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First german driving school in 1906, Aschaffenburg

Current EU driving licence, German version - front
1. Family name
2. Given name(s)
3. Date and place of birth
4a. Issuing date
4b. Expiry date
4c. Issuing authority
5. Licence number
7. Signature of bearer
9. Categories

German version reverse
9. Licence categories
10. Issue date of the category
11. Expiry date of the category
12. Restrictions (number coded)

A driver's license (U.S.), driving licence (UK, Ireland, Hong Kong,India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malta), driver's licence or driver licence (Canada, Australia^†, New Zealand), or operator's licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or a bus. In some jurisdictions, driver's licences are issued after the recipient has passed a driving test, while in others, a person acquires a driver's licence before beginning to drive. (This is largely a matter of nomenclature - generally an official document by some name is required to undertake practical driving in either case.) Different categories of licence may exist for different types of motor vehicles. The difficulty of the driving test may vary considerably between regions, as do prerequisites such as age restrictions and the required level of tuition.

France and Germany were among the earliest countries to require mandatory driver licensing, right at the start of the 20th century. As automobile-related fatalities soared in North America, public outcry provoked legislators to begin studying the French and German statutes as models.^[1]

On August 1, 1910, North America's first driver licensing law went into effect in the U.S. state of New York, though it initially applied only to professional chauffeurs.^[2] In July of 1913, the state of New Jersey became the first to require all drivers to pass a mandatory examination before receiving a licence.^[3]

Because a large number of countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States have no national identification cards and because of the widespread use of cars, driver's licences are often used as a de facto standard form of identification.

These U.S. states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin require licenses and ID cards issued to those under 21 to have a vertical orientation instead of the usual horizontal one in order to aid in determining whether one is of legal drinking age. California and Oregon have adopted a similar system for its licenses, having the picture appear on the right for drivers under 21 and on the left for drivers 21 and older. New York, on the other hand, prints "Under 21" in red bold letters on the licenses of underage drivers, but otherwise these licenses look identical to those for adult drivers. North Carolina recently started a color program for varying age groups: A red border indicates the driver is under 18, a yellow border for ages 18-20, and a green border for those 21 and over, as well as "Under 18" or "Under 21" written down the right side of the driver's picture if they are under 18 or 21. Many states also add information to their licenses, such as "Under 21 until 08-15-2007" to aid in enforcing the drinking age and age of majority of 18 (for tobacco and lottery in most states).

Many European countries and Canada require drivers to produce their licence on demand when driving. In such countries the driver must always carry their licence on them when driving. In the United Kingdom, when required to produce a driving licence, the driver may have up to 7 days to produce the licence at a Police station.

Many European countries also require adults to carry an ID card at all times. Citizens of EU countries which have no national ID cards also have to carry their passports when traveling in these countries, whether driving or not.

In the People's Republic of China, the driver's licence number is synonymous with the citizen's ID number (which is up to 18 digits long).

Similarly, Saudi Arabia requires all drivers to carry an ID card in addition to a licence, and present them whenever requested. Using a driver's licence instead is only permitted if the request is made for on-site inspection/identification purposes, especially at check points. Expatriates may be requested to present their visas as well.

Many countries have established a driver's licence exchange arrangement after reviews of the foreign jurisdiction's licensing processes. Where standards in the other jurisdiction are comparable in areas such as medical standards, minimum driving age, and knowledge and road testing, an exchange (or honoring) of the foreign jurisdiction's license may occur. [4]

Licensing bureaus in many countries add an organ donation option on license forms. Sometimes a small picture of a "heart" or the term Organ Donor is printed on the driver's license to indicate that the holder has agreed to donate his or her organs in the event of sudden death in a car crash or other accident.

In the United States, this is governed by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. In the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Ireland, willingness to donate organs for transplantion is also listed on driving licenses. In Australia, the system of notating organ donation requests on licenses was replaced in July 2005 with a national registration system and the issue of special cards.

See: European Driving Licence

Licensing laws in Australia differ between different states and territories; however, most involve a similar procedure and a graduated licensing scheme. Nomenclature varies between the different states and territories of Australia between "driver's licence" and "driver licence".

The minimum age for a Learner Driver Licence in the ACT is 15 years and 9 months. The licence can be obtained after completing the Road Ready course (road safety program, run in many secondary schools, or at a Road Ready Centre), and passing a computerised road rules test. The learner licence lasts for two years. Learner drivers must display black on yellow 'L Plates' and drive with a full Australian licence holder.

The provisional licence can be obtained after reaching 17 years of age, holding the learner licence for 6 months, and either completing a logbook with an accredited driving instructor, or passing a practical driving test. The provisional licence is valid for 3 years. Provisional drivers must display red on white 'P Plates' for three years, unless they take the Road Ready Plus course after six months, or are over 26 and have held the licence for 6 months.

After holding the licence for three years, it can be upgraded to an Open Licence.

For more about driver licensing in the ACT, visit ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services - Driver Licence.

The minimum age for a Learner Driver Permit is 16 years (for cars) and for a Learner Rider Licence 16 years and 9 months (for motorcycles). Since the introduction of an enhanced graduated licensing scheme in 2000, new drivers must proceed through 3 different stages before gaining a full, unrestricted licence.

A learner driver licence is gained after passing a computerised knowledge test. Learner drivers are permitted to drive accompanied by a supervising unrestricted licence holder (usually a parent or professional driving instructor). Learner drivers are subjected to numerous restrictions: a maximum speed of 80 km/h, a zero alcohol limit, cannot tow a trailer, and must conspicuously display black-on-yellow 'L-plates' while driving. As of July 1, 2007, learner drivers must complete at least 120 hours (verified by a log book completed by the supervising driver) of on-road driving experience, and must hold the permit for at least 12 months, before they may apply for a provisional licence, stage 1. In an intentional quirk of the system, drivers may apply for a learner licence at the age of 16 and six months, but the minimum age for a P1 licence is 17; drivers who apply for a Learner's permit on their sixteenth birthday must therefore hold the licence for a year before progressing to the next stage. This is thought to encourage extra driving experience for younger applicants.

