International Drivers License Information on www.idlicense.com

          An International Driving Permit (IDP) is used by U.S. citizens who hold valid driver's licenses( driver's licence ) when they are traveling overseas and want to drive an automobile during their visit to a foreign country. The IDP is valid in more than 150 countries and can only be issued by the American Automobile Association, more commonly referred to as AAA. The permit is valid for one year from date of issue for foreign driving, but cannot be used as a driver's license in the United States. The permit contains your name, photograph, and pertinent driver information.

General Info
Mountains, sandy beaches, hills and rock coastline are all located on this island nation. Cyprus is becoming a popular winter sports destination with many mountain resorts. Most of the island can be traveled by car, however keep in mind that traffic travels on the left hand side of the road.

Requirements
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your licence for three years. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. There is a maximum age limit. Seatbelts are mandatory in the front seat and children must be at least age 5 to be in the front seat. Child seats are mandatory for children up to age 5.

Speed Limits
Speed limits in Cyprus are as follows: City 30mph/50kph Open Roads 62mph/100kph

Rules of the Road
Traffic travels on the left and headlights must be used a half and hour before sunset and a half an hour before sunrise.

Fuel
Most fuel stations are found only in the major cities on Cyprus.

Tolls
There are no toll highways on Cyprus.

Parking
Parking meters are found in town centers and are valid for 1 hour. If you see a double yellow line painted on the curb, parking is prohibited at all times. A single yellow line on the curb is a loading and unloading zone but no parking.

Restricted Countries
Cars rented on Cyprus may not be taken off the island or driven into the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus.

One-Way Rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are available and cost an additional approx. US$20. International one-way rentals are not available.

The first thing you may notice when driving in a foreign country is that the roadway signs are different. In many countries, the speed limit is posted in kilometers, and warnings will be written in the country's native language. Sometimes, speed limits are not posted at all, and drivers will travel much faster than the driver is accustomed to traveling. Depending on what part of the world you are driving in, you may find that travellers drive on the left-hand side of the road and that the steering wheel is located on the right-hand side of the car.

Check to see if the country where you will be driving requires mandatory equipment in the vehicle. Frequent mandatory items include: first aid kit, reflective warning triangle, reflective vest, spare fuses and light bulbs, fire extinguisher.

It may be wise to practice driving in a less populated area before you try to drive in a foreign city at rush hour.
Know your route of travel. 
Chart your course of travel before you take to the road, and keep a good map with you.
Always have at least one-half tank of gas.
Make sure that the lights, signals, horn, and brakes work properly.
Avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas.
Always park in places that have good lighting.
Always use safety belts. Some countries have penalties for violation of seat belt laws.
After exiting or entering the car, lock the doors.
In many countries, driving while under the influence is a very serious crime that could result in severe criminal penalties. Never drink and drive.
Avoid riding motorcycles. If you do ride a motorcycle, make sure you wear a helmet.

In order to drive in Cyprus you should Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).Carry your IDP and your both, the National and the International, driver's license with you at all times. The Requirements of getting an international drivers licence: -Valid and active native drivers license ( driving licence ) issued by government agency; -18 years or older.

Safety First
Seat Belts: No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. Almost all countries this is a strict law, but aside from that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them. 
Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.
Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly.

Local Regulations

It is wise to learn in advance the rules and regulations of the country to which you are traveling. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than they are at home. Exercise good judgment and remember that some countries have a "zero tolerance" policy with severe penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drug violations, firearms possession, photography of government or military installations, and antiques purchases are frequent cause of detention by local authorities.

When you are going to rent a car abroad, you might want to think about getting an International Driving Permit. You also need to know about traffic laws abroad. There will almost always be some variations from home.

Some countries say that they require an International Driving Permit. Will that help you know about traffic laws abroad? The short answer is…. NO. There is no test on the rules of the road for an International Drivers Permit. No booklet to read.

You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country or state. All that this permit (the IDP) does is translate your license into ten foreign languages…. English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese.

This makes it easier for police to read. It also certifies the validity of your license; proof to the police abroad, so they don’t have to try to figure out licenses from all over the world.

The IDP shows information in a standard format that is internationally recognized…. It will have your name and other driving license information. Since this IS just a translation and not a driver’s license, you must carry your license along with the permit.

It is, after all, that driver’s license that is proof you are qualified to drive. You want to be able to produce both, though, if you are asked for them.

Citizens of other countries can get them from government authorized organizations such as national auto associations. Over 150 countries recognize the IDPs and most have agencies which will issue them.

Americans can get one from the American Automobile Association or the National Auto Club. You need two passport size photos and $15. The Permit is valid for one year.

Every province and territory in Canada has its own rules regarding obtaining a driving licence. Some allow certain countries to exchange licences without having to retake driving tests or having medicals etc. We take a look at each province to see who can swap and who cannot. In most provinces you can drive on your existing licence for a maximum of 90 days, after which you are required to hold a provincial driving licence. There are exceptions to this rule, so please check with the relevant province.

Alberta

In Alberta, a valid licence from the United States can be exchanged for an equivalent Class 5, 6, or 7. All other classes require testing and must provide applicable medical and vision screening.

