Kochi: Ernakulam regional transport office (RTO) has issued as many as 5,142 international driving permits (IDP) in the last financial year, registering a 64% rise compared to the previous year.
An IDP serves as a proof that the person holds a valid driving licence in his/her own country. It allows the permit holder to drive in several countries across the globe.
Ernakulam RTO processes over 400 IDPs per month and most of the applicants are those who are moving to Canada, followed by other European countries.
A majority of those who secure IDPs are those who are looking to do part-time jobs along with their studies.
“Most of those going abroad for studies are above 18 years old. With the IDPs, they can secure part-time jobs by driving vehicles and meeting their livelihood needs. There will be a sharp increase in IDP applicants in the years to come since more people are going abroad. As many as around 10 applications we receive a day are from those who are going to Canada. Besides, we receive around 15 applications for IDPs a day,” said an MVD official in Ernakulam RTO.
Meanwhile, overseas education consultants cautioned that it is a misconception that one can secure part-time jobs soon after landing abroad.
“Those going abroad look to earn an extra income with part-time jobs, including driving cabs or driving vehicles for picking up students and dropping them off, etc. Though part-time job prospects are high, it is unrealistic to expect to earn huge amounts from such jobs from the very next day one lands abroad,” says Ronnie Thimothy, marketing manager of a consultant firm.
IDPs can be obtained from the RTO, provided the applicants hold a valid driving licence. The IDPs are valid for one year and after their validity expires, they can take a licence from the respective countries without going through the numerous procedures associated with it.
Even as there is an increase in the number of people securing IDPs every year, motor vehicle department (MVD) officials and overseas education consultants say the increase is negligible compared to the number of people moving abroad annually from the state.