A Provisional licence, stage 1 (P1 - red) (commonly called Ps and Reds) is gained after a minimum twelve months of holding a Learner Licence, 120 hours of on-road driving experience, and successful completion of an on-road practical driving examination. The licence holder can drive unaccompanied, but is limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h, towing trailers of up to 250 kg, and a zero alcohol content. They must display red-on-white 'P-plates' while driving. P1 drivers are limited to a total of three demerit points during the term of the licence, as compared to the 12-point limit on unrestricted licences. P1 drivers must hold the licence for one year before progressing to the next stage. In New South Wales the minimum age to be eligible for a P1 Licence is 17. As of 1st July 2007, new laws for P1 drivers have been introduced, including a limit of one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am, and instant disqualification for 3 months for any speeding offence. Furthermore, it is also now a requirement that red 'P-plates' be displayed on the outside of the vehicle.

A Provisional licence, stage 2 (P2 - green) (commonly known as Ps and Greens) is gained after one year and successful completion of a computerised hazard perception test. The driver is restricted to a speed limit of 100 km/h, a zero alcohol limit, and a maximum of six demerit points; however, they are eligible to upgrade the class of their licence, such as those for heavier vehicles. P2 drivers must display a green-on-white 'P-plate' at all times. P2 drivers must hold the licence for two years before progressing to the next stage.

A full, unrestricted licence is gained after two years and successful completion of another computerised test. Unrestricted drivers might progress through different "colour" licences: black, silver and gold.

There are several common complaints about the NSW licensing scheme. The relatively high number of road accidents and traffic offences (such as speeding and drink-driving) involving P-plate drivers has prompted calls for further driving restrictions, such as curfews and passenger restrictions, as implemented in other countries. Some consider 50 hours to be insufficient experience for learner drivers. Also, the blanket speed restrictions on Learner and Provisional drivers can pose problems on country roads and freeways, where learner drivers are restricted to 80 km/h while other drivers may travel up to 110 km/h. In Queensland and Victoria, this problem is avoided by not imposing speed restrictions on newly licensed drivers. There has been some criticism, especially amongst holders of provisional licenses, that the new laws punish the majority whilst it is only the minority that are the offenders.

For more information about Driver's Licenses in New South Wales go to The Roads and Traffic Authority and click on Licensing

A Learner's Permit is gained after passing a computerised knowledge test and eye-sight test. Drivers are restricted to driving only with a BAC of 0.00%, whilst accompanied by a fully licensed driver (non-Probationary) who has a BAC below 0.05%, as well as displaying 'L' plates, and not towing a trailer. There are no speed or vehicle restrictions. Learner's Permits must be held for at least 6 months, unless the holder is over 25, in which case it is 3 months. In a new scheme slowly being implemented, the current recommendation of 120 hours practice will become mandatory for learners aged 16-20. The minimum age for obtaining a Learner's Permit is 16 years.

A Probationary Licence is gained after passing a computerised Hazard Perception Test and a practical driving test, as well as an eye-sight test. Drivers are restricted to driving with a 0.00% BAC, and are not permitted to drive 'high powered vehicles' (those powered at more than 125 kW/tonne or 3.5 litres/tonne). They must also display white-on-red 'P' plates. If the driver was tested in an automatic vehicle, then they must not drive a manual vehicle. There is no speed restrictions, and trailers may be towed. Currently, there is only one level of Probation, which lasts for 3 years. In July 2008, there will be a new P1 and P2 system implemented similar to New South Wales. From then, the red P plates will become the P1 level, and last for 1 year. However, towing will not be allowed on the new P1 level, nor will any mobile phone use - hands-free or otherwise. The minimum age for obtaining a Probationary Licence is 18 years.

A P2 Probationary Licence is a future level of licence in Victoria, that will be implemented from July 2008. It will be gained if a good driving record is maintained whilst holding the P1 licence. The same P1 restrictions apply, except P2 drivers may tow trailers, and use hands-free mobile phones. They must also display white-on-green 'P' plates, rather than red. P2 licences last for 3 years, making the minimum age of receiving a full licence 22 years, up from 21. The minimum age for obtaining a P2 licence is 19 years.

A Full Driver Licence is obtained after finishing the probation period at a minimum age of 22. There are few restrictions, other than not being able to drive while holding a mobile phone, and the need to have a BAC under 0.05%. Full licences are issued for a ten year duration, but can be made available for three years if requested.

For a greater explanation of the new system, see the Victorian Government's Arrive Alive website.

A Phase 1 Learner's Permit to drive a car in Western Australia can be gained by anyone aged 16 or over after successfully passing a computer-based driving theory test and an eyesight test. Drivers with Learner's Permits may only drive whilst accompanied by either a qualified driving instructor or a person who has held a valid licence of the same type as the permit for 4 years. Learner drivers must display black-on-yellow "L" plates, and must not drive with a Blood alcohol content exceeding 0.02%. Phase 1 Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on Perth freeways or within Kings Park. Learner's Permits expire after one year.

A Phase 2 Learner's Permit is awarded to those Phase 1 Learners who pass a practical driving test accompanied by an examiner employed by the government. Only those aged 16 years and 6 months or older are permitted to undergo the practical assessment. Successful drivers are presented with a log book, in which they must record subsequent driving experience and conditions. Phase 2 Learner drivers are permitted to drive on Perth freeways, however they must still be accompanied by an experienced driver whenever they drive and the other restrictions continue to apply.

A Provisional Licence is awarded when Learner drivers aged 17 years or over complete 25 hours of driving experience in their log book and pass a computerised "Hazard perception test". Drivers with provisional licences must display red-on-white "P-plates" whenever they drive, can drive unaccompanied and still cannot drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher. Provisional drivers have half the demerit points of regular drivers.

The provisional licence automatically converts into a Full Driver's Licence after the two year probationary period. Drivers with full driver's licences may drive with a blood alcohol content less than 0.05%, and may drive at up to 110 km/h (the maximum speed limit in the state) where as a "P" plate driver may only drive up to 100 km /h, where permitted by the state.

Drivers who have had their licence revoked can obtain an Extraordinary Licence if they can demonstrate that the loss of their licence inflicts hardship. They must pay a $A500 fine, and display black-on-yellow "E" plates. The Extraordinary Licence permits them only to drive to avoid the hardship, such as to and from work.

For more information on Driver's Licenses in Western Australia go to The Department For Planning and Infrastructure and click on Licensing Services

As of 2005, Queensland licences are now called a "Driver Licence" (as opposed to the traditional "Driver's Licence" or the variant "Driving Licence"), and no longer carry information about the holder's organ donor status. The Australian Organ Donor Register^[4] is now used for national registration of tissue donation status, due to criticism of the previous schemes.

There are no additional speed limit restrictions imposed on learner drivers.

Elderly drivers are required to have their licences renewed more often and required to have compulsory eye tests, which does not include colour vision (which is in theory important for understanding traffic signals, although colour blind people can in practice tell by position, this requires more concentration).

