Do you need an International Driving Permit in Jordan?

Jordan and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Jordan

Jordan applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva 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
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Jordan

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 Jordan

The UK Foreign Office advises carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Jordan.

Blood alcohol limit

Zero tolerance

Emergency services

general 911, police 911, ambulance 911, fire 911

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Jordan, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Jordan

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Jordan?

Up to 1 year. Jordan joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 14 January 1960 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Jordan on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Jordan's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Jordan?

Reach general on 911, police on 911, ambulance on 911, fire on 911. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Jordan. 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 Jordan?

Jordan 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 Jordan?

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.