Do you need an International Driving Permit in Estonia?

Estonia and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Estonia

Estonia applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Estonia

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Estonia

The Government of Canada advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Estonia, for stays of up to 365 days.

Blood alcohol limit

Zero tolerance

Emergency services

general 112, police 112, ambulance 112, fire 112

Common questions about driving in Estonia

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Estonia?

Up to 3 years. Estonia joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 24 August 1992 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Estonia on my national licence alone?

The Government of Canada states: "You can drive in Estonia with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 12 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Estonia's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Estonia?

Reach general on 112, police on 112, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Estonia. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

What is the drink-drive limit in Estonia?

Estonia operates zero tolerance, so do not drink at all before driving. Penalties are typically far heavier than a fine.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Estonia?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.