Crossword Genius

Low-emission vehicle departs, getting permit (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

green card

'permit' is the definition.
(green card is a type of pass or permit)

'low-emission vehicle departs getting' is the wordplay.
'low-emission' becomes 'green' (green can mean good for the environment).
'vehicle' becomes 'car' (car is a kind of vehicle).
'departs' becomes 'd' (abbreviation eg in train timetables).
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'green'+'car'+'d'='GREEN CARD'

(Another definition for green card that I've seen is " US work and residence permit for foreign nationals".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app