International Driving Permit Pakistan

by

What is an International Driving Permit?

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.

What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?

The terms “International Driver’s License (IDL)” and “International Driving Permit (IDP)” are interchangeably used as there is no clear-cut difference in both these terms. However, the more appropriate term is International Driving Permit, which is also used at the official forums of Pakistan.

The term IDP is considered more appropriate and widely usworldwiderld on the rationale that IDP is issued for a short periwithing a validity period ranging from one year to three years. However, a local driving license facilitates their citizens and is accepted throughout the boundaries of your state or country, as the case may be.

How does an IDP work in Pakistan?

Just like in most other countries, a foreigner is not legally allowed to drive, whether a private or a rented vehicle, in Pakistan without having a valid International Driving Permit.

In addition to the above, an IDP can only be issued to a person with a valid driving license in their country of residence. The holder of a learner license is not eligible for the issuance of an International Driving Permit in Pakistan.

Which Documents are Required for Issuing of an IDP in Pakistan?

The process for the issuance of IDP is quite simple. If you are a foreigner visiting Pakistan, you will need the following documents for the issuance of IDP:

  • Copy of your valid passport or ID card.

  • Complete particulars of a valid driving license issued in your home country i.e., local license

  • A passport-size photograph of yourself

  • Scanned image of your domestic license

  • Payment of processing fee

United Nations Agreement on Road Traffic

Many countries, including Pakistan, signed the Vienna Convention in 1968, which deals with Road Traffic and other related laws of contracting countries. Being a contracting party, the rules of the Convention are binding on Pakistan as well. Some of the rules provided under the convention are:

  • Contracting countries are bound to ensure that no one is allowed to drive without holding a valid driver’s license

  • Contracting countries must implement proper procedures, including theoretical and practical exams for issuing a driving license

  • Contracting countries must accept valid driving licenses from other contracting parties for issuing an International Driving Permit.

Benefits of Carrying an IDP in Pakistan

You may be wondering why I need an International Driving Permit for driving in Pakistan when I already have a driving license issued by the relevant authority of my own country. To answer your question, here are some of the benefits of carrying an IDP while traveling in Pakistan:

  • An IDP is a legal document that allows you to drive in foreign countries, including Pakistan

  • An IDP is a piece of documentary evidence that you hold a valid driving license in your country of residence

  • An IDP works as your identity document during your stay in Pakistan. Hence, you do not need to carry multiple documents

  • You cannot rent a car in Pakistan without producing your IDP

  • Your IDP may save you from unneDuring your visit to Pakistan, cessary hassle from the city traffic police, especially the Islamabad ,Capital Territory Administration, during your visit to Pakiving, the availability of IDP with yourself gives you peace of mind and enables you to drive in case of emergency, if any arise

When should I get a Pakistan Driver’s License?

You can easily drive vehicles during your temporary stay in Pakistan based on a domestic driving license and your IDP if your visit in Pakistan is for less than six months. However, you will be required to have a Pakistani Driving license if your stay in Pakistan comprises more than six months.

As far as the citizens of Pakistan are concerned, any individual above the age of eighteen (18) must have a driving license if they wish to drive any vehicle in Pakistan.

Renewing Your IDP or Original Driver’s License While in Pakistan:-Suppose

Suppose your driving license expires during your stay in Pakis. In that case,an. In that case, you can apply for the renewal of your license online through the website of the relevant authority of your country/state, as almost every country has automated such procedures through mobile applications or websites.

To renew your IDP during your stay in Pakistan, you can visit our website and fill in the application form.

Car Rental in Pakistan

Several car rental agencies are working in Pakistan, and an average car rental costs somewhere between $51 to $61 per day. The minimum age required to avail of rent-a-car services in Pakistan is eighteen (18) years. The documents needed at car rental agencies in Pakistan are listed below for your ready reference:-

  • For Pakistan nationals, a valid driving license in Pakistan

  • For foreign nationals or expatriates, a valid license along with IDP

  • A valid form of identification in the shape of an ID card or Passport

  • A credit card with a validity period of at least three (03) months after the due date of return of the car.

