How many times have you wished, while on vacation, you could opt to drive at your convenience instead of waiting at public transportation stops for the transport that has specific times of departure? No need to miss out on exploring night-markets and late-night party scenes, no need to sleep early, no need to wake up with a start and remain zoned out for a good 5 – 10 minutes before realising you have a bus, train or flight to catch, no rushing anywhere – only if you could use your Indian Driving Licence (IDL) in foreign countries. Well, wishes do come true!!!!
Listed below are 20 countries that allow Indian driving licence holders to explore their lands with a valid IDL.
1. Australia
Between Canada and Australia, the later has become a hot favourite among many Indians, both for work and for leisure. Between its Opera House and The Great Barrier Reef and a perfect work-life balance it comes as no surprise!! Thankfully whether you are on vacation or working, Indian driving licence (IDL) is considered legal and valid throughout the country.
Validity – If driving in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia or Queensland IDL is valid for more than a year.
In the Northern parts validity is limited to three months.
Driving side – Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English and
• Allowed to drive the permitted class of vehicles as per licence.
2. Bhutan
Neighbouring India, where the GDP is measured on Happiness Quotient allows their Indian neighbours to drive both two-wheelers and four-wheelers across their country. However, due to the terrain of that country it is advisable to opt for an expert driver who has knowledge of driving in the meandering loops of the mountainous.
Validity: NA
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive: NA
P.S. – In case you are driving your Indian registered vehicle, ensure to obtain a vehicle permit.
3. Canada
This is another country where they allow Indian driving licence holders to drive. But they should be aware that while driving they should stick to the right-hand side of the road instead of the left side, as is common in India.
Validity: 60 days/ 2 months, after which a permit needs to be acquired
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive: NA
4. France
If you are ready for some French wine and cheese, and finding timings and places of public transportation is an issue, then driving is the best way to explore the country. But it should be borne in mind that French cars are left-hand drives, which can be a challenge for Indians who are used to right-hand drives.
Validity: One year
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• Mandatory to have the DL in French, that can be obtained through the French Embassy
5. Finland
The Scandinavian country that allows all those holding a valid Indian driving licence to drive throughout their scenic county.
Validity: Between 6 months to a year depending on the health insurance policy you hold
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive: NA
6. Germany
Indian nationals are allowed by the German government to drive cars with their IDLs.
Validity: Six months, after which a permit would be required within the country.
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English or German
• Advisable to have an IDP, although not mandatory
7. Italy
A country known for its 3000-year-old history along with housing “the city of canals”, intricate and elaborate architecture like that of Sistine Chapel and sculpture like David’s Michelangelo, last but not the least seat, headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church! The best way to explore this land and its jewels is by driving through the lanes and by lanes and interacting with the locals
Validity: One year
Driving side: Right
Conditions:
• Indian driving licence along with International driving permit
8. Iceland
The Nordic Island country with massive volcanos, hot springs, geysers has recently taken the fancy of Indian travellers and is slowly turning into a hot favourite. Naturally, driving through the landscape will provide the liberty to extensively explore. Thankfully Indian Driving Licence holders are allowed to drive in Iceland.
Validity: Six months
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English
• Licence should have a licence number
• Licence should be valid
• Licence should have holder’s photograph
• The licence should be held for a minimum of one year at the time of car rental in Iceland
9. Ireland
Home of the delectable Guinness Beer, this country has recently witnessed a surge in the number of Indian immigrants and also travel enthusiasts. The good news for them is Ireland allows driving with an IDL making travel to every corner of the country easy to access.
Validity: One year, after which an Ireland Driving Licence is required
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be valid
10. Malaysia
Malaysia is well-connected through a network of efficient transport system not just intra-country but also intercountry, with Singapore. Although accessible by different means of public transport, but the best way to travel from one state to another and exploring the nooks and corners is to drive. However, only IDL is not enough, Malaysia requires you to hold an IDP as well to allow driving here.