As of July 2007, New, tough, and controversial licensing laws were enforced on drivers under the age of 25. These included decreasing the minimum age of learners from 16 years 6 months, to 16 years, but increasing the minimum length of time the learner's licence is held to 1 year instead of 6 months, and included a compulsory 100 logged driving hours.

For more information about Driver's Licenses in Queensland go to Queensland Transport and click on Licensing

A person who is at least 16 may apply for a Learner Permit (commonly called Ls) in South Australia. Applicants must pass a theory test to qualify. A learner driver must be accompanied by somebody who holds a full licence for the vehicle being driven. They must display yellow L plates, not have any alcohol in their blood, not get more than 4 demerit points, and must not travel above 80 km/h.

To get a Provisional Licence (also commonly called a probationary licence or Ps), you must have held a learner's permit for at least 6 months or have an equivalent interstate or overseas driver licence. If you had a learner permit, you must also have a log book showing you have had at least 50 hours driving experience (including at least 10 hours of night-time driving). All applicants must pass a practical driving test or be signed off on several points by a driving instructor in a competency-based training course. Drivers are then issued with a P1 licence. The main restrictions on P-platers are a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h (even where the posted speed limit is higher), a requirement that no alcohol or party drugs be in the system, and not being allowed to accrue more than 4 demerit points. They must also display red P plates (shown on left).

After a 12-month good driving record on normal Ps (P1s) or successfully completing a driver awareness course, a driver qualifies for P2s. This is the same as P1s, but the driver doesn't need to display P plates.

A driver must have held a provisional licence (combined P1s and P2s) for at least 2 years and a P2 licence for at least 6 months before becoming a fully-licensed driver. Fully-licensed drivers have their restrictions on alcohol relaxed to 0.05 per cent blood alcohol concentration and may drive at the full speed limit (which is 110 km/h on many country roads).

For more information about Driver's Licenses in South Australia go to The Department for Transport and click on Licenses & Certification

Tourists and visitors staying less than three months are permitted to drive on the licence of their home country. If the licence is not written in English, then an acceptable translation of the licence must be carried at all times. Visitors staying more than three months must apply for a licence in the state in which they reside.

Licences and Photo Cards are hologrammed, and contain a photograph, signature, and the holder's address. In some states, they also show organ donor status.

In Australia, where there is no form of national identity card, driver's licences serve as the primary means of photo identification; 'proof of age' cards were available for non-drivers. In New South Wales, these were replaced by photo cards in December 2005. Tasmania calls their equivalent card a 'personal information card'.

• The Road and Traffic Authority of New South Wales
• A ‘Demonstration’ Driver Knowledge Test for Learner Drivers
• Road Users Handbook (PDF)

• ACT Learner and Provisional Driver Licensing Requirements

In Canada, driver's licences are issued by the province of residence of the driver. Thus, specific regulations relating to driver's licences vary province to province, though overall they are quite similar.

Canada's driving age is determined on a province-by-province basis.

The driving age in the various Canadian provinces are:

• Quebec:^[5]
  • Learners permit: Available at age 16 (with adult consent), with the passing of a multiple choice road theory test, a driving permit is issued which allows the learning driver to drive on roads accompanied by someone with full valid driver's licence.
  • Probationary licence: Available after having held a learners permit for 12 months or eight months if the driver has completed a certain number of driving lessons with recognized driving school. Probationary licence is acquired after successfully completing a road test.
  • Driver's licence: Finished a two year probationary period, if aged 16-24; or if the driver has passed the probationary licence driving test, if age 25 or older.

• Ontario:^[6]
  • Learners permit (G1): Available at age 16, with the passing of a multiple choice road theory test, a driving permit is issued which allows the learning driver to drive on roads accompanied by someone with full valid driver's licence whose BAC is less than 0.05 and has been fully licensed for four years. The driver also cannot drive on 400-series highways and other high-speed expressways (unless accompanied by a licensed instructor) or between 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM and must maintain their own BAC at zero.
  • Probationary licence (G2): Available after having held a learners permit for 12 or eight months if the driver has completed and passed a ministry-approved driver education course. Probationary licence is acquired after successfully completing a road test. At this point the driver must still maintain a BAC of zero. As of 2005 teenage drivers with a G2 licence are restricted in the number of passengers under 19 that they can carry during night-time driving [5].
  • Full licence (G): After 1 year of possessing the G2 licence a driver can take an additional road test that often includes driving on a four lane divided highway. With successful completion they will obtain a full licence which carries no restrictions and are not required to take any further tests until 80 providing they renew their licence regularly. Drivers 80 years of age and over must complete a vision and knowledge test and participate in a 90-minute group education session to renew their licence, and the maximum number of years that a license can be issued for is two years.

Ontario has been using a graduated licensing system since 1994. A driver can take as little as 20 months to get a full licence, however a driver must have a full licence (G) within five years of obtaining a learners permit (G1).

The exact same process, except with other restrictions, is used for obtaining a motorcycle (M) licence.

In Ontario, there was a recently proposed legislation to deny driver's licences to high school dropouts until they turned 18. It was meant as an incentive for students to graduate.^[7]

Traffic Violations convictions usually come with demerit points against your licence. Although contrary to popular belief, the points have no direct impact on insurance rates, and rather are used by the Ministry of Transportation to determine license suspensions due to repeated traffic violations.

• Nova Scotia:^[8]
  • For Class 7 or 8 licences, the Learner's stage of the system lasts for 6 months, which may be reduced to three months if a recognized driver education or training program is taken. Operating conditions at this stage include: No passengers, except an experienced driver who holds at least a Class 5 licence; and, zero blood alcohol level for the learning driver. suspensions will delay graduation to the newly licensed driver stage by the minimum time requirement; that is, three months if a recognized driver education or training program was taken, six months if not. Once a road test has been successfully completed, the learner becomes Newly Licensed for a minimum of two years. Operating conditions include: Zero blood alcohol level for the newly licensed driver; Only one front seat passenger and rear seat(s) passengers limited to the number of available seat belts; No upgrade beyond a Class 5 driver's licence; and, No driving between midnight and 5:00AM, unless accompanied by an experienced driver. A newly licensed driver may apply for an exemption from the night time driving curfew for employment purposes. The driver must take the most direct route to and from work, and is not permitted to have any passengers in the vehicle.
  • To "graduate" from the newly licensed driver stage, the driver must successfully complete a 6 hour Defensive Driving course or complete the full Driver Training Course (25 hours theory, 10 hours driving time). A copy of your graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes. Licence suspensions will delay graduation to the regular driver stage by two years from the date the licence is reinstated.

