcement, you risk being fined very much. IDP will ensure that you have a driver’s license in your country.
It can also be used as a verification of identity. IDP can also replace a valid ID card. It is translated into many languages and can be understood by transportation authorities to use as an alien ID card. IDPs allow police to collect data and send it on the go quickly. This is especially useful in emergencies and car accidents.
You cannot rent a car without a valid IDL in some countries. Most major car rental companies require car rental companies to present a valid international driver’s license. This also applies to countries where the law does not require this document of foreign drivers. Insurance companies demand internally displaced persons to provide insurance to drivers working abroad.
Driving requirements in Gibraltar
All tourists must have a valid driver’s license to drive legally in Gibraltar or any other foreign country. The UK will leave the European Union altogether in 2020, so you may need to secure an IDP even if you are from a European Union member state. This means that a native driver’s license is not recognized in Gibraltar, primarily if it is not written in Roman letters.
To drive in Gibraltar, you need a 1968 IDP. Always be careful. If you plan to go to Gibraltar and pass through other countries, you need to find out what type of IDP is recognized in those countries.
If you are 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you are eligible to apply for a Gibraltar International Driver’s License. Younger driving ages, such as 16 and 17, are allowed in some countries, but you cannot get an IDP if you are under 18.
For tourists, the requirements for an international driver’s license are a valid domestic driver’s license and passport photo. Please note that you will be asked to upload a scanned copy of these documents for review.
Another common follow-up question is whether foreigners must enroll in a driving school in Gibraltar. Tourists do not need to register in a Gibraltar driving school to drive legally. However, if you are not accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, it is highly recommended that you take a driving lesson in Gibraltar. Another good alternative is to practice at a driving range in Gibraltar before hitting a big road.
Exchange your foreign license
Individuals wishing to apply must stay in Gibraltar for a waiting period of 185 days (6 months) and be legal residents of Gibraltar. You may need a medical examination before applying to exchange your license.
If you have an EU/EEA driving license and live in Gibraltar, you can exchange it anytime, but you do not need to exchange it for a Gibraltar driving license.
Car rental in Gibraltar
Although it is a small country, many car rental companies exist in and around this area. Outside of Gibraltar, there are also many car rental companies near the border with Spain.
Most of these companies welcome online bookings in advance, which is highly recommended to save time and money. Try some car rental companies: Autos Aguirre Rent a Car, Gib Rental Car, Hertz, etc.
To rent a car in Gibraltar, you must show a valid and international driver’s license from your country of residence. Also, some car rental companies only allow drivers to be hired if they have at least one year of driving experience and a good driving record, and you may be asked to provide proof or a driving history record.
All roads in Gibraltar are well paved, so you don’t have to hire a car because of the rugged terrain. Many vehicles are available to travel around Gibraltar, including sedans, minis, and passenger cars, and SUVs and other luxury cars can also be rented if desired. Before you get out on the road, you must ensure that the vehicle you rented is in good condition.
The minimum age to rent a car in Gibraltar is 21 years. However, drivers under 25 will have to pay an additional fee. If you are under 25, you must have a driver’s license for at least three years. That means that if you are 23, you must have a driver’s license when you are 19 or younger.
The cost of car insurance depends on your age, the type of car you want to rent, the years you have driven, and your driving history. For short-term rentals, you only pay the daily fee.
Road rules in Gibraltar
Gibraltar can be accessed by public car. Driving through Gibraltar street is a pleasure in its own right, and it also requires issuing an id in a foreign state such as Gibraltar, which includes another important road rule.
Drink driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs reduces mental and physical performance. This means the inability to think, react quickly, stay focused, and maintain mental and physical coordination. These can cause catastrophic incidents for you and other road users. Driving with alcohol is strictly prohibited, and the permissible value is 35 micrograms per 100 ml of breath.
Parking
Being a relatively small country, it implements universal speed limits in all regions and has certain limitations on some road sections. If there are no signs of a speed limit, you should maintain a speed limit of 30-80 km / h.
Overtaking
If you want to overtake the vehicle in front of you, you must be careful and swift. Before moving to the left:
- Ensure no road obstacles (such as oncoming vehicles) are ahead. If you get out of the lane, you’ll quickly pass the car in front of you, but don’t forget to let us know that you want to overtake.
- Do not overtake other vehicles at corners, road corners, or intersections.
- Avoid overtaking when driving roundabouts and uphill / downhill.
Driving side
Gibraltar people drive on the right side of the road, and it will be difficult for those accustomed to driving on the left side. Some streets in Gibraltar have sharp curves, even in downhill areas and roads leading to hill/rock peaks. Tourists accustomed to driving on the left side of the road are advised to take a driving lesson first to practice their reflexes. You do not need to take a regular driving lesson schedule, which usually lasts 3-9 days.
Traffic signs
Gibraltar road signs are printed in British English. Similarly, the shapes and symbols used in traffic signs follow universal standards. This means that the sign is rectangular, the regulatory sign is circular, and the warning sign is triangular. The signpost will let you know about the location, and these will tell you where you are and if you are on the right track. Signs are often found at intersections and street corners.
Road conditions
We would appreciate it if you could know that all the roads in Gibraltar are paved. However, with occasional potholes, the government is actively renewing roads to maintain safe road conditions in the country.
Due to the size of the country, the roads in Gibraltar are narrow and, unfortunately, cause traffic congestion. Even in the center of the city, the streets are primarily steep. To counter this, the government’s traffic management department has introduced a one-way system that decentralizes significant intersections.
