The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that provides important information from your driver’s license in several different languages, including English. This document came into existence by virtue of several UN Conventions on Road Traffic (1926, 1949 and 1968).
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Get behind the wheel all around the world with an international driving permit.(Photo: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images )
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Thanks to the Geneva International Convention of 1949, drivers in a wide variety of countries and regions around the world with similar standards for obtaining a driving license may use their country-issued license to obtain an International Driving Permit. In Hong Kong, obtaining this special permit allows drivers from Hong Kong to drive around the world in many countries, including the United States.
Items you will need
- Hong Kong driving license
- Application
- 2 passport photos
- Identity card
- Proof of residence
- Cash or check fee
Step 1
Obtain a full Hong Kong driver's license from the Transport Department of Hong Kong (td.gov.hk).
Step 2
Download an application for International Driving Permit TD51 from the Transport Department, or go to a licensing office to obtain one. Licensing offices are located in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Step 3
Bring the application, along with two passport-style photos, your Hong Kong identity card and a Hong Kong driver's license, to the Licensing Office. If the address on your identity card is different than your current address, bring a 'proof of address' to the office as well. Alternately, you can mail these forms via registered mail to P. O. Box 68115, Kowloon East Post Office, Kowloon.
Step 4
Submit a fee in cash, as an electronic payment or with a cashier's check made out to 'The Government of HKSAR'.
Step 5
Pick up your international driving permit from the Licensing Office on the same day or wait for the license to be sent in the mail if you have submitted by mail.
References
About the Author
Emily Manthei holds a masters degree from the University of Edinburgh and has written for publications as diverse as the 'Oxford Journal of Theological Studies,' 'Emanuel Levy Film Reviews,' 'USA Today' and 'Northern Express Magazine.' She also writes screenplays for short and feature films.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
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Manthei, Emily. 'How do I Get an International Driver's License in Hong Kong?' Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/international-drivers-license-hong-kong-63054.html. Accessed 26 June 2019.
Manthei, Emily. (n.d.). How do I Get an International Driver's License in Hong Kong? Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from https://traveltips.usatoday.com/international-drivers-license-hong-kong-63054.html
Manthei, Emily. 'How do I Get an International Driver's License in Hong Kong?' accessed June 26, 2019. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/international-drivers-license-hong-kong-63054.html
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Leaf Group Updated February 05, 2018
Learn the rules of the road before driving on British streets.(Photo: London Rush image by Ktulu from Fotolia.com )
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Although driving is fundamentally the same wherever you are in the world, preparing to drive in any foreign country requires some thought and research to ensure your safety, legality and comfort. The most obvious difference between driving in the United Kingdom and the US is that in the UK you must drive on the left side of the road. There are numerous other road rules and customs to consider, preferably before you leave for your trip.
Acquire and read in full a copy of the UK Highway Code, the comprehensive book of rules governing driving. An online version is available at direct.gov.uk.
Highlight some of the fundamental differences between driving laws at home and in the UK and reread these sections until you understand and memorize them. Examples include passing other cars only in the outside (right) lane, never turning on a red light, and not blocking a central reservation at a junction, even if you have a green light.
Reread and memorize the section of the Highway Code pertaining to road signs and markings. The meaning of some signs will be obvious, for example, “Stop” signs, traffic lights and “Reduce Speed Now.” Others, however, include only symbols and are a bit more cryptic. Many speed limit signs consist of the maximum speed, by number, in a red circle, but speed limits also might be marked by a white circle with a diagonal black line through it. This indicates that the “national speed limit” applies, the standard speed limit for that particular type of road. You must learn these speed limits in order to follow those signs - generally 30, 60 or 70 mph, depending on the road. Road markings are also important to learn as they indicate when you are allowed - or forbidden - to pass other cars, where you may park or wait, and where you must stop to yield to other cars.
Thoroughly read the section of the Highway Code about roundabouts, which are a prevalent type of junction on British roads. They take some getting used to, so memorize the diagrams illustrating which lane you must begin in to safely exit the roundabout at the correct point. This is important, not just for the sake of going the right way but also for your safety. Not every car will signal its direction, even though it is supposed to do so.
Take an official driving theory practice test online at direct.gov.uk. This is a practice version of the actual theory test that UK learners must pass before taking a practical driving test. If you fail the online test, carefully read the Highway Code a few more times.
Bring your US driver’s license to the UK; otherwise, you will not be permitted to drive. Check your car insurance policy to see if it covers car rental in the UK. Also bring a major credit card, which you'll need for a deposit when renting a car.
Upon arrival, purchase up-to-date road maps or a comprehensive map covering the whole UK. Maps printed in guidebooks generally do not provide enough detail for safe driving. Trusted local map publishers include A-to-Z, which specializes in city maps, and AA, the British equivalent of AAA. British roads do not have the grid-like layouts that are common in the US and can be difficult to navigate if you are not familiar with them, so using thorough, detailed maps is essential.
Items you will need
-
US driver license
-
UK Highway Code (print or online)
-
Local maps
Tip
-
The large majority of cars, including rentals, in the UK have manual “stick” gear shifts. If you are not comfortable changing gears manually, make sure you specify an automatic vehicle when making a rental reservation.Many city streets in the UK are very narrow. When cars are parked on one or both sides of narrow roads, only one car can pass at a time. If the blocking vehicle is parked on your side of the road, yield to drivers coming from the opposite direction. If both sides are blocked, yield anyway. The other driver may wave you through, or you could wave to allow the other car to continue first.
Tip
-
Never park where the road is marked with double yellow lines, and never park or stop where the road is marked with double red lines. Single yellow lines mean parking is only permitted at certain times. Single red lines mean stopping is only permitted at certain times.
References
Resources
About the Author
A writer of diverse interests, Joanne Thomas has penned pieces about road trips for Hyundai, children's craft projects for Disney and wine cocktails for Robert Mondavi. She has lived on three continents and currently resides in Los Angeles, where she is co-owner and editor of a weekly newspaper. Thomas holds a BSc in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
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Thomas, Joanne. 'Driving Instructions for the UK.' Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/driving-instructions-uk-14207.html. 05 February 2018.
Thomas, Joanne. (2018, February 05). Driving Instructions for the UK. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from https://traveltips.usatoday.com/driving-instructions-uk-14207.html
Thomas, Joanne. 'Driving Instructions for the UK' last modified February 05, 2018. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/driving-instructions-uk-14207.html
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