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Whether you're road-tripping through the French Riviera, driving the scenic mountain passes of Austria, or planning to explore Japan’s buzzing streets with Monkey Adventure Kart, understanding the International Driving Permit (IDP) process is essential. If you’re a European tourist dreaming of hitting the road abroad—including destinations like Tokyo—you’ll need to ensure you're covered legally and logistically.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find:
What an IDP is and why it matters
Country-by-country IDP issuing rules in Europe
How to get your IDP before leaving
Important considerations for its use in regions such as Japan
Expert travel and driving tips for European citizens
Recognized in over 150 countries worldwide, an International Driving Permit (IDP) serves as an official translation of your national driving license. It allows you to legally drive in foreign countries that require a translated version of your original driver’s license.
Bear in mind: Your national driving license cannot be replaced by an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must carry both your valid national driving license and your IDP when driving in a foreign country.
Many travelers mistakenly assume that a European driving licence alone is valid globally. However, certain countries—including Japan—require that non-residents present an IDP. If you're planning to enjoy go-karting tours in Tokyo, such as with Monkey Adventure Kart, showing up with just your EU licence may not be enough.
Having an IDP ensures:
Hassle-free rental car booking
No legal issues with local authorities
Peace of mind on the road
Access to experiences like street karting in Japan
Before we break down country-specific rules, it's important to note that there are two international conventions under which IDPs are issued:
1949 Geneva Convention – Recognized by Japan, the USA, and a few others. Valid for 1 year.
1968 Vienna Convention – Accepted in most European countries. Valid for up to 3 years, depending on the country.
Not all countries issue both. If you’re planning to drive in Japan, you must obtain an IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention, even if your country is a 1968 Vienna signatory.
Here’s a breakdown of how you can obtain an IDP in major European countries, including validity periods and issuing authorities.
Issuing Authority: Préfecture de Police (via ANTS)
Cost: €25
Delivery Time: 10–15 working days
Convention: 1968 only (⚠️ Not valid for Japan)
Tip: French tourists going to Japan must apply for an IDP in a country issuing the 1949 version, such as the UK.
Issuing Authority: Local Driving Licence Authority (Führerscheinstelle)
Cost: €15–20
Delivery Time: Immediate or 1–2 weeks
Convention: 1968 only (⚠️ Not valid for Japan)
Note: German nationals cannot use their IDP in Japan unless they get a certified translation from the Japanese embassy.
Issuing Authority: ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia)
Cost: Around €20–30
Delivery Time: 1 week
Convention: 1968
Alternative: If visiting Japan, you’ll need to obtain a Japanese translation of your licence via JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).
Issuing Authority: Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
Cost: €10
Delivery Time: Same-day if booked online
Convention: 1968 only
Important: Not valid for Japan. Spanish tourists need to get a certified translation through the Japanese consulate.
Issuing Authority: Post Office
Cost: £5.50
Delivery Time: Immediate at most Post Office branches
Conventions Available: 1949 and 1968
✅ Valid for driving in Japan
Key Tip: UK residents are in the best position to obtain the correct IDP for Japan. If you’re planning to visit Tokyo and try Monkey Adventure Kart, this is the most straightforward process.
Issuing Authority: ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club)
Cost: €18.95
Delivery Time: 1 week (or instant at some offices)
Convention: 1968 only
Not valid in Japan
Issuing Authority: Local municipal offices
Cost: ~€16
Convention: 1968
Alternative for Japan: Must use Japanese translation service
Here's the catch: most European IDPs are issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Japan does not recognize. Only IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid in Japan.
United Kingdom (1949)
Switzerland (1949)
Monaco (1949)
France
Germany
Spain
Italy
Netherlands
Belgium
Most EU countries
If you’re a European tourist from a country that only issues the 1968 IDP, you have two options:
Obtain a Japanese translation of your national driving licence through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
Cost: ~¥4000
Time: ~2 weeks
Required for: Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, etc.
Apply for a 1949 IDP in another country (if legally possible, e.g., through residency in the UK)
For an unforgettable driving adventure with Monkey Kart in Tokyo, remember to:
You hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in accordance with the 1949 Convention.
You carry your licence with an official JAF translation
Monkey Kart adheres to Japan’s strict driving laws, and your documents will be checked at the time of booking.
No IDP, no karting. Check requirements well in advance of your trip to be proactive.
Apply early: Don’t wait until the week before your trip. Some countries take up to 3 weeks to process the IDP.
Carry both licences: Your IDP is not valid without your original licence.
Adhere to local regulations: Be aware that every country has unique road signs, speed limits, and driving customs.
Have digital & paper copies: Keep a backup scan of your IDP, original licence, and passport.
Use GPS with offline maps: Especially useful in rural Japan or mountainous regions.
European tourists are increasingly exploring destinations like Japan, where experiences like Monkey Kart offer a fun and immersive way to see Tokyo. But before you get behind the wheel of a go-kart on the streets of Shibuya or Akihabara, make sure your driving documents are 100% valid.
For most EU citizens, that means going the extra mile—either securing a 1949 IDP from the UK or getting your licence translated officially via JAF. It’s a small step for a massive peace of mind.
Travel smart. Drive safely. And don’t miss out on the thrill of Monkey Kart—Tokyo’s most exciting way to see the city.
If you still have questions about IDPs or driving requirements in Japan, visit your country’s transport authority or reach out to the Monkey Kart team for guidance before your trip.
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