An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an internationally recognised, low cost, document which, when accompanied by your own licence will allow you to drive a private motor vehicle in a foreign country.
An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses, but possessing an IDP has many advantages.
It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements. It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese. It may also be a useful form of pictured ID in the case of a lost or stolen passport.
Holders of foreign driving licences must make an application to the country which issued their national driving licence.
This information came from: international-license.com