Road trips are one of the many ways to explore a new country, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and surroundings at your desired pace. By making pit stops along the way, you can create unforgettable memories while passing through stunning sceneries and singing your favourite songs aloud. If embarking on such an adventure is part of your upcoming international travel plans, this article takes you through the list of countries where the Indian driving licence is valid.
But before you book that sunroof SUV or a convertible, check with the local transport authority for any changes or updates in the rule. Additionally, carrying extra copies and originals of important documents is advisable in case local authorities require them. If you prefer, you can still carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). It costs INR 1,000 and can take up to 30 working days to arrive, so plan accordingly.
How to get a driving licence in India?
The first step is to apply for a learner’s permit before becoming eligible for a permanent driving licence. The process to obtain a learner’s licence can be initiated through the parivahan sewa portal or by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). Having an Aadhaar card makes the procedure convenient, as the candidates can take the test online, and then successful ones can download their e-learner’s licence. Applicants without an Aadhaar Card need to apply online first and then visit the RTO to take the test physically. A learner’s licence is valid for six months, and only after it expires can a person apply for a permanent driving licence.
The next step is to apply for a permanent driving licence. The initial step remains the same — the candidate visits the official website or the RTO office. The applicant needs to obtain Form 2. Fill in the details, submit the required documents, schedule the driving test and pay the fee. Once the applicant clears the driving test, the licence will be given on the spot or delivered to the registered address.
Countries where Indian driving licence is valid
United States of America
Explore diverse landscapes from the tropical beaches of Florida to the prairies, barren lands and dense wilderness locations in northern parts of the country by taking the wheels. An Indian driving licence is valid for one whole year here. However, remember to carry a copy of the I-94 form (an arrival/departure record issued to non-immigrant travellers) that includes your entry details. In some cities, you might also need an IDP.
Drives on: Right side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, Miami to Key West, San Francisco to Los Angeles and Memphis to New Orleans.
Australia
Indian visitors can enjoy road trips across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory for up to one year on a valid Indian licence. However, in Northern Territory, the licence validity gets reduced to three months only. It is important to note that you can drive only those vehicles which are listed in your licence category.
Drives on: Left side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Sydney to Byron Bay, Brisbane to Cairns, Brisbane to Sydney and Wangaratta to Bairnsdale.
New Zealand
Hit the pedal through New Zealand’s picturesque highlands and terrains, as the country allows Indian travellers to drive on their valid licences. The only prerequisites are that you should be at least 21 years old to rent a car, and the licence should be in English. If it’s in any other language, then visit the New Zealand Transport Agency and seek approvals on the official translation. Like Australia and the USA, the licence is valid for one year.
Drives on: Left side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Queen’s Town to Milford Road, Christchurch to Canterbury and Dunedin to Christchurch.
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Germany
Driving without a speed limit is a dream not just for race car drivers but all driving enthusiasts and that dream can become a reality in Germany. Germany’s Autobahns or highways are known to have certain stretches of unrestricted limit where you can go as fast as you want. You can easily drive here with a valid Indian driving licence in your pocket, though the document’s validity is only for six months.
Drives on: Right side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Schweigen-Rechtenbach to Bockenheim an der Weinstrasse, Düsseldorf to Mainz, Berlin to Gedenkstätte.
France
Plan incredible road trips on France’s cobbled streets, moving from the countryside to the coastlines. Driving on an Indian driving licence is permitted in France if you carry an official translation of the licence. Spend days exploring the “city of love” or take a couple of day trips away from the Parisian lifestyle to a countryside adventure, renting a fancy or vintage car. The licence is valid for one year.
Drives on: Right side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Calais to Provence, Paris to Bonnelles, Yvelines, Bordeaux to Pauillac vineyards.
Switzerland
Explore the enchanting scenery of the alpine country in your rental car and recreate famous scenes from the popular Bollywood film shot here, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Renting cars here is a simple process, but ensure that the driving licence is in English. The licence is valid here for one year.
Drives on: Right side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Kandersteg to Zermatt, Montreux to Geneva, Davos to Stelvio and Thun to Bern
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South Africa
Gear up for thrilling road trips in South Africa, as the country offers abundant landscapes, from hilly terrains to routes through vineyards and a 3,000-kilometre-long coastline. Make use of your driving licence for an entire year on stunning journeys such as the Garden and Panorama Route. Keep in mind that some rental agencies may ask for an international driving licence, so it’s wise to e-mail or call the agencies before you fly out to South Africa.
Drives on: Left side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Sun City to Kruger National Park, Johannesburg to Waterberg Meander and Cape Town to Cederberg
The United Kingdom
England, Scotland and Wales allow Indian tourists to drive in the country with a rule that permits driving only the type of vehicle specified in the driving licence. For example, if the licence is for light motor vehicles (LMV), then you will only be allowed to drive LMV vehicles. You can enjoy driving in the United Kingdom for one year with a valid Indian driving licence.
Drives on: Left side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Barnstaple and Fraddon, Snowdonia to Anglesey in Wales, Ben Nevis to the Isle of Skye and Helmsley to North York Moors National Park
Norway
With deep blue fjords, rugged mountains, and waterfalls at every turn, Norway offers new landscapes at every corner. You can drive here for three months on an Indian driving licence; however, you must have two weeks to be able to explore the country behind the wheel.
Drives on: Right side of the road
Recommended route for driving: Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge, Lysefjord to Sirdal and Senja Route from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn
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(Hero and feature image credit: Skitterphoto/Pixabay)
Related: 10 Scenic Drives In India For A Breathtaking Forest Trip This Summer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: USA, Norway, UK, South Africa, Switzerland, France, Germany and Australia are among the countries that recognise the validity of an Indian driving licence.
Answer: The validity of an Indian licence varies from one country to another. In some countries, the validity is from three months up to one year.
Answer: No, you cannot drive in any country with an Indian driving licence.
Answer: Yes, you can use an Indian driving licence to rent cars in other countries that accept Indian driving licence.
Written By
Ayushi Anand
A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to ..Read More
