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International Driving Permit for Pakistan

International Driving Permit for Pakistan: IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Driving side, minimum age, and how to get your IDP for Pakistan online in minutes.

IDP status
IDP recommended
Drives on
Left-hand side
Convention
Geneva 1949
Min. age
18+

Do you need an IDP to drive in Pakistan?

An IDP is recommended to drive or rent; carry your national licence too. Driving is on the left. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.

What to carry when driving in Pakistan

How to get your IDP for Pakistan

You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.

Which permit Pakistan recognises

Pakistan is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. A permit issued under that treaty is the one recognised there; a Vienna-only permit may not be accepted.

Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention

Driving on the Left-hand side in Pakistan

Pakistan drives on the LEFT. If you normally drive on the right, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your left.

The legal minimum driving age in Pakistan is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.

Driving to Pakistan soon?

Get your digital International Driving Permit in minutes and drive worry-free.

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Common questions about driving in Pakistan

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Pakistan?

IDP recommended for foreign visitors. An IDP is recommended to drive or rent; carry your national licence too. Driving is on the left.

Which side of the road does Pakistan drive on?

Pakistan drives on the Left-hand side of the road.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for 1–3 years from the date of issue, depending on the plan you choose, and only while your national licence remains valid.

How fast can I get an IDP for Pakistan?

You can get a digital International Driving Permit from International DL online in minutes — apply, and we issue your IDP without a trip to an office.

How Asia compares

Requirements change at the border. If your trip crosses into a neighbouring country, check it before you drive.

Country IDP Drives on Min. age
China IDP not recognised Right-hand side 18+
Indonesia IDP required Left-hand side 17+
Japan IDP required Left-hand side 18+
Thailand IDP required Left-hand side 18+
India IDP required Left-hand side 18+

Other countries

ChinaIndonesiaJapanThailandIndia

Read more in our travel guides.

Checked August 29, 2026. Driving rules change and can vary by region and nationality. Always confirm the current requirements with the official transport authority or embassy of Pakistan before you travel.