Aus licence detail could ruin your holiday
Planning a road trip on your next overseas holiday?
Well, make sure your Australian driver’s licence is recognised in your destination.
A new global study has revealed our permits are among the world’s lowest ranked.
Compare the Market analysed driver’s licences of 19 countries, rating them based on three factors: the cost of learning to drive, international recognition and how long a permit is valid.
Coming out clear on top as the world’s most powerful licence is Finland.
It achieved an almost perfect score of 98.078, with its permits lasting 15 years and recognised in 141 nations. It also only costs, on average, $406 to learn to drive.
Don’t miss the travel news you need to know — download the news.com.au app direct to your phone.
In second place was Belgium, with a result of 78.165. Though only recognised in 106 countries and valid for 10 years, it ranked near the top given it costs almost half of what it does in Finland to learn to drive.
France rounded out the top three, with driving practice costing an average $2600 and recognition in 116 nations, followed by Cyprus and Spain, whose licences are recognised in 47 and 62 countries, respectively.
Completing the top ten most powerful licences were Italy, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Greece.
Unfortunately for Aussies, our licences fared far worse – positioned in 13th place with a score of 37.95 due to only a five-year validity and limited global recognition in just 24 countries. The cost was fairly low in comparison, at an average $770.
“Our research shows that the real power of a driving licence is in its long-term convenience and global utility,” a Compare the Market spokesperson told news.com.au.
“A shorter five-year validity means more frequent renewals and fees over a lifetime, while limited recognition can create unexpected hurdles for the millions of Australia who travel or work overseas each year.”
More recognition means a smoother transition and less admin for international visitors wanting to hit the road and sight-see by car.
For many Aussies, due to our licences only being recognised in two dozen countries, it can have a “real world impact” that may leave some unable to hire a car.
“They could be turned away at the rental counter in places like Greece, Italy or Japan, or face fines if stopped by local police,” the spokesperson said.
Australians travelling overseas are recommended to apply for an international permit online through the Australian Automobile Association, or official channels relevant to their state, such as Service NSW and RACV, to ensure they meet the requirements to get behind the wheel.
Some nations, like China, do not recognise international driving permits or foreign licences.
More Coverage
Australia was joined close to the bottom of the list by the US (38.33) and Canada (36.57), their scores due to zero or little international licence recognition, respectively.
The least powerful is Japan.
It ranked with the lowest score of 24.73 due to a five-year validity, close to $4,000 in cost of learning to drive and recognition in only 30 countries.