• British Columbia:^[9][10]
  • Class 8L (Motorcycle Learner's Permit): This permit can be first obtained at age 16, just as the Class 7L. There are many restrictions until the rider passes a "Motorcycle skills Test," which is conducted on a parking lot and involves basic manoeuvering skills. After this test, the rider can ride alone, with much fewer restrictions.
  • Class 7L (Learner's Permit): This permit can first be obtained at age 16, and requires a person under the age of 19 to be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian. To obtain this permit, one must take a medical and knowledge test, which requires 80% to pass. A person holding this licence must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver over 25. The driver must maintain a blood-alcohol count of 0 (e.g. none in their blood), display a large 'L' decal on the back of their vehicle, have no more than two passengers (including the supervisor), and must not drive between 12AM-5AM. The 7L licence is good for two years. After 12 months (9 if the person has taken an approved driving course before March 31, 2007), the driver may take a 45 minute driving test to advance to the next level.
  • Class 7 (Novice Permit): Also called the "N" stage, the permit is obtained after completion of the Class 7L driving test. A Class 7 licence is good for five years, and the stage takes a minimum of two years to complete. Restrictions include 0 blood alcohol and a limit of one passenger (the limit being waived for anyone in the immediate family). Furthermore, any infraction of the traffic law by the possessor of a Class 7 Licence can result in a prohibition, after which the possessor must begin the Class 7N program from the start. After two years, the licence-holder may take the 60 minute Class 5 road test. Passage grants a full licence (a Class 5 passenger vehicle licence).
  • Class 6 (Motorcycle Licence): This licence allows the holder to operate a motorcycle with no restrictions.
  • Class 5 (Full Vehicle Licence): This is a full passenger-vehicle licence. It has no additional restrictions, unlike the Class 7 licences.
  • Class 4 (Commercial licence): Permits the holder to operate taxis, limousines, ambulances, special buses used to transport people with disabilities and other special vehicles - also permits the holder to operate vehicles in Class 5. Minimum age: 19.
  • Class 3 (Commercial licence, heavy trucks): Permits the holder to operate trucks with more than two axles, including dump trucks and large tow trucks - also permits the holder to operate vehicles in Class 5. Minimum age: 18.
  • Class 2 (Commercial licence, buses): Permits the holder to operate buses, including school buses, special activity buses and special vehicles - also permits the holder to operate vehicles in Classes 4 and 5. Minimum age: 19.
  • Class 1 (Commercial licence, semi-trailer): Permits the holder to operate semi-trailer trucks - also, permits the holder to operate all motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles except motorcycles. Minimum age: 19.

British Columbia has been using a graduated licensing system August 1998.^[11] The program was last revised in October 2003, which involved large changes in the time it took to acquire a licence (previously, a person could complete the Class 7L stage in as little as 3 months, and the Class 7N in 12, and no passenger limit was enforced above Class 7L). British Columbia requires new residents who hold UK driving licences to take a test but does exchange US licences.

• Alberta:^[12]
  • Learner's Permit (Class 7): This permit can be obtained at 14 years of age, and can only be used when a non-probationary licensed driver (see below) over the age of 18 is accompanying the driver. However, mopeds may be driven without an accompanying driver. A knowledge test requiring a mark of at least 83% as well as a vision test must be passed.
  • Motorcycle / Moped (Class 6): This permit allows an operator to drive a motorcycle or moped. Minimum licensing age is 16.
  • Probationary Driver's Licence (Class 5, Probationary): This licence can be obtained at age 16 if the driver has had a Learner's Permit for at least a year. This licence allows one to drive without an accompanying fully licensed adult, although it has more restrictions than a non-probationary licence, including fewer allowed demerit points. A road test must be passed to obtain this licence.
  • Non-probationary Driver's Licence (Class 5): This licence can be obtained after having had the probationary Driver's Licence for two years without suspension, therefore the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. An advanced road test must be passed to obtain this licence. A driver with this licence is referred to as a "fully licensed driver".
  • Class 4: This permit allows the operator to drive a taxi, ambulance, or bus with seats for up to 24 passengers. Minimum learning or licensing age is 18.
  • Class 3: This permit allows an operator to drive a single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles, or a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles pulling a trailer with one or more axles (assuming the trailer does not have airbrakes).
  • Class 2: This permit allows an operator to operate any bus, in addition to the vehicles permitted by holders of class 3/4/5 permits. Minimum learning or licensing age is 18.
  • Class 1: This permit allows an operator to any motor vehicle except a motorcycle. Minimum learning or licensing age is 18.

In India, being a state matter, each state has a "Regional Transport Authority or "RTOs" (Regional Transport Offices) that issues licences. Minimum age is 18 years for all vehicles, however mopeds and small motorscooters may be driven at age 16. Drivers have to appear for an oral test to get a learners licence which is valid for 6 months. Drivers can then pass a driving test to get the driver's licence. In many states of India, a learner's licence is granted after passing a written test and then if one passes the practical test, one receives a full licence. There are different categories of licence such as Motorcycle, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV), and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV). Most of the legislation as regarding licensing is done through the 'Rules of the Road Regulation' and the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. As per the MV Act, every vehicle should have 1) Certificate of Registration 2) Certificate of Taxation 3) Certificate of Insurance 4) A Fitness Certificate (in case it is a public transport vehicle) India's first smart card system in Gujarat

The driver of the vehicle should have the original copy of the driving licence. He/she should also have an additional Badge if he/she is driving a taxi or any other public transport vehicle. A police officer or any other official notified by the government can ask for the vehicle-related documents, and the driver would have to produce them within 24 hours at the police station (or the concerned department). The law permits the officials to seize the driving licence, and issue a temporary one for a specified time. The law also allows the state government to fix the amount of fines/jail terms for minor traffic violations, and who has the rights to enforce these rules .

• Licences and Other Services Provided by Traffic Authorities and RTOs in India

• Driving Licence in India

In Israel, someone 17 years old can receive a Type B license (passenger car, after the standardization of the Israeli driving licence to the European ones). After receiving both a medical and eye checkup, (and paying a fee at the local post office) an applicant can take a 30 question multiple-choice test, and must correctly answer at least 26 of which. Before taking the actual driving test, they must receive at least 28 lessons at a certified driving school. After successfully passing the internal driving school test, the instructor will arrange the test, which will be taken in the driving school's vehicle. If someone fails either the written or driving test, they must wait at least two weeks before retaking it, as well as repaying the testing fee. Once the driving test has been successfully passed, the licensing authority will issue a temporary license together with a payment voucher. Once the fee has been paid, the actual license will be sent in the mail. The total cost for all license related fees is around $900, increasing by $100 for every test retake.