  • If you wish to hire a Luxury Car, some car rental agencies may require two credit cards to ensure safety

Driving and Safety in Pakistan:

Like anywhere else in the world, there are specific safety rules and tips for driving in Pakistan, some of which are listed below for your reference.

Driving Rules in Pakistan

After getting your IDP, you should familiarize yourself with the traffic rules of Pakistan to avoid penalties and fines during your stay in Pakistan. The basic rules:

  • The minimum age required for driving is eighteen (18) years

  • Driver must have a valid driving license or IDP with them while driving

  • Driver must have proof of vehicle registration with them while driving

  • You must drive on the left side of the road

  • The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited while driving

  • Drunk driving is a punishable offense in Pakistan

  • Drivers are obliged to wear a seat belt all the time

  • The maximum Speed limit for LTVs is 60 (KPH) and 40 (KPH) for HTVs in urban areas. While the maximum traffic limit for rural areas is 50 (KPH)

  • The Maximum Speed Limit on highways ranges up to 120 (KPH). However, make sure to read the traffic signs.

  • Do not use a high beam except in low visibility conditions

  • Speed monitoring cameras are installed in urban areas, and e-challans are issued in case of any violation

  • e-Challans are also issued for other traffic violations, including breaking the traffic signals and line and lane violations.

Pakistan is still improving its traffic rules by issuing e-challans, running awareness campaigns on radio stations, and gradually increasing fines for traffic violations. The efforts of the City Traffic Police have improved traffic situations; however, traffic rule violations are still widespread in Pakistan, especially in small cities and rural areas.

In addition to the above, road conditions are bad in small cities and rural areas. If you wish to travel to hill stations of Pakistan, do your research beforehand. Pakistan has one of the most dangerous roads in the world, including but not limited to Karakoram Highway, Fairy Meadows Track, Gilgit-Skardu Road, and Babusar Pass.

Considering the above facts, you have to be very vigilant and stay focused while driving in Pakistan, especially when driving on hill stations or underdeveloped towns. However, Provincial Governments have formed Citizen Facilitation Centers in different cities. Hence, in case of any emergency, you can contact the Citizen facilitation center for any help.

Driving in the Winter

In Pakistan, the weather is generally safe to drive. However, roads become slippery during heavy rains. Where road conditions are adverse, drivers must be extremely cautious while driving in the rain to avoid potholes, etc.

Further, due to pollution, smog season is becoming frequent in Pakistan. The smog season ranges from October to February, during which visibility plunges to 200-300 meters in extreme conditions. In case of smog and other low visibility conditions, keep a safe distance while driving and maintain the high beam on. If you are visiting Pakistan during smog season, check smog safety rules.

If planning to travel to northern areas of Pakistan during the snow season, prepare for extreme weather conditions. Read about road safety rules for heavy snowfall and keep all the necessary things with you while driving. Proper research beforehand may save you from unfortunate incidents.

Top Five Destinations to Visit in Pakistan

Pakistan is a beautiful country having a rich culture and a fantastic blend of different ethnicities, languages, and traditions. Pakistan was ranked “The Best Holiday Destination” by Conde Nast Traveler (a US-based luxury travel magazine in the year 2020 as the country is the home of treasured natural beauty and unexplored landscapes.

The country consists of five provinces, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. In addition to these provinces, the territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is also an integral part of Pakistan. The official religion of the country is Islam and the official language is Urdu.

Islamabad is the Federal Capital of Pakistan. Anyone traveling to northern areas has to go through Islamabad. Hence, while visiting the city, do not forget to pay a visit to Shah Faisal Mosque, the sixth-largest mosque in the world and the largest in South Asia. However, Shah Faisal Mosque is not the only worth watching-site in Pakistan.

1. Hunza Valley

Hunza is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful valleys in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The valley is famous for the following:

  • Rich culture

  • Mesmerizing beauty

  • One of the cities having the highest literacy rate in Pakistan

  • Highest mountain ranges, including Nanga Parbat, Karakoram Ranges, Rakaposhi, Lady Finger, and many more

  • The highest life expectancy rate in Pakistan, i.e., 100 to 120 years.

