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Your driving licence certifies that you know how to drive a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Apart from acting as proof of competency, driving without a licence in India is a criminal offence.
However, it is wrong to assume that this licence is only valid in India. If you are planning to migrate to a different nation, you should know whether the same licence will enable you to drive on foreign roads.
A list of countries accepting Indian driving licence should help you assess whether you need to apply for a fresh licence or whether your existing one would suffice. In case it does not, you can opt for an international driving permit (IDP) or international driving licence (IDL).
But first, let’s look at the countries where Indian driving license will allow you to drive!
Here's a table listing 25 foreign countries where Indians can drive using their Indian Driving Licence for a certain period (for few countries, Indian DL is accepted along with an IDP).
Note: This list shows countries where Indian driving licences are accepted with or without an International Driving Permit (IDP), allowing Indian citizens to drive temporarily. Always check local regulations before travelling.
If your destination country is one of the following, you have nothing to fret about. These countries allow you to utilise the Indian licence to drive on their roads.
According to a survey, around 5 million Indians reside in the USA (source). If you are about to become a part of this group, you must know that you can drive in the USA with your Indian driving licence for a term of one year from the date of your entry.
To do so, certain conditions must be met. These are:
Form I94 is considered evidence of having entered the USA on a particular date.
Since this nation is one of the foreign countries accepting Indian driving licences, you do not need to acquire an IDP or a separate licence in America for at least a year.
Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland are 4 countries where you can safely drive on roads using an Indian driving licence. The licence should be in English and remains valid for a term of one year only. Another vital point to remember is that your existing driving licence will only allow you to drive a specific vehicle class and not all of them.
However, it's always good to check specific requirements if you plan to stay long-term. Most rental agencies accept the Indian licence, making it convenient for Indian tourists.
Canada allows Indian citizens to drive with their driver’s licence for a period of up to 60 days. After this, you will need to acquire a separate permit if you intend to keep driving on the nation’s roads.
One important thing to remember is that Canadian drivers need to stick to the right hand side of the road instead of the left, as is the procedure on Indian roads.
The German government allows Indian nationals to drive a car on the country’s roads with their existing driving licence. However, the same must have a German translation.
Also, validity is restricted to 6 months only. In case of a longer stay, you would need to exchange your Indian licence for a German one. Germany's autobahns are famous for their high speeds, but traffic rules are strictly enforced.
Are you desperate for some French wine and food? Whether you are looking to visit the splendid Eiffel Tower or simply to attend a business conference, driving your own car can resolve transportation issues.
Even though your Indian licence is accepted, it must have an authorised French translation to work. Moreover, French cars have a left-hand steering wheel, which can cause challenges for Indians who are used to the other form of driving.
Australia is a famous travel destination for many Indians, both for work and leisure. Whether you are on a holiday or due to work, an Indian driving licence would be considered legal and valid throughout the country.
If you are driving in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia or Queensland, your Indian licence would be considered valid for a year.
However, in the Northern parts of the country, validity of such licence is limited to just 3 months. Keep these factors in mind before so that you can plan accordingly.
Neighbouring Australia is another country where an Indian citizen does not need a fresh driving licence or an IDP.
If you plan to reside or visit New Zealand soon, know that you can use your existing Indian driver licence in New Zealand while keeping the following conditions in mind:
The existing licence can remain valid for up to a year from the date of entrance in the nation. If you plan to stay longer, you should opt for an IDP or a driver’s licence in NZ.
South Africa is full of scenic beauty, which is best experienced while driving on the vast open roads. You can drive a car or bike on these roads for a year with your Indian driving licence, provided that it remains valid for this duration.
Since cars in South Africa follow a right-hand drive, Indians do not need to adapt to a different driving style, easing matters further.
Switzerland has some of the most scenic places in the world and has been a favourite honeymoon destination for Indians since it was popularised in the classic ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ by Shahrukh Khan and Kajol.
If you plan to recreate the magic with your loved ones, you would be happy to know that the country allows Indian drivers to operate vehicles on their existing licence and the driving licence concerned should be in English. Moreover, it remains valid for just a year.
Italy accepts Indian driving licences for up to a year, but it’s advisable to carry an IDP along with your licence for translation purposes.
Italy’s driving culture can be a bit more aggressive, especially in big cities like Rome or Milan, so it’s important to stay alert and follow local driving customs. The country drives on the right-hand side.
