International Driving Permit Jordan
Hidden between Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq, and Syria, lies the true hidden gem of the Middle East- Jordan. This ancient country offers tourists the perfect mix of the past and present, from sprawling desert landscapes to magnificent Roman ruins to cosmopolitan cities. In simpler words, it is a visitor’s paradise.
The true beauty of this place can only be explored through driving. So make sure you have your driving license ready for Jordan. Each place has its rules, and below, we shall discuss everything you need to know regarding International Driver’s Permit in Jordan.
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.
United Nations Agreement on Road Traffic
Jordan was a part of the united nations convention act of 1949 and was amongst those countries that had signed the agreement. The treaty was designed to enhance driver safety by introducing standard safety laws.
International Driving Permits work in conjunction with the United Nations agreement on road traffic and are only granted by authorized institutions of the United Nations. Over the years, there have been three international motor traffic conventions that have taken place in 1926(Paris), 1959(Geneva), and 1968(Vienna).
How does an IDP work in Jordan?
Jordan signed the United Nations Convention that took place in 1949, thus making it a legal requirement for visitors to have a valid IDP if they wish to drive or rent a car in the country.
How To Get An International Driving Permit In Jordan?
Getting an IDP is a very straightforward task. All you need to do is go through our website and follow a few simple steps. You will need to provide us with a photo of yourself and your driver’s license details.
Can you Drive using your Local Driver’s license in Jordan?
According to the International Driving Permit Organization, having an IDP is a requirement for driving in Jordan.
Although many tourists agree that they have never been asked for an IDP by car rental companies nor at police checkpoints, it is advisable to play it safe and get an IDP before you head to Jordan.
Benefits of carrying an IDP
Not only is it a requirement in Jordan, but an IDP also serves many other benefits when used for traveling in a foreign country. Explained below are some of the reasons:
Identification document
If you don’t have your passport or ID, an IDP can be a valid form of identification. Having an international driving permit can be pretty efficient in evading a confrontation with the local authorities in a foreign country.
Removes Language Barriers
Arabic is the official language spoken in Jordan, alongside English, which has been the country’s primary foreign language since 1946. IDPs remove the language barriers between you and the local law enforcement who might have difficulty communicating with you.
Keeping your IDP with you at all times can also help save a lot of time when stopping at checkpoints.
Requirement For Rental Companies
Despite it being a requirement in Jordan, some rental companies do not demand an IDP to rent a car. However, this doesn’t imply that you should not be carrying it with you.
If you carry an IDP, you will not be required to provide further identification documents. An IDP is still a must as an identification document even in countries where you can legally drive without it.
Driving Requirements for Non-Citizens in Jordan
How long is your International Driving Permit valid in Jordan?
An IDP, which acts as proof that you hold a valid driver’s license belonging to your country of residence, is valid for one year in Jordan.
Does your IDP replace your Native Driver’s license?
No, IDPs are not meant to replace your driver’s license, and an IDP serves to remove the language barriers by translating your license information for authorities to identify you. Carrying your IDP while driving will benefit you in proving your identity and making things more manageable for you when driving past checkpoints.
Renewing Your IDP
You can get a new IDP through our online services available on our website. It takes less than 20 minutes for your IDP to arrive in email, while the printed copy of your IDP is delivered within 2-30 working days, depending on the delivery method chosen.
When should you get a Jordan driving license?
If you are planning to stay and drive in Jordan for longer than 12 months, you should consider getting a Jordan driving license because your IDP and national driving license are only valid for 12 months.
Car rental in Jordan
Getting on a road trip is the best way to explore this enchanting country. Renting a car in Jordan is relatively simple for foreigners. Car rental companies require you to provide certain identification documents and have specific conditions for one to rent a car. All the requirements are mentioned below if you decide to rent a vehicle to explore while visiting Jordan.
Age Requisites
Even though the minimum driving age is 18, you must be over 25 to rent a car. You must provide your passport, a driving license belonging to your home country, and an IDP to serve as a translation of your driver’s license. You will also need a credit card on which the car’s deposit will be charged. In addition, a year of driving experience is required by rental companies.
Finding the best car rental companies
There are several car booking sites available in Jordan. Once you select your desired car, it will be waiting for you at the location on the chosen date and time.
Cost of Car Insurance
Ensuring you get car insurance when renting a car is highly recommended when planning a trip to another country. It might sound like an expensive thought, but rest assured, these costs are usually included in the car rental packages. The only thing to do is ensure that this cost is covered in your package provided by your desired car rental company. This will allow you to protect your finances in case a mishap happens.
Driving and Safety in Jordan
Recognizing your responsibility as a driver is not only a sensible thing to do, but it also ensures the safety of the people on the road.
Below are specific driving and safety measures you should remember before driving in Jordan.
Use of Mobile Phones while Driving
Using mobile phones while driving is strictly forbidden in Jordan or any part of the world, and this is one of the leading causes of accidents in the country and a massive sign of reckless driving. Paying attention on the road while driving is crucial, and you should avoid using your mobile phone at all costs. If you have an emergency, you should stop the car on the side of the road and make your call.
Keep your Document and Insurance Papers in Hand
Police stops are very common in Jordan. You must always have your driver’s license, international driving permit, car insurance, and car registration documents. The reason for this is to ensure that all drivers are following the rules and to establish safe driving for all.