Validity: NA
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English or Malay, and should be verified and attested either by the issuing authority or the Indian Embassy in Malaysia
• Should also possess IDP
11. Mauritius
An island on Indian Ocean known for its scenic beaches, lagoons, and reefs and most of all being an affordable honeymoon destination preferred by Indians. So, it is no surprise that Indian driving licence holders are allowed is allowed by the Mauritian government to drive in the country
Validity: Four weeks
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be valid
• Need a temporary Mauritius driving licence issues from the Police Department
12. New Zealand
Australia’s neighbour is another country where an Indian citizen does not require a fresh DL or an IDP
Validity: Valid up to a year since the date of entry in the country. In case you stay longer, you should opt for an IDP or a DL in NZ
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• The person renting the car should be 21 years or older.
• The DL should be in English. In case the DL is not in English, then an authorized translated copy from the New Zealand Transport Agency should be obtained.
13. Norway
Another recent destination that’s growing in popularity with its Viking history, dramatic change in the landscape is the Nordic country of Norway. So, the thought of driving through the diverse topography of villages, waterfalls and fjords will give anyone an adrenaline rush!!
Validity: Three months
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be valid
• Meeting the Norwegian age requirement
• Licence should be in English
14. The United States of America
If you want to become a part of the Indian community in the USA, you should know that you can use your IDL to drive there for a term of one year starting from the date of your entry
Validity: One year
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• The DL should be valid
• It should be in English
• You should keep an attested form I-94 while driving (which is considered evidence of your entry to USA on a particular date)
• No need of an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a year
15. United Kingdom
Now Indians have the opportunity to traverse the beautiful English countryside as Indians are allowed to drive with their IDLs
Validity: One year
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• The DL should be in English
• Not permitted to drive all vehicles but only a specific class of vehicles as mentioned in the licence.
16. Spain
Known for its “La Tomatina” festival in the world, which is equivalent to Indian Holi festival and made more popular by the movie “Zindegi Milegi Na Dobara” which shows three friends driving across Spain, gives major inspiration to take a car and go where the road takes you!! Again a good news for the Indian travel enthusiasts – their Indian DLs are allowed!!
Validity: Six months, after which you have to register for residency!!
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English
• Licence should be valid (not expired)
• Licence should be minimum 18 years of age
• The driver has not been a resident of Spain for more than 6 months
• Licence should be accompanied with a valid photo identity proof
17. Switzerland
Once popularised as a honeymoon destination by “DDLJ”, a lot of Indians are visiting Switzerland either for a holiday or for work. Now Indian citizens can zip through countless winding tunnels along the lakes and create unforgettable moments because IDL is accepted here.
Validity: One year
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• DL should be in English
18. South Africa
South Africa’s scenic beauty while driving on vast open roads remain unparalleled and Indians can enjoy the same. You can drive a car or ride a bike with your DL. To Cars are right-hand drives so it would not be a challenge for the Indians to drive
Validity: One year
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English with your photograph on it.
P.S. – Some vehicle hiring agencies ask for an IDP
19. Singapore
Unlike Malaysia, only IDL is sufficient for Indian citizens to drive around in Singapore.
Validity: Valid for a year, after which you will need an IDP (in case you are travelling from Malaysia you would already have it)
Driving side: Left
Conditions to Drive:
• Licence should be in English
20. Sweden
Surprised? Yes! Indian tourists can drive with their Indian DLs in Sweden.
Validity: NA
Driving side: Right
Conditions to Drive:
• The licence is valid in the country only if the licence is in English, Swedish, German, Danish, Norwegian, or French
• Besides the licence, you would need to carry a photograph and ID with you at all times
Before you embark on the life-changing drive of your lives while vacationing, it is always a good thing to check with the Embassy or the transport authorities on the type of documents and permits that should be carried at all times. You don’t want to be pulled over due to lack of it and go through a different “life-changing” experience!!!
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