We've not heard yet. Certainly collecting from the car rental companies is not yet a problem as they are not checking for an IDP, but this is an issue as to what happens if you get stopped by the police and asked for one.
We've not heard yet. Certainly collecting from the car rental companies is not yet a problem as they are not checking for an IDP, but this is an issue as to what happens if you get stopped by the police and asked for one.
Local post office doesn't due them, have to go into London to get it. Niece definately won't be able to get one.
Does anyone have a IDP, if so what does it show.
When I rang Post Office to find out the nearest branch I was told that I'd have to take my licence and a photo. Didn't mention anything about passport for ID so it would seem that all they are going to do is copy of the details.
Id rather not go into London as I don't want to tempt fate and lose my documents to pickpockets!
Think I'll sleep on it tonight and decide tomorrow.
Don't want to tempt fate but we've never been stopped by police in all the years we've been going!
Alamo today confirmed they are still renting to all customers without an IDP so no worries from the car hire point of view. They do however recommend you get an IDP if you can, but that is more to do with if you are stopped by the Police. They are also working with lobbyists to have the bill removed. See quote below.
"We had no idea about this until the other day and are working with our legislative lobbyists to try to get this removed from the bill it was put on. We are renting to all customers but are suggesting in the meantime that everyone get the international driving permit just in case."
The Post Office site seems to suggest that you don't actually receive the permit when you take the documents in. It just says that will issue you with a receipt. It looks a bit like the passport service they offer where they do all the necessary documents but the permit is sent from somewhere
EDIT: JUST CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PERMIT IS ISSUED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION AT THE AUTHORISED POST OFFICES. SOME GOOD NEWS THERE.
Last edited by Katys Grandad; 13-02-2013 at 14:35.
You can download the application form from the AA website if it helps anyone.
The AA website lists post offices throughout the country that issue these-unsure about where you live bargain queen but it might be worth a look
I have been to the post office to get a form and the gentleman behind the counter told me they complete the IDP while you wait and it takes about 5 minutes.
David
Not all Post Offices issue IDP's. Ironically I own a Post Office in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and I would have to to travel 10 miles to Leeds for my nearest. If you put your post code in on the Post Office web site it gives you your nearest but don't be surprised if it's a good few miles away. For Wakefield the nearest is Leeds, then Halifax then Sheffield, so not many to choose from in the West and South Yorkshire area.
If your need is not urgent you can apply by post to the AA which is the way I'm going to go as we don't travel until May. You can download the form from the AA web site and you have to send a photograph and copies of your licence and passport. It cost the £5.50 plus £2.50 processing fee but I'd rather pay £8.00 and be sure to get my car and be able to drive than risk it.
To check which Post Office local to you will issue an International Driving Permit, go to http://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder and then select 'International Driving Permits' from the 'Service required' drop down list and enter your postcode.
Perhaps a little off topic for this thread Roger but I have been wondering if this is a bit of an accident in terms of how the statute has been written. Maybe the lawyer who put quill to parchment didn't realise the impact that their choice of wording would have?
We can but hope that the future brings another change that once again removes the requirement for an IDP for any driving licences written in English.
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