It might not sound like much, but if you’re travelling overseas it’s enough for a couple of coffees in your holiday spot.
The $39 is the money you don’t need to spend on the International Driving Permit that has been almost compulsory for overseas travellers for decades. It is now completely redundant, as useful as a choke on a new car.
There was a time when the permit was essential but that was before we moved from plain paper licences in Australia to laminated hard cards including photographic identification.
“Car rental companies are completely happy with my “home” picture licence.”
Government departments still want you to believe that a permit is needed, together with a trip to your local motor club to buy it, but the on-the-ground reality is different.
No one has asked me for my International Permit since the 1970s. Car rental companies are completely happy with my “home” picture licence.
Three times in the past year I’ve also been stopped overseas by policemen keen for a look at a new car, most recently the Lexus RC F, and not once have they needed more than a quick scan of my photo licence.
And then there is the colleague who was stopped for speeding in France and presented his International Permit to the office.
This article originally appeared on CarsGuide.
More From
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, lululemon’s 2024 Global Wellbeing Report has found the constant push to achieve wellness goals could be leading to burnout. But there are ways to make your movement more meaningful
If you find yourself in a new city, here’s a run to get you started
In 2016, Trent Knox founded the 440 Run Club, a group who meet each Saturday morning at 5am at Sydney’s Bronte beach. While the club has been pivotal in Knox’s sobriety journey, this year he began training for events like the Sydney Marathon and fell in love with running all over again
We’ve answered all your most pressing questions about the fitness trend of the moment
The ultrarunning coach has perfected the science of preparing runners for the mental anguish and physical suffering that awaits them
The 42.2k is a bucket-list feat for many and a goal for most serious runners. Here, Australian marathon record holder Brett Robinson reveals the key to running a race you’ll never forget
The physical stress of a marathon reaches its zenith when you hit the dreaded wall. Here’s how to get over the hump
Looking for reasons to lace up? From a longer, healthier life span to greater mental clarity, there’s no shortage of reasons to start pounding the pavement