For the first three months, the new licensee must be accompanied by someone over 24 with a license for at least 5 years, or someone over 30, with a valid license over 3 years. In addition, during the first two years, the new driver must hang a sign reading "נהג חדש-New Driver" in black letters on a yellow background. Anyone failing to comply with these requirements is subject to be fined and tried in traffic court for driving without a license. If a new driver violates a traffic law, one may be required to retake the written and driving test.

Anyone possessing a foreign driving license residing in Israel for more than 12 months must convert their driving license. The applicant is required to undergo both a medical checkup and eye checkup. After applying at the local license authority office for an exemption from the written test and the requirement for 28 lessons, one is required to take one driving lesson, pay for a test at the local post office, and the instructor will arrange for an abbreviated driving test. If the applicant fails two such tests, they must pass the written test before retaking a thorough driving test.

Guide to Driving and Vehicle Licenses in Israel

New Zealand has had a graduated driver licence system since 1987. It consists of three phases for a car licence:

• A Learner License which is gained after scoring 32 out of 35 (or better) on a multiple-choice test relating to road rules. Once gained, it allows a learner to drive provided they display black-on-yellow learner plates and are accompanied by a "supervisor" (being any person who has held a Full licence for at least two years). The learner licence is a blue plastic card, and can be applied for any time after the age of 15.

• A Restricted License is able to be obtained after having held a Learner licence for at least six months and passing a twenty-minute practical driving test. This allows a driver to drive without L-plates, or a supervisor, between 5am and 10pm. Drivers are only allowed to carry certain passengers with them. These passengers are limited to spouses, a person over 18 who has held a full licence for at least 2 years, and dependents. All other passengers are only allowed to be carried as long as one of the passengers has held a full licence for longer than 2 years. Failure to meet this requirement can incur a $400 fine, with liability going to the driver of the vehicle. The restricted licence is a yellow plastic card.

• A Full License, which requires the driver to have held a Restricted licence for eighteen months, or twelve months for someone who has taken a defensive driving course. However, if you are aged over 25, you only have to spend six months on a restricted license or three months upon completion of a defensive driving course. The driver must pass a more thorough, hour-long driving test. It allows a driver to drive at any time with passengers and, after two years, to supervise Learner and Restricted drivers. It is a green plastic card.

Alternatively, people who gained a licence before 1987 can usually obtain a Full licence without needing to take a driving test.

Holders of overseas licences may be required to take a driving test before they qualify for a full New Zealand license. Holders of licenses from countries with similar road rules to New Zealand are required to take a theory test within one year of arrival, during which time they may continue to drive on their foreign drivers license provided it is either written in English, or they have an authorised English translation available.

Since a Learner licence can be applied for at age 15, the minimum possible age to gain a Full licence is sixteen and a half. In recent years, there have been proposals to raise the minimum driving licensing age to 17 or 18, but so far they have never come to pass, due to objections from farmers who say that their children need to learn to drive early in life because of limited public transport.

The car licence allows the holder to drive a moped, tractor, or all-terrain vehicle as well as a car, however, motorbikes and heavy vehicles require separate licences.

Driver licences carry a unique identifying number, date of birth and photograph of the holder, and apart from passports and a special-purpose 18+ card are the only legal form of ID for buying alcohol or tobacco. They also carry a legend declaring whether or not the holder wishes to donate his or her organs if he or she dies on the road; however, the next-of-kin are consulted first and decide whether or not organs will be donated regardless of the wishes of the licence-holder.

Drivers must carry their licence at all times while driving. If they fail to do so they may face a fine of NZ$55.

• Land Transport Safety Authority car licensing site

In Pakistan, driving licences can be obtained by applying to any traffic police office/licensing authority in applicant's place of abode.

Any person male/female of the minimum age of 18 years can apply for a driving licence. The applicant must show his/her National Identity Card and proof of residence of the area in which a candidate is applying and must be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 meter (65'). Driving licences issued in Pakistan carry no security features. Some are as basic as a laminated piece of paper with the essential information and photo of the licensee with a stamp and signature of a high ranking traffic police official.

There are tests and procedures involved in getting a licence in Pakistan.

For more Info please see:

• Pakistan Driving License

There are three types of driver's license in the Philippines, Student Permit, Non-Professional driver's license, and Professional Driver's license. The minimum age for driving in the Philippines is 16 years old provided that they must have a student permit and must be accompanied by a person with a professional driver's license.

Age Requirements for licenses:

• 1) Student Permit - Must be at least 16 years old
• 2) Non-Professional - Must be at least 17 years old
• 3) Professional - Must be at least 18 years old

Restrictions:

• Restriction 1 - Motorcycles/Motorized Tricycles
• Restriction 2 - Vehicle up to 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
• Restriction 3 - Vehicle above 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
• Restriction 4 - Automatic Clutch up to 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
• Restriction 5 - Automatic Clutch above 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
• Restriction 6 - Articulated Vehicle 1600 kg Gross Vehicle Weight & Below
• Restriction 7 - Articulated Vehicle 1601 kg up to 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
• Restriction 8 - Articulated Vehicle 4501 kg & above Gross Vehicle Weight

Note: Restrictions 1, 2, & 4 only for Non-professional driver's license.

• Philippine Driving License

Minimum age varies from 18 (for cars) all the way up to 26 (for large buses) in the People's Republic of China. Learner's licences, although granted, have little effect, as most training takes place within the confines of specially-designed training areas inaccessible, on paper, to the general motoring public. Previously, expressways were inaccessible even for holders of a normal driver's licence if they did not possess the licence for a full year; however, such a regulation has now been invalidated. Drivers with licences less than a year old, however, are still considered "intern drivers" or "new drivers" (simplified Chinese: 实习司机; pinyin: shíxí siji), and certain limitations apply to them (for example, they must display a uniform label on the car when they are driving). The PRC considers the driving licence, under a new law, an administrative licence (simplified Chinese: 行政许可; pinyin: xíngzhèng xuke).

It should be noted that some areas do not issue motorcycle licenses or three wheeler licenses any more. This promotes driving without a license, a fake license or an illegally purchased license.

