International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driving License (IDL) is one such handy document that anyone traveling abroad must carry. IDP acts as a supporting document to the driver’s license.
People who often have to travel to foreign land, keep an IDL to save themselves from any inconvenience. And it is accepted in more than 130 countries.
This document that can be translated into multiple languages serves many other purposes apart from just driving. It is required if one is planning to get settled abroad or or applying for a professional driving job overseas. In fact, some countries ask for an IDL if someone wants to buy a vehicle there.
This article covers everything one needs to know about the international driving license Pakistan. Read out the essential points that need to be kept in mind while applying for an international driving license in Pakistan.
IS AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE REQUIRED IN PAKISTAN?
Sharing borders with India, Afghanistan, China & Iran and having the fifth-largest population in the world, Pakistan abides by a strict law system.
Whether or not a citizen of Pakistan, a person requires an IDL if he/she wants to drive on publicly accessible roadways. A person must have a driving license in the home country first to get an international driving license in Pakistan.
Blessed with natural beauty, Islamabad (the capital city of Pakistan) attracts people from all over the world. The Pakistani Federal Government administers the rules and regulations of the country.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also has a crucial role to play in the issuance process of the IDL.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The concerned authority in the area of the applicant’s domicile might ask for some additional documents (if required), along with the following documents-
- Copy Passport & Visa
- Valid Local Driving License (of Pakistan)
- Copy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Medical Certificate
- Recent Passport Size Photographs
However, it is always advisable to carry the original document while visiting the concerned office.
ELIGIBILITY
- Anyone who has completed the age of 18 can apply for a driving license.
- An applicant must possess a valid learner’s or driver’s license.
- An applicant must obtain a driver’s permit in Pakistan.
PROCEDURE
The process of application is simple and requires the attention of the applicant while filling out the form and submitting it.
The applicant needs to pay a visit to the office of the concerned authority to get an international driving license Pakistan.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE PAKISTAN?
An IDL is issued within seven working days after the documents are submitted with the Citizen Facilitation Center located in Islamabad.
APPLICATION FEE
- Rs 350 is the processing fee and,
- Rs 30 stamps that are to be obtained from the General Post Office (GPO) for inserting on the application
VALIDITY
An international driver’s license is valid for 1 year. But keep in mind that it expires as soon as the local or actual driving permit expires.
RENEWING PROCESS
Anyone can get their international driving license Pakistan renewed through the Driving License Information Management System (DLIMS). The DLIMS integrates with Pakistan Information Technology Board (PITB) and has branches in 36 districts of Punjab. The application process can be done online, and there is no need to visit the physical center.
The renewal process is simple and involves the below-mentioned steps:
- Download the form from the official site of DLIMS
- Fill out the required information
- Submit the application form and the required documents at the preferred licensing center.
The documents required for the renewal process remain the same in addition to:
- Relevant License Ticket
- Form E
The renewed license remains valid for 5 years, and it does not cost a single penny if renewed within 1 month before the date of expiration.
The issuance fees vary for different categories of vehicles such as motorcycle, motor car, delivery van, road ruler, TR Agri, loco moto, motor cab, motorcycle + rickshaw, and so on.
If a person is applying for a driving license for the first time, they need to pass a theoretical and driving test.
WHAT IS A CNIC COPY?
Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is an identity card issued to the citizens of Pakistan. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan.
CNIC card is a digital version of a National ID card for a citizen of Pakistan as an Adhaar card for a citizen of India.
CNIC is the central requirement when it comes to applying for an international driving license in Pakistan.
REASONS TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE
International Driving License is needed for several purposes:
- It is a supporting document to the driver’s license.
- It serves as a green flag for driving on international roads.
- Applying to professional driving jobs abroad requires an IDL.
- In case of any mishap, an IDL holder can claim motor insurance.
- It is needed for buying vehicles overseas.
- People relocating to another country do require an international driver’s license.
- One can not hire a car in a foreign country without an IDL.
IDENTITY CARD V/S INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE PAKISTAN
This is true that an IDL also serves the purpose of an ID card, but it does not have any implication of eradicating the need to have an ID card in any country. Both the documents are as different as day and night and have different functions.
Especially in countries where laws are strictly enforced, it is mandatory to fulfill all the legalities. Otherwise, a person can get into serious trouble of getting into prison, revocation of application, or demoted.
In Pakistan also, a person is required to have both an ID card and an international driving license Pakistan.
SUMMING UP
Traveling to Pakistan for a work-related purpose or not, but it is always advisable to have an international driving license handy. The major function of this document is to authenticate a person for having a legitimate right to drive the vehicle on roads of a foreign land.
One can not apply for an international driving license Pakistan without a computerized national identity card which is issued by NADRA.
After the expiration of the validity period of an IDL, an individual can get it renewed.
Surely it is not a plain flight to get through this procedure but yes, it is worth the time and efforts for getting a number of benefits while a person is overseas.
Varsha 
vinay