Indian Driving License Valid Countries
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Published on :
- 09/02/2023
Travelling to a foreign country is an exciting experience for many. The thrill of exploring new destinations, soaking in a foreign culture, and treating the taste buds and eyes to new cuisines and sights is unparalleled. The excitement of travelling gets doubled when you have the freedom to hit the roads anytime and navigate the holiday destination – from the inner bylanes of the country roads to the narrow bustling city roads, from the exhilarating winding mountainous roads, to the quiet ones flanking the beach.
Of course, you can use public transport to explore places or get the help of a rented vehicle. But the adventure and peace that comes with having your own privately rented vehicle and being behind the driver’s wheel are unmatched. If you have an active driver’s licence in India and are planning a trip abroad, you don’t have to worry about sourcing a new driver’s licence for that particular destination.
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 12 popular travel favourites where you can drive with or without an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is probably also the answer to the question—Indian driving licence valid in which countries?
List of 12 Foreign Countries Accepting Indian Driving Licence
The United States of America
The USA allows the use of an Indian driving licence on American roads. The driving licence is valid for 1 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.
Australia
You would be surprised to know that Australia allows the use of an Indian driving licence for a year. However, the licence is valid for a year only in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. For northern Australia, the licence is valid only for 3 months. 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.
New Zealand
Neighbouring New Zealand also allows the use of an Indian driving licence for a year. 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, and your driving licence must be in English. If it is not, you can get a translated copy from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
United Kingdom
Your 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. Thankfully, these include small vehicles like motorcycles and cars - which is all you need during a UK visit/ stay. The licence must also be in English, and you must drive on the left side of the road.
Switzerland
The picturesque nation of Switzerland allows an Indian driving licence to traverse their scenic roads for up to a year. Again, 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.
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. If it isn’t, you have to get it translated by the police authorities or rental agencies. 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
You are allowed to explore the beautiful streets of France with an Indian driving licence. The driving licence is valid for up to 1 year; however, you have to translate the driving licence into French. You must also remember that cars have their steering wheel on the left side in France, so driving can get a bit tricky. If you find it tough to learn in time, you could always rely on private/ public transportation to get by.
Malaysia
Malaysia allows the use of an Indian driving licence. However, the licence must be in English or the Malay language. If it is in any other language, you can get it translated at the Indian Embassy in India or Malaysia. You can also carry an international driving permit along with your driving licence for added security.
Bhutan
Bhutan and India have very cordial relations, so it is not surprising that the country has made it permissible for Indians to drive in Bhutan with an Indian driving licence. You also need to have other documents like your passport and voter ID. However, you might want to let an experienced driver handle the rougher and narrower terrains of Bhutan.
Singapore
The Indian driving licence is valid for 1 year in Singapore. You must ensure that your licence is in English or get it translated at the Indian or Singaporean embassy. Or you can get it done online from the authorities accepted in Singapore. After a year, you must get a Singaporean driving licence. You must also be a minimum of 18 years of age.South Africa
The Indian driving licence is valid for a year in South Africa. Again, the driving licence must be in English. However, carry an international driving permit to get cars/ bikes from motor rentals with ease. Carry other travel documents and additional photographs to be on the safer side. South Africa is also a risky country to travel to, so it is best to carry the appropriate travel insurance along.
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. You must also keep another form of ID proof and your photos alongside.
The Bottom Line
Travelling within these twelve countries is easy, thanks to the acceptance of the Indian driving licence. Sometimes, you must also carry the international driving permit and additional documents specified by the consulate of each country. You must also be mindful that entry to most countries, including the twelve mentioned above, is not permissible without a valid travel insurance policy. Travel insurance is mandatory because it protects you against unforeseen scenarios like accidents, medical emergencies, loss/ misplacement of baggage, flight cancellation/ delay, and more. You could save yourself from financial loss with a good travel policy. If you are confused about how much travel insurance you need, you can use a travel insurance premium calculator.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
