International driver permits are available in 11 different languages, including English, and can be translated into 11 different languages that you don't speak. An IDP license is an important document showing your name, photo, and other driver's information required by AAA for applying IDP. If you are from another country, you must have an international driver's permit, international driver's license, etc., and also carry important documents. Some states require you to carry an international driver's permit travelling on their public roads. Still, California, Massachusetts, and Arizona do not require an international driver's license in the USA, but they need a foreign driver's license. Many car rental companies ask for your international driver's permit, and only then will they give you a key to drive. If you are travelling to the USA, apply for an international driver's license because it's necessary for international travel. If you are travelling without an IDP, then you have to pay the penalty that may cost a lot.
How to get an IDP?
Some countries don't require a U.S. license to travel inside that country, but they need IDP. But countries like Canada and Mexico can recognize a U.S. license and can travel for a limited period. So, check it before entering the USA. AAA recommends that you carry an IDP along with a U.S. driving license, especially if you are travelling to a non-English speaking country. Because international driving permits (IDP) can be used in more than 150 countries, you can visit their site and apply from the website www.e-itca.org. By clicking on that "Apply here" option available on the front page of ITCA. Then click on the Apply Now button, fill in the details, and make payment using PayPal, credit or debit card. There are two different formats of international driving permit (IDP), one format is from 1949, and the other one is from 1968. Every country has its own rules and regulations; in some countries, they require a specific format to follow. For example, the U.S. only follows the 1949 format, so if you apply for an international driving permit in the U.S., you need to apply for the 1949 format. The details required to apply for an international driver's license are name, birthplace, current residence, place of birth, international driver's license number, international driver's license issued date & expiry date, and you also need to provide information on the vehicle you'll be driving.
Top destinations in the USA
When you travel to the USA, you need to gather all information about the tourist spots and plan accordingly. As a foreigner, you need to know what you should do and what you cannot do because every country has specific rules and regulations. Before travelling inside the U.S., make sure you drive with an international license. And properly plan the zip codes and routes that will make your journey easy. Without an international driver's permit or international driver's license, you can't travel by yourself. You should hire a driver or travel on public transport like flights, bus, train, etc.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, which has a stunning viewpoint of Yavapai Observation Station, Architect Mary Colter's Lookout Studio, Mather Point, Desert View Watchtower with wide views of the canyon and Colorado River. And an astonishing view of sunrise and sunset.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is a recreation of volcanic hot spots with canyons, rivers, and forest areas highly attractive to international tourists. Yellowstone has five different entrances, so it should be easy to travel from anywhere, and it is better to have your own vehicle to stop at many attractive sites.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana, which has the most beautiful mountains, lakes and overwhelming natural views. It is best for camping and cycling. If you are looking for the perfect place for enjoyment, then this is the place for you.
New York City
New York is a commercial and financial center of the United States. It has a beautiful view of the Hudson River that meets the Atlantic Ocean.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a commercial center of California. The most popular tourist attractions are Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is a place of architecture and landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars etc.
New Orleans
If you are a partying person, New Orleans is an excellent place for you with music, nightlife, festivals, etc. New Orleans is a melting pot of three cultures: French, African, and American.
Boston
Boston is a famous city for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. It's surrounded by homes and is rich in history. Don't forget about Salem, Massachusetts, which is just 40 minutes travel from Boston
Many tourist places like this will give you a good experience in the United States. However, you must have proper documents before visiting these places. You also need an international driver's license.
Why do you need IDP?
Whether you are travelling to Boston, New Orleans or the Grand Canyon, an international driver's permit is an important document that you need to carry with you while travelling in any state. Legally it is required to have an IDP and driver's license.
How do I apply for IDP?
You can apply through www.e-itca.org. Just by clicking apply now, fill in your details and make payment. It is as simple as that.
Important reminders before travelling to the U.S.
While travelling in the U.S., you have a common question in mind: do I need to apply for an international driver's license? Yes! You need an international driver's license in the USA. Then how to get an international driver's license? You can apply from your country. Besides having an international driver permit, you will need to carry a valid passport and have all old passports, DS160 US Visa application confirmation page stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC). You should be aware of the expenses and also need to have U.S. dollars. If you have your own country's currency, you should exchange it in banks, money exchanges, financial institutions, etc.
