Countries That Allow You To Drive With An Indian Driving Licence
When you travel abroad, you generally depend on the local or public transport system to reach your destination. But driving a car or riding a bike through the scenic locations of foreign countries will certainly add to your memorable trip to the new country.
Did you know that there are several countries that allow you to drive with an Indian Licence and do not require an International Driving Licence or Permit (IDP)? All you need is your Indian Driving Licence, and you can travel the country without worrying about a country-specific Driving Licence.
Difference between an Indian Driving Licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP)
When planning to drive in a foreign country, it's essential to understand the difference between an Indian Driving Licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). While an Indian Driving Licence is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India and allows you to drive within the country, an IDP is a separate document that serves as a translation of your Indian license and is recognised internationally.
An IDP is not a substitute for your Indian Driving Licence but rather a complementary document. It provides a translation of your license into multiple languages, making it easier for foreign authorities to verify your driving credentials. The IDP is issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
It's important to note that while some countries may accept your Indian Driving Licence, others may require an IDP in addition to your Indian license. The requirement for an IDP varies from country to country, so it's crucial to research the specific regulations of your destination before you travel.
List Of Countries That Accept Indian Driving Licence
Here’s the list of foreign countries where you can drive with an Indian Driving Licence.
United States of America (USA)
Malaysia
Germany
Australia
United Kingdom (UK)
New Zealand
Switzerland
South Africa
Sweden
Singapore
Hong Kong
Spain
Canada
Finland
Bhutan
France
Norway
Italy
Mauritius
Iceland
Ireland
Here are more details about the countries accepting Indian DL.
1. United States of America (USA)
Most states in the USA allow you to drive a rented car with your Indian DL. You can drive for a period of 1 year but ensure the document is valid and is in English. Along with the DL, you need to carry the I-94 form, which contains the date on which you entered the USA.
2. Malaysia
To drive on Malaysian roads, your Indian DL should be in English or in Malay. The document has to be vetted by the issuing authority or the Indian Embassy in Malaysia. If you do not have the same, then you will need International DL to drive on Malaysian roads.
3, Germany
You can drive in Germany for 6 months with your Indian DL. Ensure you follow the local traffic rules since the Germans drive on the right side of the road, unlike Indians who drive on the left side. You may have to carry a German-translated copy of your DL, and it is advisable to carry an International Driving Permit in case the local authorities want you to hold one to drive.
4, Australia
You drive on the left side of the road in Australia, similar to driving in India. You can drive through the roads of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Region and the Northern Region for a period of 3 months. Ensure your DL is in English and not in any of the Indian vernacular languages.
5. United Kingdom
You can drive on the roads of the United Kingdom (UK), which includes England, Wales and Scotland, with your Indian DL for a period of 1 year. Please note that the UK allows drivers with Indian DL to drive only a certain class of vehicles and not all.
6. New Zealand
You can drive using your Indian DL in New Zealand for a period of 1-year. However, you need to be 21 years old to drive a car in the country. You need to drive on the left side of the road, just like in India. Ensure your DL is in English or a translated copy authorised by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
7. Switzerland
Driving through the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland is an experience in itself. With your Indian Driving Licence, you can experience the scenic beauty of the country. It is valid for a period of 1-year. Also, ensure that your DL is in English while driving a rented car in Switzerland.
8. South Africa
South Africa boasts picturesque mountains and wildlife sanctuaries. You can drive a car with your Indian DL, and it should be in English, along with your photograph and signature on it. Some car rental agencies may ask for an International Driving Licence.
9. Sweden
To drive a car in Sweden, your DL has to be either in English, Swedish, German, French or Norwegian. The DL has to accompany a valid/accepted ID, and the validity of the Indian licence in Sweden is 1 year.
10. Singapore
To drive in Singapore, you need to be 18 years old, and your Indian Driving Licence is valid for 12 months. After that, you need to get a Singapore Driving Licence. Ensure your DL is in English; if not, you need to get it translated.
11. Hong Kong
You can drive a car legally in Hong Kong for up to 1-year. You can also drive with an International DL.
12. Spain
As an Indian Driving Licence-holder, you can drive through the roads of Spain for up to 6-months after you have registered for residency. Also, your DL needs to be English and should accompany an accepted ID proof.
