If you are planning a foreign trip and want to enjoy a long road trip by steering on the wonderful roads there, then this article of ours will bring a smile on your face. Often people think that to drive a car or bike across the seven seas, they will have to go through the long hassle of getting an International Driving Permit (IDP). But the truth is that the Indian Driving License (DL) kept in your purse can become your real companion in many countries.
Be it the long highways of America, the beautiful valleys of Switzerland or the winding roads of neighboring Bhutan and Nepal. Many big countries of the world directly recognize the strength of Indian DL. The only condition is that your license is valid, all the information on it is clearly written in English and you have a valid passport-visa. So, before packing your bags, let us know in which countries your Indian license can be considered valid?
America (USA)
In most states of America, driving with an Indian driving license is allowed for 1 year. Your license must be in English and you must have a copy of Form I-94 confirming U.S. entry. However, in some states like California or Texas, or depending on the policies of the rental car companies, it is recommended to carry an IDP as a backup.
United Kingdom (UK)
Indian driving license holders can drive in Britain (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) for 1 year without any local restrictions. Like India, the rule of left-hand driving (driving on the left side of the road) is applicable in UK also. Only that category of vehicle can be driven here, which is clearly mentioned on your Indian license.
Australia
In New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory of Australia, the Indian license remains valid for 1 year, while in the northern areas this exemption is for 3 months. Here also traffic moves on the left. If the information on the license is not in English only, it is considered mandatory to carry an official translation or IDP.
Canada
Tourists in Canada are allowed to drive with an Indian driving license for a maximum of 60 to 90 days (depending on the rules of different provinces). Indian DL is valid for road trips in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia along with valid identity card. If your stay exceeds 60 days, it becomes mandatory to obtain a local Canadian license.
Germany
Germany is known for its world famous ‘Autobahn’ roads and here the Indian driving license remains valid for 6 months from the date of entry into the country. The rule is that the license must be in English or German. If the license is in a regional Indian language, it is necessary to carry its certified translation from the German Embassy or IDP.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, you can drive a car or bike for 1 year from the date of entry with the help of Indian driving license. The minimum age of the driver must be 21 years and the license must be in English. If the details on the license are not in English, a translation approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) must be carried.
Switzerland
Indian driving license is valid for 1 year in Switzerland on Alpine Valley and Picture Square roads. The license should be in English, on the basis of which car rental agencies can easily provide the car. In Switzerland, cars drive on the right side of the road, so tourists have to pay special attention to local lane discipline.
Singapore
Indian license holders can drive in Singapore for a maximum of 12 months (1 year) without any hassles. Here too, like India, there is a rule to drive on the left side of the road. In Singapore, traffic rules and speed limits (80-90 km/h on expressways and 50 km/h in urban areas) are very strictly enforced.
Bhutan
In India’s neighboring country Bhutan, Indian driving license is fully valid without any specific time limit or IDP requirement. Due to strong bilateral agreements between the two countries, Indian citizens can easily drive their two-wheelers and four-wheelers there, for which only ‘Vehicle Permit’ is required at the border.
Nepal
Driving rules in Nepal are very easy for Indian citizens. If you are going to Nepal from India with your personal car or bike, then your valid Indian driving license is fully valid there. For this, it is necessary to obtain ‘Bhansar’ of the vehicle and convenience pass from the customs office at the border check post. In Nepal too, like India, driving is done on the left side of the road.
France
Indian driving license in France remains valid for a period of 1 year. However, the main condition here is that you must have an official French translation of the license or an IDP as a backup. In France, cars drive on the right side of the road, so it is important to pay attention to lane rules while driving.
Malaysia
Indian driving license holders are allowed to drive in Malaysia for a maximum of 3 months (90 days). The license must be in English or Malay language. If the license is in another language, a certified translation from the embassy must be submitted. IDP or local permit is mandatory for stay more than 3 months.
South Africa
An Indian driving license is fully valid in South Africa, provided it is in English and has your photograph and signature clearly visible. Here too, like in India, driving is done on the left, which does not cause any inconvenience to Indian travelers, although some local rental companies may ask for IDP.
Sweden
Indian driving license in Sweden is valid for 1 year from the date of entry. According to Swedish regulations, information on the license must be in English, Swedish, German, French or Norwegian. It is mandatory to carry a valid passport and identity certificate with you.
Ireland
Tourists can drive in Ireland for a maximum of 12 months (1 year) on the basis of an Indian driving license. Like India, in Ireland too, vehicles drive on the left side of the road. If a person plans to reside there for more than 1 year, he or she must take an Irish driving test and obtain a local license.
Norway
Norway is famous for its beautiful coastal roads and fjords. Here Indian tourists can easily drive for 3 months with their English driving license. Like other countries in Europe, here too there is a rule of driving on the right side and in winter season it is mandatory to follow snow-tires and special driving rules.
Spain
Tourists can drive in Spain for up to 6 months with their valid Indian driving license. Under Spanish rules, it is considered mandatory to carry an official translation of the license in Spanish or English or to carry the IDP, to avoid any disputes with the traffic police or car rental agencies.
Hong Kong
Indian driving license holders can legally drive in Hong Kong for 12 months from the date of arrival. Here also the traffic system works on left-hand driving like in India. It is sufficient to present a valid passport and English license while renting a vehicle.
Finland
Indian driving license holders in Finland are allowed to drive for 6 to 12 months depending on the validity of their visa and health insurance. The license must be in English and it is necessary to strictly follow the strict traffic rules and speed limits of the Nordic countries.
Mauritius
Mauritius is very popular among Indian tourists and Indian driving license is fully valid here. Even in Mauritius, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, making it easier for Indian drivers to drive on the coastal roads here without any additional permit or IDP.