A valid licence from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) can be exchanged for a Class 5 when the applicant is presenting a valid licence of equivalent class.

A valid licence from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Alberta, includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland), can be exchanged for a Class 5 when the applicant is presenting a valid licence of equivalent class. A Class 6 operator's licence shall be issued to valid Swiss Class A, A1 licence and a Japanese International driver's licence which permits the holder to operate a motorcycle. All other classes requested would require testing and must provide applicable medical and vision screening. All applicants must present immigration and residency documentation.

Please note that it is a criminal offence to provide false information on a driver’s licence or identification card application.

Alberta can cancel a driver’s licence or identification card if it is determined that the application contained misrepresentation, false information or inaccuracies:

• If you are a new resident in Alberta, you must obtain an Alberta driver’s licence within 90 days of moving to the province, regardless of whether you travel outside Alberta during those 90 days
  
  
• If you are working in Alberta but have your residence outside the province, you may continue to use the valid licence from your home jurisdiction
  
  
• If you are visiting Alberta, you may use your valid licence from your home jurisdiction as long as you have a legitimate residence there and do not take up residency in Alberta
  
  
• If you are visiting Alberta from outside Canada and using an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may drive in Alberta for up to 12 months using the IDP in conjunction with your valid home jurisdiction licence
  
  
• If you are staying in Alberta as a full time student or you are working here as part of a co-op program of study, you may use your valid driver’s licence from your home jurisdiction

 British Columbia

British Columbia has a driver licence exchange agreement with the United States, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and South Korea. You must have held your existing licence for at least two years

Exchanges apply to American passenger car or motorcycle operator’s licence, Austrian, German or Swiss Category B or German Class 3 driver’s licence for passenger cars, or a Japanese Ordinary driver’s licence or a South Korean Class 2 Ordinary driver’s licence for passenger cars.

If you are from a country not listed above you will need to qualify for a B.C. licence. This includes passing a road signs test, a knowledge test, vision screening and a road test. You will also need to meet the medical and application requirements.

Manitoba

If you hold a valid driver’s licence from anywhere in the U.S., you can surrender your valid driver’s licence and obtain a Manitoba licence.

If you hold a driver’s licence from any other country you will need to take and pass Manitoba’s knowledge, road, and vision tests.

New Brunswick

If you are from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands (Holland), New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or Wales you may exchange a valid drivers licence for a class 5 New Brunswick licence. Licences for commercial vehicles will require you to retake your tests.

If you are from any other country, not listed, then you will have to take a full driver licence examination, including written, vision and road tests paying all applicable fees.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Newcomers from the United States, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) can exchange their existing licence for a Class 5 Newfoundland driver’s licence without taking a written, vision or road test.

Commercial driver’s licence may also require a medical report.

If you hold a driver’s licence from any other country, you will need to take and pass Newfoundland’s knowledge, road, and vision tests.

Nova Scotia

Anyone relocating from the United States can exchange their existing licence for a Class 5 licence.

People who have a valid driver’s licence from other foreign countries will be required to take a vision test, written test on safety rules, a written road sign test and a road test.

Ontario

Drivers from Canadian Forces-Europe, U.S.A., Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria and Belgium, Australia and Isle of Man can exchange their licences for a full G licence. Certain restrictions may apply.

Anyone arriving from any other country must undergo complete testing for all classes of licence requested and must provide applicable medical and vision screening as required.

Prince Edward Island

Licences from the United States can be exchanged for equivalent PEI licences.

For individuals coming from other countries and have never been licensed in the United Sates or Canada, complete testing (written, vision and driving) is required.

Quebec

U.S. licences can be exchanged for a Québec licence for a passenger car or a moped without taking a test. For vehicles other than passenger cars and mopeds, tests are required.

Anyone from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Switzerland, Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland), Taiwan or Turkey can exchange their licence for an equivalent Quebec licence.

Anyone arriving from any other country must undergo complete testing for all classes of licence requested and must provide applicable medical and vision screening as required.

Saskatchewan

If you are moving from the United States, United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, South Korea, Germany or Austria you will be able to exchange your licence for an equivalent Saskatchewan licence.

If you are moving from a jurisdiction outside of these countries, you will have to complete written, vision and road examinations prior to being issued a Saskatchewan driver’s licence.

Notes

Most of the exchange agreements require you to surrender your existing home country driving licence. You may also be required to take a vision test and disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive. Some provinces require a medical to be taken for certain types of licence, particularly commercial licences.

You will be required to provide proof of residency documentation such as your immigration papers as well as identification documents such as a passport.

Most of the provinces exchange programs are subject to minimum driving experience in your home country. Therefore you will also need to provide proof of driving experience if not contained within your existing licence documentation.

It is a legal requirement in Canada to always have your licence on you when driving and you must present it to official bodies if required to do so.

A driving licence can be used to obtain other forms of identification and so should be kept securely to avoid theft and misuse.

Driving licences in Canada are renewable after a certain period of time such as five years. It is your responsibility to make sure your licence is always kept up to date.