13. Canada
The snow-capped mountains or the scenic road trip to the Rocky Mountains, where you drive through Canada, are certain to add unforgettable memories. Ensure you drive on the right side of the road, unlike how you drive in India. The Indian DL is valid for 60 days, after which you need to hold a Canadian Driving Licence to drive cars in the country.
14. Finland
You require health insurance to enter Finland, and depending on insurance, your Indian DL is valid for between 6 to 12 months.
15. Bhutan
Indian nationals can drive a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler in Bhutan with their Indian Driving Licence. Ensure you get a vehicle permit to drive around the country.
16. France
Are you considering taking a holiday by car in France? Well, France is one of the Indian driving license-valid countries where your license is valid for a maximum of one year. However, you must first have your license translated into French if it isn't already.
Second, which can be challenging for new drivers, French drivers drive on the right side of the road. If you're comfortable driving on the other side, there are plenty of excellent public transit options in France!
17. Norway
Norway is a stunning nation with breathtaking beauty and mountains. It is a well-liked destination! The good news is that you can drive across Norway for up to three months, as it is one of the countries that accept valid Indian driving licenses in Europe. Before you travel, be sure that you know the precise requirements for driving in Norway.
18. Italy
Italy never fails to win over nature lovers' hearts despite its enormous artistic accomplishments. All you need to drive a car in Italy is an IDP and an Indian driver's license. Your license will only be valid for a maximum of one year in Italy.
19. Mauritius
Mauritius possesses stunning beaches and pristine waters that captivate all visitors. Due to Mauritius's small size, visitors can only drive for a single day before their license becomes invalid. However, visitors don't need to worry about their driver's license expiring - they can explore the whole island in a day!
20. Iceland
Iceland, a country renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, allows visitors to drive rental cars with an Indian driver's license converted to English. International licenses granted in the US, Canada, and the EU are also accepted in the nation (EEA).
21. Ireland
Ireland is one of the Indian driving license-valid countries in Europe where you get a driving permit for a 12-month term. Driving licenses from EU and EEA member states are accepted in Ireland. Valid licenses from nations outside the European Union are also accepted. Once the 12-month time has passed, visitors must obtain an Ireland driver's license.
How To Apply For An International Driving Licence?
Be it for leisure or business, you may travel abroad and may want to drive a car or a bike while travelling in that country. The Indian licence is accepted in several countries, as listed above; however, an International Driving Licence or Permit (IDP) will enable you to drive in other countries as well. Applying for an IDP is easy, and you can apply for the same at the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get an International Driving Licence in India.
Documents Required for International Driving Permit (IDP)
Here are the documents required to obtain an IDP.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for IDP
You can follow the steps below to apply for an IDP.
Step 1: Fill out Form 4-A, available at the local RTO.
Step 2: Pay the IDP fee, which is Rs.1,000.
Step 3: Attach copies of the supporting documents, such as your DL, Passport, Visa and Air Ticket, for verification.
Step 4: Your IDP will be sent by post to the registered residential address.
Tips To Remember While Planning To Drive Abroad
Below are some of the safety tips while driving in foreign countries.
Drive on the Right Track
Check the side of the road that you should be driving on. Countries like the USA and Continental Europe drive on the right side of the road, unlike India. It may not be easier to drive a left-hand drive car since you drive a right-hand drive car in India. Get used to the car, and you will be able to drive around the country.
Know The Driving Laws of the Country
Driving or traffic rules vary from country to country, so educate yourself about the rules and then start driving. Rules such as seat belts, mandatory documents to be carried, the placement of the child seat, etc., may differ, so ensure you are aware of such differences.
Get a GPS
You need to hire or use a car which has GPS navigation for you to get around the city or the country. It will ensure you are not lost and help you to get to your destination.
Consider Driving A Small Car
Small cars are easy to park, manoeuvre, or drive generally. If you do not have too much luggage or too many passengers, small cars are a better choice. If you do require a car with more space, choose the smallest car for your needs.
Carry Documents
Ensure you carry all the important documents such as your Indian Driving Licence, IDP, Passport, Visa, etc. You may be stopped for inspection of documents while you are driving a car in the country; hence, carry all required documents at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common questions and their answers about driving abroad with an Indian DL.
