I went to the post office today to get my International Drivers Permit (UK) and what a farce !! On the front of the IDP it has a 'Valid from' date and they insisted that the date 'had' to be stamped on - trouble is their stamp was useless - date stamped was completely illegible. I complained and they re-did the permit but even after three attempts the year still isn't readable. Now they stamp the back also which clearly states 2018 but the from the front, which is what really matters you can't clearly see 2018.

Has anyone else had this problem? I accepted the IDP as I didn't know what else to do but I am tempted to try another Post Office. Which isn't that easy to be fair as only three Post Offices in my region issue these permits. But my fear is going all the way to Japan only to have them reject the permit because the validation date is illegible.

Honestly it beggars belief - I paid for a service and they don't even have a working stamp. Felt like buying them one myself.