Huge demand for International driver license in Karimnagar

Every year, many individuals are migrating from various parts of the state to foreign countries, with a significant number coming from the erstwhile Karimnagar district. In addition to education, many are specifically seeking employment opportunities in Gulf countries.

Karimnagar: There is a huge demand for International Driving Permit (IDP) in Karimnagar. People visiting foreign countries for different purposes like education, job or tourism are getting International driving licenses since IDP is essential to drive vehicles in other countries. Though, every year, many people are migrating to foreign countries from other parts of the state, the figure is high from the erstwhile Karimnagar district. Besides education, people are migrating to other nations especially the Gulf countries in the search of employment.

Though they have been engaged in different jobs, a majority of them are settling in the driving profession. There is a huge demand for drivers in foreign countries and high salaries are being paid to senior most drivers. An unofficial estimate puts nearly 45 per cent of those employed abroad are engaged in the driving profession. Moreover, those studying in European countries earn some money for their expenses by driving vehicles.

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Moreover, it is very tough to get a driving license in foreign countries since the rules are very strict. The IDP obtained in India will be valid for up to six months to one year depending on the country. After expiry of IDP, they can apply for fresh licenses in those countries. People having three to four years of experience in the driving profession will easily get licenses in those countries.

So, the demand for IDP has been increasing every year. While 381 licenses were issued in the year 2021, it increased to 1,094 in 2023. About 500 IDPs have already been issued so far this year. A senior RTA officer said that IDP taken in India would work as a learning license in foreign countries. Later, they could apply for an International driving license in those countries by attaching IDP.