Russia was one of the first countries to ever adopt driver's licences, with first ones issued in 1900 by Saint-Petersburg authorities, and joined international convention in 1909, but due to relatively small number of automobiles these attempts were rather sporadic and limited to major centers only. No comprehensive system of drivers' licensing were present until 1936, when Soviet government finally organized and standardized traffic and driving regulations, with this state-wide system to be regulated by specialized police authorities.

Currently Russia employ a system of driver's licences very similar to EU standard with two additional categories:

• A2 similar to European A limited, as A does not limit the specs of motorbikes
  • Bikes with engine displacements lower than 50 cc and speeds lower than 50 km/h are considered mopeds and doesn't require licence to drive
• B1 for tricycles and quadracycles

Current licence style, introduced in 1999, is a laminated plastic card similar to the EU licence card in dimensions and outward appearance, with bearer's photo to the left and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts), place/date of issue, allowed categories and signature to the right. Reverse of a card feature a detailed list of allowed categories in Russian. Older booklet-style licences are also to be seen sometimes, however as they aren't issued anymore and licences are to be renewed each 10 years, they are increasingly rare. Licence is also sometimes supplemented by a special card called "временное разрешение" (temporal permission), which serves for registering an offense points and as a temporal licence if main one is seized by authorities for serious traffic offences. This supplement is abolished and reinstated a countless number of times following a current views in the traffic police.

Legal driving age is 18 years and to obtain a licence one have to be physically fit to driving (including a certificates of mental fitness and lack of registration as a substance abuser) and have to pass the test at the local traffic police authorities for a certain fee. Tests are divited to theory and practice. Theory test is usually the computerized multiple-choice test on traffic rules. 20 questions are asked with 5 answer options provided for each question, with two incorrect answers allowed for passing the test. Practice ride includes a demonstration of basic driving skills (steering, slope starting for a manual transmission cars and backwards driving) on an obstacle course and road driving. Five errors are allowed for obstacle course and road drive is basically a pass-fail system. Number of retries is unlimited.

The classification of motor vehicles and eligibility of a driving licence in Singapore is as follows:

• Class 1: Invalid Carriages
• Class 2B: Motor cycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 200cc.
• Class 2A: Motor cycles with an engine capacity between 201 cc and 400cc.
• Class 2: Motor cycles with an engine capacity exceeding 400cc.
• Class 3: Manual & Automatic transmission motor cars of unladen weight not exceeding 2500 kg.
• Class 3A: Automatic transmission motor cars of unladen weight not exceeding 2500 kg.
• Class 4: Motor tractors of an unladen weight not exceeding 7250 kg but exceeds 2500 kg.
• Class 5: Motor vehicles of an unladen weight exceeding 7250 kg.

The minimum age to drive a motorcar and getting a Class 3/3A Qualified Driving Licence (QDL) in Singapore is 18 years old. A learner who wishes to commence on practical driving lessons must acquire a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) before driving on public roads and operating a motorcar. You can only apply for a PDL if you pass a multiple choice test known as the Basic Theory Test, which can be taken at any of the established driving schools in Singapore. This licence itself carries several restrictions, some of which are listed below:

• A Certified Driving Instructor (CDL) must be present to guide the learner driver.
• A learner driver is not allowed to use the expressway.
• A "L" plate must be placed at the front and rear of the car.
• A learner driver must complete the Final Theory Test before he may apply for the Practical Driving Test conducted by the Traffic Police.

Upon the passing of a Final Theory Test, the learner driver can then proceed to take the Practical Driving Test. A driving licence will be issued upon the passing of the Practical Driving Test. The novice licence holder undergoes a 1 year probation period. During this period, he is required to display one triangular plate at the top right portion of the front windscreen, and the another triangular plate at the top right portion of the rear windscreen. The driver must not accumulate 13 or more demerit points within a period of 12 months will have the licence revoked. Failing to abide by these rules will result in licence being revoked or suspension from driving.

If you hold a foreign driving licence and intend to remain in Singapore for less than twelve months, you are not required to convert your foreign driving licence to a Singapore driving licence. You may drive in Singapore with a valid foreign driving licence. However, if your licence is not in English, in addition to a valid foreign driving licence, you are required to have an International Driving Permit. If an International Driving Permit is not available, an official translation of your driving licence in English is required.

To convert to a Singapore driving licence, you are required to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) which will familiarise you with traffic rules and Singapore's Highway Code pertaining to traffic related issues peculiar to Singapore. A Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) who wishes to drive in Singapore is required to convert his foreign driving licence after becoming a PR.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and using a mobile phone while driving (without a hands-free set) are serious offences. In addition to your licence being revoked, the offender may be charged in court and be fined and or jailed.

• Singapore Traffic Police's website on Driving in Singapore

Driver licences are categorized pursuant to the Road Traffic Security Rules in Taiwan (道路交通安全規則):

1. An ordinary driver licence for a small vehicle (traditional Chinese: 小型車普通駕駛執照) is good for a vehicle with up to 9 seats including the driver and a gross weight up to 3500 kg. A light trailer, i.e. with a gross weight up to 750 kg may be towed. A holder of this licence may also drive a light motorcycle, i.e. up to 50 cm³ or 5 horsepowers.
2. An ordinary driver licence for a heavy truck (traditional Chinese: 大貨車普通駕駛執照) is good for a heavier truck as well as a vehicle that may be driven with a small vehicle license. A light trailer may be towed.
3. An ordinary driver licence for a bus (traditional Chinese: 大客車普通駕駛執照) is good for a bus with more than 9 seats including the driver as well as a vehicle that may be driven with a heavy truck licence. A light trailer may be towed.
4. An ordinary driver licence for a combination vehicle (traditional Chinese: 聯結車普通駕駛執照) is good to tow a heavy trailer, i.e. with a gross weight of more than 750 kg, as well as a vehicle that may be driven with a bus licence.
5. A professional driver licence for a small vehicle (traditional Chinese: 小型車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary small vehicle licence, especially a taxi.
6. A professional driver licence for a heavy truck (traditional Chinese: 大貨車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary heavy truck licence.
7. A professional driver licence for a bus (traditional Chinese: 大客車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary bus licence.
8. A professional driver licence for a combination vehicle (traditional Chinese: 聯結車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary combination vehicle licence.
9. An International Driving Permit (traditional Chinese: 國際駕駛執照) multilingually translates a Taiwanese licence and is good abroad where honoured. As the Republic of China has lost diplomatic relations with most countries since the 1970s, certain countries do not honour international driving permits from Taiwan.
10. A driver licence for a light motorcycle (traditional Chinese: 輕型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is good for a light motorcycle, i.e. up to 50 cm³ or 5 horsepower (4 kW), but not any more powerful one considered more risky to drive.
11. A driver licence for a heavy motorcycle (traditional Chinese: 重型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is also good for a heavy motorcycle, but no new licence of this type is issued since a separate licence for an ultra-heavy motorcycle (see below) is issued.
12. A driver licence for an ordinary heavy motorcycle (traditional Chinese: 普通重型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is good for a motorcycle up to 250 cm³ or 40 horsepower (30 kW).
13. A driver licence for an ultra-heavy motorcycle (traditional Chinese: 大型重型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is also good for a more powerful motorcycle.

