International Driving Permits (IDPs) now required for renting a car abroad

RSTime

400ixl said:

The UK gov site does not say you need one https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-and-security

The main Gov site says you MAY need one but the country page says you can use your picture license. If you still have a paper only one then you may need an IDP.

I would expect the New Zealand goverment site to be the source of truth, not the UK.

The Government web site does say you need an IDP, go to "Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)". New Zealand is listed and page indicates you need a 1949 IDP.

I have written to the New Zealand Embassy in the UK to get clarification. I agree there is conflicting information but the scheme has only been recently introduced into the UK and I guarantee web sites have not ben updated yet. I am going to base my plans on the Government IDP page unless the NZ Embassy advise otherwise.

ThorOdinson

I'm just amazed they are still a fiver. I was expecting more like fifty quid.

RSTime

400ixl said:

The UK gov site does not say you need one https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-and-security

The main Gov site says you MAY need one but the country page says you can use your picture license. If you still have a paper only one then you may need an IDP.

I would expect the New Zealand goverment site to be the source of truth, not the UK.

The Government "Driving Abroad" web site does say you need one. A 1949 IDP required for New Zealand (I have written to the New Zealand Embassy to get confirmation and if they respond I will post). I suspect that web pages may not have been updated with the relatively new requirements?

Barkin

I think what that's saying is that you MAY need an IDP (eg if your licence isn't in English) and that if you do it's a 1949 that's needed.

---x---

Who can drive on New Zealand roads

You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if:

you have a current and valid overseas licence or driver permit, and

you haven’t been given a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand, and

you came into New Zealand less than 12 months ago, and

your overseas licence is in English, or you have an accurate translation
---x---

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/driving-on-nz-roads/

mgdavid

I just returned from a 5-week hire in New Zealand covering part of Feb and March - no IDP needed.

RSTime

Well, this i what the NZ High Commission have come back with. No mention of the IDP despite the UK IDP site stating you need a 1949 IDP for New Zealand. I will probably get an IDP to avoid any hassle but information on UK web site conflicts with advice from NZ High Commission.

Thank you for contacting the New Zealand High Commission.

You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if:

you have a current and valid overseas licence or driver permit, and

you haven’t been given a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand, and

you came into New Zealand less than 12 months ago, and

your overseas licence is in English, or you have an accurate translation, and

you haven’t been granted a New Zealand driver licence since you last entered New Zealand

All drivers in New Zealand must adhere to New Zealand laws and regulations: Driving in New Zealand | New Zealand Police.

We strongly recommend all travellers have full comprehensive insurance cover. 

 

These links have information on the rules and regulations for driving in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Driving on New Zealand roads | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz)

Important New Zealand road rules | New Zealand (newzealand.com)

Being safe on the road - rules and reasons | New Zealand Police

 

Waka Kotahi - the New Zealand Transport Authority has more information on their website: www.nzta.govt.nz

********** | best wishes,    

Information Officer  

 

New Zealand High Commission – London | Te Aka Aorere – Rānana    

joebob

Do you need one for USA ?

Barkin

joebob said:

Do you need one for USA ?

Maybe... 

https://www.usa.gov/non-citizen-driving

JennyDavis

Is it required for some European countries? Another thing you need to remember when driving in Europe - many countries require to purchase a vignettes for the highways. We got our Bulgarian one here https://bulgariavignette.eu, after learning our lesson in Austria.

jimi_man

JennyDavis said:

Is it required for some European countries?

Not in the EU and EEA, assuming you don't have a paper DL.