International Driver's License In Estonia: Hassle-Free Car Renting

It’s essential to have an IDP when driving in Estonia, especially if your license is not issued from a member state of the European Economic Area. An IDP allows motorists to drive in a foreign country and avoid trouble with the authorities. The IDP helps overcome language barriers, especially in countries where English is not the native language. With an IDP, you don’t need to apply for an Estonian driving licence.

You can get an international driver’s license in Estonia online. All you need is to complete the application form, submit the required documents, and pay the fees. You don’t need to take a driving test to get an IDP since you already have your driver’s license as proof of your driving ability.

Since an IDP is an essential document to drive in foreign countries, most countries accept international driving permits. There are different types of IDP issued and the most common ones are the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

Here are the countries that accept the 1949 IDP:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Canada
• Congo
• Algeria
• Barbados
• Benin
• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• Guatemala
• Iceland
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Laos
• Lesotho
• Luxembourg
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Namibia
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Papua New Guinea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uganda
• United Kingdom
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Fiji
• Germany
• Haiti
• Lebanon
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Ireland
• Ukraine

Castles or palaces, cathedrals, and parks are some of what Estonia can offer to tourists. As it is one of the least visited countries in Europe, tourist destinations in Estonia will give you a fresh, vibrant, and relaxing atmosphere. Exploring the country is just like wandering in a fairy-tale-like set-up.

Tallinn’s Old Town

Whether you visit Estonia for a long vacation or not, a tour around Tallinn’s Old Town cannot be missed. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Tallinn’s Old Town offers architectural structures that are well-preserved. The streets in Tallin’s Old town are made up of cobblestones. While wandering around Tallinn’s Old Town, you will see Raeapteek. It is one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies and exhibits antique medical tools. Gothic arches can be seen in Tallinn Town Hall.

You can wander and explore Tallinn’s Old Town for free. But entering specific historic buildings may cost you some money. It is best to visit Tallinn’s Old Town during winter as most of its medieval architecture is decorated with Christmas lights. In the summer season, huge crowds visit the place. That is why you should visit during the winter season to fully enjoy the medieval city.

Estonian National Museum

It is important to know and understand Estonia’s history if you want to further explore the country. And no better place for it than visiting the Estonian National Museum. The museum showcases the history of Estonia, specifically the life and early traditions of the ancient Estonians.

The museum is 355 meters long and 71 meters wide that lies on an old runway of the airfield that also follows the runway’s shape. Artifacts of the earliest prehistoric people of Estonia can also be witnessed inside the museum. Aside from that Estonia’s traditional national costumes for all regions in the country are also displayed.

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour

If you want to know more about the maritime history of Estonia, you should visit the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour. It is a museum that exhibits around 200 maritime artifacts and vessels. By visiting the museum, you will get the chance to see a submarine in the 1930s era, the remains of the oldest ship in Estonia, and a 100-year old steam-powered icebreaker.

Matsalu National Park

If you are a bird lover, then you should visit the Matsalu National Park in Estonia. This park was initially called the Matsalu Nature reserve until 2004. It is also one of Europe’s richest areas for migratory bird species. You can also hike in the park as there are three hiking trails with different lengths available for you.

Aleksander Nevski Katedraali

The Aleksander Nevski Katedraali is a historic cathedral in Estonia. It is one of Tallinn’s popular tourist attractions due to its distinctive religious architectural design. It has five onion-like domes and it houses 11 bells including the largest bell in Tallinn. The primary attraction of the cathedral is the altar which is decorated with golden embellishments and mosaic elements.

Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

Standing since the 1930s, the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle is a medieval stone castle and is one of the most well-preserved castles in Estonia. You can wander around the castle’s convent building, steep staircases, central courtyard, and the Baroque carving on the bishop’s living quarters. It also houses an on-site museum that exhibits the life of the people living in the castle centuries ago.

Sõrve Lighthouse

The Sõrve Lighthouse is located on an island called Saaremaa in Estonia. It is one of the most stunning lighthouses on the island. It is a cylindrical concrete tower that was built to replace the temporary wooden structure lighthouses, a signal point between the years 1945 and 1960.

If you're keen on exploring Estonia's diverse tourist destinations by car, it's crucial to understand the Estonia driving rules to ensure a hassle-free journey. Adherence to these rules and regulations helps prevent any mishaps while you immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the country. Even if you don't own a car, you can conveniently rent one online, but remember that the Estonia driving rules apply just as stringently to rentals.

Don’t forget to carry required documents

Along with your International Driver’s Permit in Estonia, you have to also always bring your local driver’s license, your passport or another identity document, and car-related documents. The mentioned documents are what Estonian road authorities will look for during checkpoints so it is important to always bring them with you.

Drunk driving and the use of illegal drugs is prohibited

It is illegal to drive under the influence. Estonian authorities impose a maximum Blood Alcohol Limit (BAC) level of 0.02% or 20mg alcohol per 100ml blood. When you are caught drink driving, you have to pay €400 (roughly $480) and your driving license will be suspended. The worst thing that can happen when drunk driving is a road accident.

Obey the speed limit of the road

You have to always follow the speed limit of the road you are driving in. They are there to maintain order on the road and guide you on your trip. Even if you are in a hurry, it is not an excuse to violate the speed limit of the road.

Always wear your seatbelt

Do not forget to buckle up your seatbelt whenever you are about to drive in your car. Seat Belts can be a very important factor when accidents happen on the road. It can lessen the impact and the injuries that you will have whenever you are involved in an accident.

Using mobile phones while driving is not allowed

Do not use your mobile phone while you are still driving. The attention that you will give to your mobile phone should be only to the road ahead of you. Being distracted from driving can cause collisions with other cars on the road and possibly a road accident.