Table of Contents
Introduction
Several countries allow international driving permits from India, provided you also have a travel policy. But you must be wondering which countries allow Indian driving licences.
Here is a list of 10 popular travel favourites where you can drive with or without an International Driving Permit (IDP), so lets discuss 10 countries accepting Indian driving licence.
10 Countries Accepting Indian Driving Licence
The United States of America
Many states in the US allow visitors to drive with a valid Indian driver’s license for a limited period, usually up to one year from the day of entry into the US. However, the driving licence cannot be in any regional language of India and must be translated into English if it is not in English. You must also carry an attested I-94 form that serves as proof of your legitimate entry into the US.
New Zealand
Indian tourists can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months with their Indian driver’s license, provided it is in English or has an official English translation. Any stay beyond a year requires an NZ driver’s licence or an international driving permit. You must also be a minimum of 21 years of age
United Kingdom
Visitors from India can drive in the UK for up to 12 months with a valid Indian driving license. Indian driving licence is valid in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, for a year from the day of entry into the regions. You can only drive a specific class of vehicles mentioned in your licence. The licence must also be in English, and you must drive on the left side of the road.
Also, Read USING MOBILE WHILE DRIVING-ACTION AGAINST DRIVERS
Australia
Visitors can typically drive in Northern Australia with a valid Indian driver’s license for up to three months. the licence is valid for a year only in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. It is wise to carry an international driving permit, especially in the north. Like in India, you can drive on the left side of the Australian Roads.
Germany
Germany is another European nation that allows the use of an Indian driving licence but only for six months. The licence must also be in English or German. After six months, you will need an international driving permit or a German driving licence. In Germany, too, you drive on the left side of the road.
France
Indian tourists can drive in France with a valid Indian driving license for up to one year, however, you have to translate the driving licence into French or an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must also remember that cars have their steering wheel on the left side in France, so driving can get a bit tricky
Sweden
You can roam the gorgeous roads of Sweden with your Indian driving licence for a year. Your driving licence can be in English or any of the other languages approved by Sweden. These include Swedish, German, French, Danish, and Norwegian.
Canada
The Indian DL is valid for 60 days, after which you need to hold a Canadian Driving Licence to drive cars in the country. Ensure you drive on the right side of the road, unlike how you drive in India.
Switzerland
Switzerland allows an Indian driving licence to roads for up to a year. The licence must be in English. You can lease any vehicle permitted by your licence as long as you follow the traffic rules of Switzerland and stick to the right side of the road.
South Africa
Visitors from India can drive in South Africa with a valid Indian driver’s license for up to six months to one year, provided it is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation into English. South Africa is also a risky country to travel to, so it is best to carry the appropriate travel insurance along.