The minimum age pursuant to Article 60 is normally 18, but one must be at least 20 to get a professional licence or a licence for an ultra-heavy motorcycle. A professional licence must be converted to an ordinary one upon 60 years old, but a professional small vehicle driver may keep the licence until 65 years old when passing annual physical examinations. Since driving job is not open to foreigners, foreigners cannot get professional driver licences.

North Carolina driver's license (censored for security), showing some of the security features which relate to the Wright Brothers. Note: the holograms are not visible due to the way in which the document was scanned. New NC driver's licenses contain RFID, a bump that can be felt, under the North American Logo visible on the back of the license.

In the United States, the driving age is determined by the state or territory, with the most common age being sixteen. The minimum age for a license varies from 14 years 3 months to 18 years. Most states and territories also have learner driver's licenses (also called learner's permit), which allow a person to drive provided they are accompanied by a licensed driver. There has also been a trend toward "graduated driver's licenses," in which new (especially young) drivers are gradually allowed more driving privileges instead of being given complete driving privileges all at once. Learner's permits are granted by some states to drivers as young as fourteen. Some states also issue driver's licenses to 14 or 15 year old drivers to drive alone. New Jersey issues licenses to 17 year olds and in New York City, senior licenses may be obtained only by 18 year olds or 17 year olds who have completed a driver's education course.

In all of these states, the laws which apply are those of the state in which the driver operates the motor vehicle. (Example: a 14 year-old learner's permit holder in Arkansas would have to wait until 14½ to drive in Montana, or a 16 year-old driver's license holder from West Virginia must follow all learner's permit standards for driving in Pennsylvania until he or she turns 16½).

The United States has a common system of license classes among all states, which is important, especially for commercial drivers who cross state lines:

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)

Class A: Combination vehicle of 26,000 lb (11,790 kg) or more

Class B: Single (straight) vehicle of 26,000 lb (11,790 kg) or more (also includes most buses)

Class C: Commercial vehicle that doesn't fit classes A or B, but is placarded for hazardous materials or is intended to carry 14 passengers or more (excluding Georgia)

Standard Qualified Driver's Licenses

Class D: Passenger vehicle (although this category is universal, the actual title varies by state: for example, Mississippi calls this Class R, while Texas calls it Non Commercial Class C, Georgia calls this Class C, Florida calls this Class E and Hawaii calls it Class 4)

Class E: Taxi Driver or Chauffeur. Taxi driver licensing in the United States is somewhat complicated. A Class E (or similar) license is issued by the state department or agency with the power to issue driver's licenses. Not all state licensing boards (such as Massachusetts) require or issue a chauffeur license. However, regardless of whether a license is required at the state level or not, a license or permit must be obtained from local authorities to operate a taxi, usually the city or county one wishes to drive in. This is separate to and must be obtained in addition to any license required at the state level.

Class M: Motorcycle-{excluding any motorcycle 50 cc and under} (unlike in Europe, the United States does not differentiate between low and full powered motorcycles for the purposes of licensing)

Some states also have additional classifications. Hawaii, for example has a separate license category for drivers who only operate mopeds. South Carolina has non-commercial versions of every commercial class license.

Commercial Driver's License Endorsements

Professional drivers are usually required to add endorsements to their CDL in order to drive certain types of vehicles that require additional training, such as those equipped with air brakes. CDL endorsements are also common among all states, and the training and testing requirements are regulated by the Federal Government. Endorsements are as follows:

P: Passenger Transport (Required to drive a bus that carries 14 people or more)

H: Hazardous Materials (Also requires a TSA criminal background check as well as a written exam. You must be a US Citizen to obtain an H or X endorsement.)

N: Tank Vehicles, Required for carrying liquids in bulk

T: Double/ Triple Trailers (Road trains) (Class A licenses only)

X: Hazardous Materials and Tank Combination

L: Air Brakes

S: School Bus (Also requires a TSA criminal background check, a sex offender registry check, and a "P" endorsement.)

In the U.S., minimum driving ages vary from state to state ranging from 14 to 18. Some examples are below. The minimum age for a Commercial Driver's License is typically 21, except for school bus drivers, which is sometimes as high as 25, although some individual states permit drivers who are 18 to apply for a non HazMat, non school bus intrastate only CDL.

In the past decade, fewer and fewer teenagers are getting driver's licenses. According to a December 2, 2004 Los Angeles Times article, only 43% of American 15-, 16-, and 17-year olds had licenses in 2002.^[18] By comparison, the percentage in 1982 was 52%. The rate is even lower in some states (e.g., 9% in Missouri). The decrease in percentages are said to be due to the many restrictions that an average teen must face overall in order to obtain the licenses.

For example, in Pennsylvania, when drivers under the age of 18 obtain a permit, they must hold that permit for 6 months, and must have completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a driver licensed in Pennsylvania that is at least 21 years of age. After meeting this requirement, drivers can attempt the supervised driving test. After passing the driving test, newly licensed drivers under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when they:

• Drive between 11pm and 5am for the first twelve months unless they have notarized proof of employment or volunteer work during that timeframe.

After obtaining his or her license, the individual may transport as many passengers as there are seat belts in the vehicle. Must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver when they:

• Drive between 2am and 5am for the next six months.

Instead of facing these provisions, many drivers under the age of eighteen today simply wait until they turn eighteen to get their driver's license in order to bypass these restrictions.

Most U.S. states require new drivers to complete both driver's education classes (which include both classroom lectures and textbook lessons) and driver training (behind the wheel lessons with a state-licensed driving instructor) in order to earn a driver's license.