Other tips
If your car breaks down while driving across the country, you first need to see if you can pull the vehicle to the side of the road. If there is a road triangle, place it at a distance in front of and behind the car to let other drivers know that you are in an emergency. Then contact the car rental company.
If your car breaks down because you were involved in an accident while driving in Gibraltar, don’t panic. First, check for other hazards such as fire, loose electrical cables, smoke, etc., in the event of an accident. If you find a potential danger, leave the vehicle immediately.
Also, check if other road users were involved in the accident. If you need help in an emergency, you can dial 112.
You need to make sure your car and you are in top condition. Yes, for yourself, you need to make sure that you have enough physical ability to drive. If you are drowsy, take medications, including those prescribed, or have unusual sensations in your body, you should rest well before driving.
Moreover, in contrast to the usual rainy summers and dry winters, Gibraltar has the opposite experience. Therefore, pack the appropriate clothes before heading to Gibraltar, depending on your preferred travel time.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Gibraltar
How can you describe Gibraltar? Because structure, economics, and cultural history revolve around that rock. If you plan to travel soon, make sure you get a driver’s license from Gibraltar and decide which one you would like to explore first.
Gibraltar Skywalk
Gibraltar Skywalk provides 360-degree views of the Mediterranean from 340m above sea level. The building is made from steel and glass, framed by a wall covering the outside walkway. If you do not fear heights, the skywalk makes you feel like you are hovering in midair with some extra drops under the sole. The Gibraltar Skywalk is open between 8 am and 8 pm. If you plan on walking through skywalks during lunchtime, you’ll need an umbrella because the structure has no shade as the glass is made up. Gibraltar’s skywalk is found at St Michael Road, and the fastest way to the region is through Queen’s Way Road.
Europa Point
Europa Point was the southernmost Point in Gibraltar. It’s possible to find many unique spots within Point, including the Trinity Lighthouse. Tell me the story of the ships that crossed the seas between 1850 and 1760 in the Strait of Gibraltar. This is an exciting place. Other sites in the region include Harding’s artillery batteries, the highest in a minorly-Muslim nation, and the Memorial of Sikorski. Europa Point is located on Levanter Road, an angled road slightly opposite the European advance. If we drive directly to and from the airport, we’ll only be around 13 minutes away via Sir Herbert Miles Way.
The Moorish Castle
Castle tower has existed since 1515. Besides the present structure, an ancient building is believed to have been built in the eighteenth century. Upon visiting the castle, you can wander across different internal passageways and chambers, bathrooms, and outdoor terraces to experience how life in the medieval period was. The route will be along the castle access road right at the base road to get to Moorish Castle. The nearest town is 4.6 kilometers away, so the most accessible route will take around 13 minutes to reach the destination. The palace can be visited daily between 9:00 and 6:00.
The Great Siege Tunnels
The history of Gibraltar has been dominated by savage attacks and invasions, primarily by the Rock of Gibraltar. From 1450 to 1850, Gibraltar suffered 14 massive sieges. The first successful siege effort had been successfully counteracted at the Great Siege tunnel. During the Second World War, the Tunnels were expanded to 114 meters and are now available all the length. Inside are the original cannon batteries and artilleries commissioned for the siege. The entrance to the Siege Tunnels is accessible through Willis’route. Tunnel tours are available from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Catalan Bay
There are few trips into the Mediterranean without beaches! Catalan Bay has the second largest beach in Gibraltar, situated on the east coast, and has an Alboran coastline. Coastal beaches offer white and gray sand suitable for relaxing. It is possible to get to Catalan Bay from Sir Herbert Miles Road via Catalan Bay Road. The beach is only a six-minute drive away from the airport, and the most efficient route is via Devil Tower Road. Keep an eye on this route as Devils Tower Road has an extremely high number of over-speeding cars traveling.
Michael’s Cave
St. Michael Cave is a great place to explore and visit a dazzling cave. Caves have no professional spelunkers since the chambers can be walked easily. One (1) section in this room is even being converted into underground arenas that can seat up to 4000! St. Michael’s Cave lies near the entrance to St. Michael’s Road. It’s around 6.1km from the airport, Gibraltar, and it takes only 15 minutes to get into the cave. The cave is open daily between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. It would be best to visit early since there are so many caves!
FAQs
Is a Gibraltar driving license a UK license?
EU/EEA licenses Gibraltar formally left the OECD on 31 January 2020; however, the UK is treated as a member of the EU.
Can I drive in Spain with a Gibraltar license?
British and Gibraltar driver licenses cannot be exchanged in Spain for anyone who has long lived in Spain and has not exchanged their driving license before 2020.
Is a UK driving license valid in Gibraltar?
Several changes occurred during the eve of the Brexit transition period, mainly regarding driving license contracts. However, a driver’s license issued in Britain can be used in Gibraltar, and you may also need to get a foreign driver’s license. The driving licenses of EEA members are not required for driving outside Gibraltar.
Can I get an International Driving Permit in Gibraltar?
Driving licenses are required at all post offices in Gibraltar for those holding the Gibraltar Driving License. IDPs can provide temporary accommodation in Gibraltar by contacting your local government.
How do I apply for an International driving permit for Gibraltar?
You can apply for an international permit online via our website. All you will be required to show is your national driving license, passport-sized photographs, and identification in any form.
How long would I have to wait to receive my IDP?
The application process would take around 20 minutes to fill out a valid form. Then, you will receive your digital copy of IDP via the email you provided, and a printed version will arrive 2-30 days to your postal address after your request.