Travelling aboard for work, or vacation! How about if we tell you that there are a host of countries that allow Indians with work or tourist visas to use their Indian driving licences to drive cars on the destination country’s roads? In that case, travel becomes more accessible than ever and one can save loads of money and easily take on road trips at one’s own will and convenience.
It becomes beneficial to know about countries that accept only your Indian driving license but doesn’t necessarily require an international driving permit (IDP). Isn’t it like opening up a world of driving adventure destinations or carrying out professional opportunities in foreign countries?
Let’s delve into the countries that accept Indian driving licenses with certain pre-requisite conditions, for acceptance, and important considerations for Indian travellers looking to drive abroad.
Basic Criteria for International Acceptance:
Several countries allow Indians with valid driving licenses to drive abroad without the need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) ranging from a few days to several months. However, the facility to do so can vary from country to country. It depends on factors like
- Bilateral agreements
- Reciprocity agreements, and
- The destination country’s regulations such as the license should be in English, approved age limit, types of vehicles (rented or owned) and a valid period from the date of entry.
List of Countries that allow Indian drivers (visitors and tourists) to operate vehicles with an Indian driving licence for a short-term–
- USA
- Malaysia
- Germany
- UK
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Spain
- South Africa
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Canada
Many countries such as few European Union countries & Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries require additional documentation alongside the Indian driving license, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation of the license into the local language, valid residency visa, etc.
Some Important Considerations:
Though these countries as mentioned earlier do allow Indian drivers/ tourists to operate certain categories of vehicles on their roads, it is always advisable for travellers to research the driving regulations and requirements of their destination thoroughly.
Moreover, if time allows do try to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the local RTO office in India as it serves as a translation of the Indian driving license into destination country languages.
In addition to the above, never forget to check the vehicle rental agreement in the travelling country. It should comply with international driving standards and include necessary insurance coverage.
Finally, learn and comply with local traffic laws and regulations, and road signs of that foreign country, to avoid penalties, fines or legal consequences.