    While exploring Hunza Valley, do not miss Naltar Valley. Naltar valley is home to five beautiful, yet under-explored lakes, the three most visited lakes are Satrangi Lake, Pari Lake, and Blue Lake. The landscapes are amazing, and the site is calm. If you love the combination of silence and beautiful landscapes, Naltar is your piece of cake.

    2. Skardu Valley

    Skardu valley is also a valley in Gilgit-Baltistan which is famous for climbing, mountaineering, stunning waterfalls, and mesmerizing lakes. Skardu is home to a few of the highest mountains in the world, including K2 (8,611 m), Gasherbrum (8,080 m), and K3 (8,051 m).

    Even if you are not a mountaineer and do not enjoy climbing, Skardu Valley still has a lot to offer, including:

  • Sandboarding at Safaranga Desert

  • The Serenity of The Organic Forest

  • You can calm yourself at Kachura Lake

  • Go shop for jewels in the bazaar (market)

  • Visit the remains of Manthal Buddha Rock

  • 3. Patlian Lake

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan are known as the “Heaven on Earth”. Your visit to Kashmir can amaze you in several ways. However, some of the most scenic views seen in Kashmir are at Patlian Lake. Patlian Lake is situated at a height of 3,950 m. The best time to visit this lake is from May to August, during the spring season.

    The Jeep track from Lawat to Patlian Lake is rough but full of mesmerizing landscapes. The views seem to be beyond this world. People of Lawat say that during the spring season, you can see eleven running waterfalls on your way to the lake. Combine that view with lush green meadows full of flowers of vibrant colors, and that’s what you will get to see at Patlian Lake.

  • 4. Kumrat Valley

    In the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, district of Upper Dir, a valley full of love and natural beauty is waiting for you. Kumrat Valley is still an under-explored valley of Pakistan that is famous for:

  • Dense forests

  • Scenic views

  • Beautiful waterfalls

  • The raging River Panjkora

  • Jahaz Banda Meadows

  • Katora Lake

  • 5. Chitral Kalash

    Kalash or Kalash is a valley in District Chitral, surrounded by Hindu Kash Mountain Range. This valley is famous for its rich culture and colorful festivities. The people of Kalash belong to an ancient form of Hinduism; however, some have converted to Islam. Kalash valley is divided into three valleys:

    1. Bumburet/Mumuret Valley

    2. Rumbur Valley

    3. Biriu/Birir Valley

    Kalash valley is one of the most wanted tourist points in Pakistan as the people of the valley celebrate three festivals yearly.

    1. Chilam Joshi Festival / Spring Festival – This festival lasts for three days and is celebrated in the mid of May each year.)

    2. Uchal Festival / Summer Festival – This festival also lasts for three days and is celebrated in the Mid of August each year.

    3. Choimus Festival / Winter Festival – This festival lasts for seven to eight days and is celebrated in December.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Pakistan?

Pakistan is a contracting party in Vienna Convention, 1968, which deals with international traffic rules. Hence, IDPs are accepted in Pakistan.

In which countries Pakistan’s international driving license is valid?

International driving license/permit issued by Pakistan is accepted in nineteen (19) countries, including Argentina, United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Iran, India, Mexico, Nepal, Singapore, Tanzania, Turkey, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

What are the requirements for an International Driving Permit in Pakistan?

Documents required for issuance of IDP are; a copy of your valid passport or ID card, a valid driving license issued in your home country, a passport-sized photo of yourself, and payment (for details, see our pricing page).

What is the maximum validity period of the International Driving Permit in Pakistan?

The validity period of an IDP in Pakistan is one year. What you should keep in mind is that once your domestic license expires, so does your IDP. Hence, make sure that your domestic license is valid during the validity period of your IDP if you are visiting a foreign country.

Is vehicle insurance mandatory in Pakistan?

No, insurance of vehicles is not a legal requirement in Pakistan. However, it is advised to get your vehicle insured to avoid financial loss in case of any unfortunate event.

Can I ride Motorbikes in Pakistan being a holder of IDP?

If your local driving license allows you to ride motorbikes, your IDP shall also be valid for riding bikes in Pakistan. However, keep in mind that the use of helmets is mandatory for motorbike riders in Pakistan.

Leave a Comment