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Getting an International Driver's Lisence in South America Getting an International Driver's Lisence in South America
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 13 Oct 2007
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Getting an International Driver's Lisence in South America
Hello,
I'm hoping to ride a motorbike from Buenos aires to North America, but I don't have a motorbike driver's lisense. Does anyone know what it entails in South America, and Argentina in particular to get a international motorbike lisence? I am in Zambia right now headed two-up down through Botwana and Namibia to Cape Town with my boyfriend on an Africa Twin. Seems like it takes a long time in South Africa to get a motorbike lisencse otherwise I would before departing to South America. Does anyone know anything different or have any ideas?
Thank you,
Jolanta
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  #2  
Old 14 Oct 2007
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As I understand it, an International Driving Permit can only be issued within the country in which you hold a national Driving Licence but is not valid within that country.

So it seems, first get a motorcycle Driving Licence by passing tests/bribes or whatever works. Then take it to whoever is authorised to issue IDPs within that country - usually their motoring organisation.

The IDP is then valid, if accompanied with the host country Driving Licence, in all other countries that signed and ratified that part of the Geneva Convention. Notably, UK did not, although I thought the Geneva Convention was an 'all or nothing' commitment.
Amazing what Governments wriggle out of if it suits them - and squeezing cash from road users suits many very, very well!.

Google '"International Driving Permit"
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  #3  
Old 20 Oct 2007
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Thumbs up Don't make it hard on yourself
Hi
I spent nearly three years riding around south america all i ever needed was my registration document my driving license and my passport, i never ever had a problem crossing any borders, you don't need an International driving license or an international vehicle license or a Carnet de passage, this will just complicate your border crossing, most over worked border and customs staff don't want the hassle of paperwork, and all this extra paperwork will just confuse them and end up delaying you. I never once had a border crossing that took more than one hour to get through thats including sailing into Columbia with my bike. Crossing borders can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it, smile a lot and just be friendly this will get you through a lot quicker. Skip
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  #4  
Old 23 Oct 2007
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if you really want one
just posted this elsewhere but it applies here too

A ''friend'' of mine scanned his car licence, photoshopped in the confirmation bit for the bike part of the licence and then printed it out and brought that down to the AA international driving licence office (where they accept photocopies of licences as proof) and left with a brand spanking new international driving licence for both car and bike.


In your position one could do this, email/fax/post it to ones Int Driving Licence Issuer in home country and have them post to friend or you or nearest embassey/consulate - whichever they are more comfortable with.

If you dont have time to sit the test of course ...
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