U.S. driver's licenses have a unique number or alphanumeric code issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), usually show a photograph of the bearer, as well as a copy of his or her signature, the address of his or her primary residence, the type or class of license, restrictions and/or endorsements (if any), the physical characteristics of the bearer (such as height, weight, hair color, and sometimes even skin color), and birth date. Social Security numbers are becoming less common on driver's licenses, due to identity theft concerns. In some states the orientation of a provisional driver's license (for those under the age of 21) is vertical while a regular driver's license (for those over the age of 21) is horizontal. Most states require that when a driver establishes residence in a state, he or she must obtain a license issued by that state within a certain time frame.

The classes of licenses are usually organized so that Class A is usually the license that indicates a person can drive the heaviest and largest vehicles. The license held by the vast majority of ordinary drivers is Class C, D, or E depending upon how the government sets the weight limits for each class. Motorcycles are usually Class M, although some jurisdictions simply add an endorsement permitting the holder to operate motorcycles as well as the class of vehicle for which he or she is licensed.

Because there is no national identity card in the United States, the driver's license is often used as the de facto equivalent for completion of many common business (and governmental) transactions. As a result, driver's licenses are the focus of many kinds of identity theft. Driver's licenses were not always identification cards. Indeed, in many states, driver's licenses did not even have a photograph well into the 1980s. Activism by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization for the use of photo ID age verification in conjunction with increasing the drinking age to 21 in order to reduce underage drinking led to photographs being added to all state licenses. New York and Tennessee were the last states to add photos in 1986. However, New Jersey later allowed older drivers to get non-photo licenses; this was later revoked. Vermont license holders have the option of receiving a non photo license. Later additions varied from state to state, and have included fingerprints, bar codes, magnetic strips, social security numbers and tamper-proof features, most of which were added to prevent identity theft and to curb the use of fake IDs. States have now slowly been converting to digitized driver's licenses which incorporate holographs and bar codes to prevent forgery.

In the case that a person lacks a driver's license, due to license suspension or being a non-driver, a state identification card (state ID) can be issued by the DMV in its place.

In the United States and some provinces of Canada, persons who drive commercially (especially truckers and taxi drivers) are required to have special licences. For taxicab drivers, these licences are usually called Chauffeur Permits. In most cases, commercial truckers must hold a commercial driver's license or CDL. In India, a commercial driving licence is valid for 5 years while an individual licence is valid for 20 years. In the United Kingdom, one must hold a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence to drive a vehicle with more than eight passenger seats for hire or reward, or a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence to drive a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (Maximum Authorised Mass) in excess of 3500 kg. Special licences can also be required in order to transport hazardous materials. The cost of taking the series of tests and examinations to obtain these licences usually means that an employer would subsidize their drivers.

In India, people aged more than 50 years have to undergo strict medical test in order to obtain a licence. The licence validity is 5 years and requires renewal every 5 years.

Physically Disabled Permits, are given out to those who are under the age of 13 years. These permits are given out from the State Government to those minors whom live with someone who has a physical disability and is unable to drive. These licenses are rare, and only 10-20 are given out each year in the United States.

The holder of a licence from any European Union member country can drive in any other EU country. Most countries worldwide will also recognize the licences of citizens of foreign states wishing to drive as visitors. All EU member countries now issue licences in a standard format, regardless of the language of the licence.^{[citation needed]}

The International Driving Permit (IDP) (sometimes erroneously called the International Driver's Licence) is a booklet which is an authorized translation of a driver's home license into many languages (especially languages with different scripts such as Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.). In some cases, it is obtained from a motoring organization such as the Automobile Association or the equivalent in the driver's home country. In other cases, it is delivered by the same government services that deliver ordinary licences. The IDP has no validity except when used in conjunction with the driver's own licence. The existence of the IDP is necessitated by many countries refusing to recognize driver's licences written in foreign languages without accompanying translations.

The People's Republic of China at present does not recognize IDPs (although Hong Kong and Macau do) and requires drivers to get an additional PRC license before being officially allowed on all roads.

Most licence-issuing authorities require holders of "foreign" licences taking up residence in their jurisdiction to obtain a local driving licence within a limited time (typically 6 months or 1 year). In most cases, the driver must follow the full local procedure for obtaining a licence, but some jurisdictions have mutual recognition agreements and will exchange the foreign licence for a local one without the need to undertake an additional driving test.

An exception is the EU, where licenses do not need to be exchanged since the introduction of the common EU-driving-license scheme.

Ontario has a reciprocal licence exchange scheme ^[19] for :

- Canadian provinces and territories;

- Canadian Forces Europe;

- United States (applicants from Illinois, New Jersey and Vermont must provide a driving abstract dated within 6 months)

- Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland.

It exchanges full licences issued by^[20] :

- Northern Ireland,

- European Community/European Economic Area,

- Jersey,

- Guernsey ,

- the Isle of Man,

- Gibraltar,

- One of The Designated Countries: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

As stated on the application form for direct issue of full Hong Kong driving licence^[21](Rev. 7/2006), one can be eligible to direct issue of a Hong Kong driving licence provided that he or she must satisfy the Commissioner with documentary evidence that:

(a) one has a full driving licence (but not an International driving permit) during the past three years issued by one of the following countries or places : Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, People’s Republic of China (includes: The Mainland, Taiwan, Macau), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Republic of South Africa (together with S.W. Africa), United Kingdom (together with Alderney (with Channel Islands), Bermuda, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey), United States of America.

(b) the driving entitlement(s) for which one is applying must be equivalent to the class(es) which are authorized to drive by the issuing country or place; and

(c) one's driving licence was obtained by passing the relevant driving test(s) in the issuing country or place; and

(d) satisfies one of the three requirements below:

(i) the licence was originally issued on any date during a period of residence of not less than 6 months in the country or place of issue (one may prove the six-month residence with the entry and departure stamps on your passport, school transcript or employer's testimonial with employment period specified.); or

(ii) the licence has been issued for not less than 5 years immediately prior to the application; or

(iii) hold a passport or an equivalent travel document of the country or place in which your licence was issued.

Theoretically as seen from the above exchange arrangement list, this kind of reciprocal license exchange scheme might become a backdoor for a person with a driver license issued by a country with less stringent driving test system (or even through purchase or bribery) to exchange for a license issued by a more reputable country without the need of any driving test.

For example, subject to fulfilling the other license exchange requirements, a Pakistan or PRC driving license holder can exchange for a Hong Kong driver license^[22] first. Then exchange for a United Kingdom full license and in turn convert for an Ontario province license in Canada.

• Commercial driver's license
• Driver's Education
• Road-traffic safety
• Learner's permit