Traveling abroad by car is an enriching experience, but to drive outside the European Union, an international driving permit is often required. This official document facilitates the recognition of your Belgian driving license in many countries. In this article, we explain the steps to follow to obtain your international driving permit in Belgium .
How do I apply for an international driving permit in Belgium?
To obtain your international driving permit , you must apply in your municipality of residence. Here are the required documents:
A passport-style photo that meets official standards.
Your valid Belgian driving licence
Your identity card or your residence permit .
A payment whose amount varies depending on the municipality (generally between 16 and 30 euros).
Applications are made by appointment at the municipal administration. Once submitted, it takes a few days to a week to receive your document.
In which countries is an international driving permit mandatory?
An international driving permit is required to drive in countries with which Belgium has signed a Working Holiday Visa agreement. Some countries require a specific permit, while others accept your Belgian license . Here are the detailed regulations for each country:
Australia : Foreign drivers visiting Australia who do not hold a permanent visa are considered "visiting drivers" and can use their valid foreign driver's license. Most Australian states and territories (except the Northern Territory) allow foreign drivers to drive indefinitely with their valid foreign license. Only if there is a change of visa/citizenship or the foreign license expires is a foreign driver required to obtain an Australian driver's license. In the Northern Territory, a person must obtain a Northern Territory-issued driver's license after three months or apply for a local license exemption if they wish to continue driving. It is important to remember that foreign drivers may only drive the vehicles their foreign license authorizes them to drive and must drive in accordance with the conditions of their foreign license. When driving in Australia, visiting drivers must always carry their foreign driver's license, as well as an International Driving Permit OR an English translation if the foreign license is not in English. If your foreign license is no longer valid, you can apply for an Australian license.
Canada : To legally drive a car in Canada, you need a driver's license issued by the government of your province or territory. You must have it with you at all times while driving. It allows you to drive anywhere in Canada. If you have a valid license from your home country, you will likely be able to use it to drive in Canada as part of your Working Holiday Visa program for a short period after your arrival. Check with your provincial or territorial government for details. If you plan to use a foreign driver's license in Canada, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country . Ensure your International Driving Permit is translated into English, or arrange for an English translation, to ensure trouble-free driving during your Working Holiday Visa in Australia.
South Korea : If you wish to drive a vehicle in Korea, you need a Korean driver's license. You can also use an international driving permit issued by your local town hall (accompanied by the original Belgian driver's license and passport) – valid for a maximum of one year after arrival in Korea, up to the document's expiry date, making this the best option for your South Korea Working Holiday Visa.
New Zealand : You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months if you hold a valid driver's license. If the license is not in English, you must have an accurate English translation . You can also legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in English or translated into English, provided you also hold the valid driver's license on which the IDP is based.
Taiwan : Most scooter and car rental shops in Taiwan require foreigners to present their International Driving Permit (IDP) before they can rent a vehicle. However, sometimes they will want to see if you have a Taiwanese driver's license. In any case, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is the best option if you plan to drive in Taiwan as part of your Working Holiday Visa.
How long is an international driving permit valid in Belgium?
In Belgium, an international driving permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. However, this period may be reduced if your Belgian driving licence expires before then.
It is important to note that an international driving permit never replaces your national driving licence . You must always keep your Belgian driving licence with you when driving abroad.
If your international driving permit is about to expire, you will need to submit a new application with the same required documents.
Can you obtain an international driving permit in Belgium online?
Currently, it is not possible to apply for an international driving permit online in Belgium. You must go in person to your local municipal administration to submit your application.
However, some municipalities allow you to book appointments online to reduce waiting times. Remember to check your municipality's official website for specific details .
Go on your Working Holiday Visa with peace of mind thanks to your International Driving Permit
Obtaining an international driving permit in Belgium is a simple but essential step for a smooth Working Holiday Visa (WHV) trip. By gathering the required documents and submitting your application well in advance, you can avoid any hassles during your WHV program. Always remember to check the local regulations of the country where you plan to drive to ensure a safe trip (click on the country name in the list of the 5 countries above that have signed the WHV agreement with Belgium).
Having been immersed in language experiences and stays since my teens, and after studying modern languages, I decided to make it my career. The signing of Working Holiday Visa between Belgium and several countries, including Australia, has allowed for the development of numerous Working Holiday Visa programs. My motivation is to create and continue to offer even more new Working Holiday Visa programs for Belgians, French citizens, and other nationalities participating in the agreement.
