In 2022, the number of international driving licenses (IDPs) issued rose significantly, climbing from 82.6 thousand to 179 thousand. IDPs function as an official translation of a driver’s license, enabling drivers to operate vehicles legally in many foreign countries that recognize the document. The surge in IDP issuance mirrors a growing interest in cross-border road travel and the need for standardized documentation to support international driving arrangements, such as vehicle rentals and compliance with local traffic rules while abroad.
For comparison, 2020 saw 68.3 thousand IDPs issued. In the pre-pandemic period, migration and displacement patterns also influenced IDP numbers, with roughly 215.8 thousand issued in 2019 and about 182.2 thousand in 2018. These figures illustrate how mobility trends—travel flexibility, border policies, and the appeal of road trips—have shaped demand for IDPs over time.
The topic ties into broader mobility shifts and the rising popularity of motor tourism. Today more travelers plan multi-country road itineraries, valuing the independence and control that personal vehicles offer. As travel costs and logistics evolve, individuals increasingly choose to embark on road journeys, sometimes combining several regions into one extended trip. This shift encourages people to explore routes that connect distant destinations while maintaining personal scheduling and safety nets that come with owning or leasing a vehicle.
Particularly, amid changing travel patterns, some motorists are expanding their horizons toward regions in Central Asia, Mongolia, and parts of China. With own transport, travelers can adapt plans on the fly, reach remote stops more easily, and optimize time spent off the beaten path. While ticket prices have fluctuated, the appeal of self-directed exploration remains strong for those who value flexibility and the sense of discovery that driving offers.
- “Drive” can be read in Viber