[Tiki]

Has anyone ever had demerit points from other countries roll over onto to their Australian licence? Would an IDP help guard against this?

[ColinP]

Originally Posted by Tiki

Has anyone ever had demerit points from other countries roll over onto to their Australian licence? Would an IDP help guard against this?

I've never heard of that happening and I'd say the chances of it happening are close to zero, but an IDP would make no difference.

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[clifford]

Originally Posted by Tiki

Has anyone ever had demerit points from other countries roll over onto to their Australian licence? Would an IDP help guard against this?

I think it's unlikely that overseas demerit points would impact your Aust licence (maybe NZ excepted though). It's just too hard for most police forces.

In my own experience it has never happened (and I have been booked on the odd occasion overseas).

[maninblack]

Int driver permit has no legal standing in Australia and therefore has no legal currency in any other country. Any policeman or anyone else asking to see one doesn't know what they are doing. A passport is a far more useful piece of identifying documentation. End of story.

[thadocta]

Originally Posted by maninblack

Int driver permit has no legal standing in Australia and therefore has no legal currency in any other country. Any policeman or anyone else asking to see one doesn't know what they are doing. A passport is a far more useful piece of identifying documentation. End of story.

You clearly have no idea (and I work in this area, and have just made some phone calls to verify what I am about to post).

An IDP *is* useful, no matter where you are, depending on the licence you hold and the conditions endorsed on it.

A valid drivers licence is generally valid around the world, for the vehicle classes shown, subject to any conditions endorsed on it. The problems arise when different jurisdictions use different codes for vehicle classes and/or conditions.

The IDP will convert these different codes into a standard format, so that anybody - no matter where they are or what the local language is - can easily see the validity of the licence, the vehicle classes the driver is permitted to drive and any conditions placed upon the licence.

This information is readily available if an IDP is not available, but it takes time and is onerous, and can easily be avoided merely by having an IDP.

So whilst an IDP is not a *necessity*, it is certainly something which can be worth having, if for no other reason that to save the hassle (both to you AND the cop) of sitting there for a lengthy period whilst the details of your licence are confirmed.

Dave

[maninblack]

Originally Posted by thadocta

You clearly have no idea (and I work in this area, and have just made some phone calls to verify what I am about to post).

An IDP *is* useful, no matter where you are, depending on the licence you hold and the conditions endorsed on it.

A valid drivers licence is generally valid around the world, for the vehicle classes shown, subject to any conditions endorsed on it. The problems arise when different jurisdictions use different codes for vehicle classes and/or conditions.

The IDP will convert these different codes into a standard format, so that anybody - no matter where they are or what the local language is - can easily see the validity of the licence, the vehicle classes the driver is permitted to drive and any conditions placed upon the licence.

This information is readily available if an IDP is not available, but it takes time and is onerous, and can easily be avoided merely by having an IDP.

So whilst an IDP is not a *necessity*, it is certainly something which can be worth having, if for no other reason that to save the hassle (both to you AND the cop) of sitting there for a lengthy period whilst the details of your licence are confirmed.

Dave

Thanks for the compliment. I would like to know who you called. Doesn't matter what is written on it, it can say you can drive an 18 wheeler or a Leopard tank. It is not a legal document and has no standing whatsoever, so by chance it may satisfy the enquiry of some local authority somewhere, but legally it is a worthless document. Try using one in a 100 point test Those who make money from issuing them such as RACV and NRMA are not government agencies or statutory authorities and cannot issue official documents.

[fasteddie]

Originally Posted by maninblack

...It is not a legal document and has no standing whatsoever, so by chance it may satisfy the enquiry of some local authority somewhere, but legally it is a worthless document.

maninblack, did anybody claim that it was a "legal document"?

I have a Card issued by my local video store that comes in very handy if I feel like taking home a movie. But I bet you I can walk into that store with other forms of "identification" and take home any DVD that I want.

It just takes a lot longer.

[maninblack]

Originally Posted by fasteddie

maninblack, did anybody claim that it was a "legal document"?

I have a Card issued by my local video store that comes in very handy if I feel like taking home a movie. But I bet you I can walk into that store with other forms of "identification" and take home any DVD that I want.

It just takes a lot longer.

Right. My point exactly, it may satisfy some enquiries, but ultimately there is no need for one. The Maryland cop mentioned in an earlier post for example, but actually if put to the test that cop was wrong and it seems he didn't pursue the matter.

[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by maninblack

Int driver permit has no legal standing in Australia and therefore has no legal currency in any other country. Any policeman or anyone else asking to see one doesn't know what they are doing. A passport is a far more useful piece of identifying documentation. End of story.

It is so useful and time saving when whole stories are just ended...

It's legal standing is that it is required to have one in order to legally drive in some (mainly non-English speaking) countries in addition to a normal driving licence. For most countries, the regular driving licence will suffice on its own

As far as Maryland goes, there is not a requirement for an IDP in the USA

The necessity to have an IDP depends on nationality of the driving licence.

Dave

[fasteddie]

Thanks Dave.

Sort of like a taking an acceptable "Translation Dictionary" with the Drivers Licence itself?