Seat belt Laws
Like other countries, Jordan is very strict in its seat belt laws. Article 38 of the Traffic Law of 2008 in Jordan states that all front seat passengers must wear seatbelts while driving. In case of violation of this rule, drivers can be fined 15JD.
Speed Bumps
Jordan has a peculiar method of speed management in the form of surprise speed bumps. You can expect to find random speed bumps where you least expect them to be. Hence, make sure to drive according to speed limits since hitting bumps at high speed can be extremely dangerous and can cause damage to your rental car.
Drinking and Driving
Unlike other countries, Jordan has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. The allowed concentration limit of alcohol in the blood is 50mg or 0.05%, making it illegal to drink and drive at any location. Breaking this law means you might have to spend around one week to 3 months behind bars or might even have to pay a fine ranging from 50JD to 100JD.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are well written on signboards throughout the country. The speed limit on the highway is 120kph(75mph), 80kph(50mph) in rural areas, and 50kph(31mph) in towns and cities. Failing to adhere to these speed limits can result in on-the-spot fines.
Driving Regulations
Roads are generally in good condition, making car rides enjoyable. In Jordan, you drive on the right side of the road, which can be a little difficult for you if you are used to driving on the left side.
Navigation
Using some form of GPS navigation when driving in Jordan is highly recommended. In addition, make sure to have an offline GPS in case of traveling in areas with no coverage. You can download map sections on Google Maps beforehand or use free offline map apps such as OSMAnd (Android / iOS). GPS in Jordan works perfectly well and is reliable.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Jordan
Jordan is your destination if you wish to have an excellent introduction to the Middle East. Safe and friendly, Jordan gives its visitors a close-up of the world’s wonders and submerges them in its world-class hospitality. If you’re a fan of arid climates and find deserts fascinating, you do not have to look any further. Jordan is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful deserts.
Petra
This place is an ancient rock-cut city in a deep valley like no other. It is the best place to visit in Jordan and has also been declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Also known as the Rose City due to its stone color, Petra was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom before it became a part of The Roman Empire. Since the year 1985, Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is highly respected for its progressive culture and tremendous architecture.
Petra wastes no time in setting its mark on tourists. This mesmerizing site has been well portrayed in Hollywood blockbusters like Indiana Jones. Waiting in line to be explored lies the sandstone canyon known as Siq, ancient archaeological parks, Roman Theatre, The Monastery, and the Street of Facades. Hike up to the Mountain of Aaron if you wish to get the most breathtaking views of Petra and its remarkable rock-cut architecture.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea has been attracting tourists for over a thousand years. It is situated in the Judean desert of southern Israel. This natural wonder lies at the very lowest point on Earth and boasts a distinctive ecosystem, stunning desert views, and mineral treasures. It also holds the record for the world’s deepest hypersaline lake, almost 10 times saltier than the ocean, making it impossible to dive in. The Dead Sea has also been mentioned quite a few times in the Bible and is associated with mysticism, wonderment, and religious importance.
Visitors come to float and enjoy the healing properties of the Dead Sea. Let your bodies soak up minerals and the hyaluronic acid in the clay. You can also partake in several activities offered in surrounding areas, such as hiking, riding, sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.
Wadi Rum
Known to be one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the globe, Wadi Rum was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Otherwise known as the Valley of the Moon, this granite and sandstone rock valley surely needs to top your bucket list. Loaded with soaring cliffs, enormous dunes, swirling archways, and caverns, it has been portrayed as Mars in several Hollywood films. It has also served as the location for the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.
Wonderful activities await all adventure lovers at Wadi Rum. Whether it be camel or horse riding, rock climbing, or hiking through canyons- this place has it all. At the same time, ask your guide to take you on tour to the Khazali Canyon, where you can find petroglyphs of humans and antelopes dating back to the 8th century BC.
Jerash Ruins
If you are a history lover, you must visit Jerash’s ancient city. Viewed as one of the finest maintained sites of Roman architecture, its history dates back more than 6,500 years.
Several historical sites such as Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and the Oval Forum are swarmed with tourists. Apart from these, forests, traditional food, and museums make Jerash the perfect place for someone who deeply loves history and peculiar destinations.
Mount Nebo, Madaba
Mount Nebo is significant due to its role in the Old Testament. It is believed to be where Moses lived his last days and where he first saw the Promised Land. Although it has not yet been proven, Moses’s body is also believed to be buried there. It is situated approximately 10km from Madaba and stands 1,000 meters high. This holy site in Jordan is visited by pilgrims of all religions annually.
If you can travel to the top of the Mountain, you will be greeted by astonishing and precise views of The Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and even Jerusalem.
FAQs
Am I required to have an IDP in Jordan?
Yes, you are required to have a valid IDP in Jordan. An IDP is valid for one year. However, on a side note, IDPs can not exceed the limit of your national driving license validity.
Can you drive with a foreign license in Jordan?
It is a legal requirement for visitors to have an International Driving Permit according to the 1949 Convention to drive in Jordan legally. Your home country driver’s license must accompany this.
What do I need to obtain an IDP for Jordan?
You need your current driver’s license details, a photo of yourself, and your valid driver’s license to verify your identity.
On which side of the road do you drive in Jordan?
You drive on the right side of the road.
References
https://www.change.org/p/minister-of-interior-for-jordan-save-children-s-lives-car-safety-in-jordan