Most important driving rules while driving in the USA
In the USA, symbols, shapes and colours are used to communicate with drivers. They don't use any words. Learn these symbols for your safety. Traffic is common in America, so you should travel slowly in the right lane, which is better for you. If you are travelling on a highway, preferably use the right lane; otherwise, you will be crossing another vehicle. You should carry your valid driver's license and also IDP required for driving on roads or else you need to use public transport. You should be travelling in the right lane unless you cross a vehicle. Avoid honking unless there is an emergency. For example, if you are driving and someone is about to hit you accidentally, you can use a horn. If two vehicles intersect, then the car from the right lane should go first unless that vehicle is at the red signal. The speed limit is 25 to 30 miles per hour in many areas and residential areas, which is 35 miles per hour. On highways, the speed limit will be 55 miles per hour or more. For drivers 21 years or older, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. Before using any rental car, check whether you can drive with your non-US state driving license. You need an international driver's license before entering the U.S. because no other U.S. government agencies will issue an IDP. An international driver's license has all the information from your original driver's license in 10 different languages.
Mostly in the U.S., many rental cars are not insured, so make sure you take an insured rental car. You can also purchase insurance products like personal car insurance, travel insurance, credit card insurance, etc. School buses with flashing lights are an important signal that shows that you must stop the vehicle. In the U.S., the legal age of driving is a little different from state to state; it is between 16 and 18. But for a foreigner, you need to be at least 21 to get a car for rent. It's not a rule, but many rental companies follow it. Many companies charge extra if you are under 25 years of age. Generally, some companies hold a certain amount of money for accident insurance, so it is better to have an accident cover for yourself. You can also use third party insurance to cover your accident. If you have full coverage from rental insurance, then you can decline cover from rental companies. You must need a proper driving license to apply for rental cars. Many rental companies expect the license to be in English. If not, you need an international driving permit IDP for better understanding. If you are renting a car, make sure you compare the price line with other rental companies. Travelling as a non-native person, there is a higher chance of getting cheated for a high price. There are many types of roads available in the U.S.
Inter-State roads are mainly for crossing from state to state in which the speed limits are 60 to 80 miles per hour. All signals and information are mentioned on-road and must be followed by each person.
State roads are only for travelling within that state and can't go to any other state. It is connected inside the state. Speed limits also vary from different types of roads. In-state roads, the speed limit is between 20 to 75 miles per hour.
County roads are usually small roads that are maintained by local authorities.
Speed limit and seat belt
The speed limits are a little different from state to state. If it is a residential area, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour. In many places, it is 25 to 30 miles per hour. Speed also varies from road to road. For interstate roads, the speed limit should be 60 to 80 miles per hour. If you are travelling on a state road, you should be travelling between 20 to 75 miles per hour. If you are travelling in a car, every person should wear a seatbelt. At least the driver and front seat passengers should wear a seatbelt. Maybe it's a law, but everyone worldwide should follow these strict rules to protect themselves. Children also need to wear seat belts; however, they also need infant seats and also according to the height, weight, and age of children. While travelling on U.S. roads, you should carry your valid passport and an international driver's license, and finally, you should also have an international driver's permit IDP. Booster seats and other child restraint systems are essential for taxi drivers and private car owners.
Legal driving age
In the USA, the legal age of getting a driving license is between 16 and 18 years. However, as a foreigner, some states in the U.S. require 15 years of age to get a learner's license & you can take a license at the age of 16 in some states. It will differ from state to state. Even though you are above 18 years old, you need an international driver's license. Also, an international driver's permit can translate all the driver's information in the original driver's license to many different languages; that's why we need IDP. Carry your passport and all other old passports which officials will require.
You need to be at least 21 to get a rental car. Most car rental companies charge extra for accident cover insurance. If you are under 25 years of age, it will be difficult for you to get a car. Children are not allowed to drive, and it is illegal.
For U.S. citizens, you need to be at least above 14 and have learners or above the age of 16 who must have a license to travel to many states. You also need a plan about the places you are visiting because the rules vary from state to state in the USA. One must learn all the basics about roads, people, culture, states, and everything.