Spain allows Indian citizens to drive for up to six months on their Indian driving licence, but it’s necessary to have an IDP to accompany your licence. Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road, and Indian visitors can easily rent cars to explore the country. Always carry your IDP, especially for verification by local authorities.
Indian drivers can use their Indian licence in Finland for up to a year, making it convenient to rent cars and travel around the country. No IDP is required, but it's advisable to carry one for easy communication with local authorities. Finland drives on the right-hand side, and the roads are known for being well-maintained.
Norway allows Indians to drive with their Indian licence for up to 3 months. An IDP is not required, but carrying it can be helpful in case of language barriers. The country drives on the right-hand side and is famous for its scenic routes, particularly along the fjords, making driving a popular way to explore the country.
If you intend to drive a car in Sweden with your Indian driver’s licence, the same must be in one of the following languages – Swedish, English, German, German, Norwegian, Danish or French. Besides this licence, you would also need to keep a photograph and ID with you at all times.
In Singapore, Indian drivers are allowed to use their driving licence for up to 12 months, but they must carry an IDP along with their licence. Singapore drives on the left-hand side, which is convenient for Indian travellers, and the country’s well-structured roads make it easy to navigate.
Malaysia is one of the few countries on this list, which allows for driving with Indian driving licence but also requires you to hold an international driving permit.
If you have both of these documents at hand, rent a car and set out to explore the beautiful tourist places in Malaysia and the surrounding areas.
Indian citizens can drive in the UAE for up to six months on a visit visa, provided they have an IDP. The UAE drives on the right-hand side of the road, and rental car agencies usually accept Indian licences if presented with an IDP.
In Thailand, you can drive with an Indian driving licence for up to 3 months, but must carry an IDP. The country drives on the left-hand side of the road, so it is easy for Indians to adjust.
Indian travellers can use their Indian driving licence in Mauritius for up to four weeks. No IDP is required, and the country drives on the left-hand side, which is similar to India, making driving easy for Indian tourists.
Bhutanese authorities also allow Indians to drive on their national driving licence.
However, since Bhutan is mostly mountainous regions and roads, it may be better to opt for a practised driver instead, especially if you have no prior knowledge of handling cars or bikes on such terrain.
Indians can drive in Nepal with an Indian driving licence in a Nepali-registered vehicle for up to one year, as both countries share open border agreements. If you decide to drive your own Indian-registered vehicle in Nepal, you’re allowed to do so for a maximum of 30 days in a year. No IDP is required, and the driving culture is quite similar to that in India, with left-hand side driving.
In Hong Kong, Indian travellers can drive for up to one year, provided they carry an IDP. The city drives on the left-hand side of the road, which is familiar to Indian drivers, but traffic can be quite busy, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
In Saudi Arabia, drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road, and although the traffic can be heavy, the roads are well maintained. Many Indian tourists drive in Saudi Arabia for work-related purposes or while visiting family.
Ireland allows Indian drivers to use their Indian driving licence for up to one year. While an IDP is recommended, especially for translation purposes, many rental car agencies accept Indian licences. It's important to note that rural roads can be narrow, so drive carefully in the countryside.
Iceland allows Indian tourists to drive using their Indian licence for up to a year, but they must carry an IDP for translation and verification purposes. Iceland is known for its stunning scenic routes, particularly the famous Ring Road. Indian tourists can rent cars easily and explore the vast, picturesque landscapes of Iceland.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official travel document that allows you to drive in foreign countries legally. It's recognized in over 150 countries and translates your driving credentials into several languages, making it easier for authorities abroad to understand your license. The IDP is not a substitute for your regular driving license but works as a supplement.
In India, you can apply for an IDP through the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It's typically valid for one year, and its requirements include a valid driving license, passport-sized photographs, and a nominal fee.
To apply for an International Driving Permit through the Parivahan Sewa portal, follow these steps:
1. Open your web browser and visit the Parivahan Sewa portal. From the homepage, select "Online Services" and click on "Driving License Related Services."
2. Choose your state from the list, then select "Apply for International Driving Permit" from the menu and tap "Continue."
3. Fill in the application form with your driving license number and date of birth, upload the required documents, and proceed to pay the fees using the available payment options.
After completing the process, your International Driving Permit will be issued within 4 to 5 days.
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