Using Your Indian Driving License Abroad

Indians are all over the world. We travel to different countries on vacation as well as on business. All drivers will admit that there is something liberating as well as scary about driving in a different country. Driving by yourself is highly convenient - you are independent, you aren't at the mercy of a chauffeur, you can leave a place whenever you wish to, you can make unscheduled stops, you have the liberty to choose your route or your destination. However, driving in a different country is a rare privilege. Different countries have different traffic rules and regulations, and hence, do not generally tend to trust outsiders with a motor vehicle.

Luckily, some countries recognize the Indian driving license and you can drive in those countries without any additional formality. On the other hand, some other countries will let you drive with your Indian driver's license, provided that you convert it to an international driving license by completing the necessary formalities at your local RTO.

Here is a list of countries where you can drive with your Indian Driver's License:

• Germany: Indians can drive in Germany for six months from the date of entering the country on an Indian driving license. You might need a translation of the license from the embassy. An International Driver’s Permit can be quite handy too.

• The UK: Indians are allowed to drive anywhere in Great Britain on a valid Indian driving license for a year from the date of entry.

• The USA: The US is best explored when traveled by road. Indians can drive in the US for a year, as long as the license is in English. For driving licenses issued in an Indian vernacular, an International Driver's Permit is required to go along with it.

• France: This idyllic country allows foreigners to drive around for a year on the driver’s license issued by their native country. However, the document has to be translated into French.

• Australia: As long as an Indian is just visiting Australia, he/she is allowed to drive there on an Indian license, provided that it is in English. An International Driver's Permit is also required.

• Switzerland: Indians visiting this paradisal nation are allowed to drive around the country for a year on their Indian driver’s license.

• New Zealand: This small and picturesque country in the Pacific offers scenic roads to drive on. It also allows visitors to drive for a year on the driver's license issued by their home country.

• Singapore: This small but extremely disciplined nation lets you drive on an Indian driver's license. However, you better learn their strict traffic rules well to stay out of trouble.

• Norway: This beautiful country, located at the farthest reaches of the inhabited world, recognizes the Indian driving license and lets you drive in their country without the need for any additional test or paperwork.

The list is not restricted to these. Few other countries that allow people to drive with the Indian driver's license provided that you get an International Driver's Permit from your local RTO are:

• South Africa   

• Mauritius

• Italy

• Canada

• Austria

• Malta

• Hong Kong

• Malaysia

• Iceland

• Finland

• Singapore

• Ireland

• Sweden

• Thailand

Driving is undoubtedly the best way to travel. It is the best experience when you are traveling abroad. It lets you relish the essence of the country. Car rental services are very common in most countries and road infrastructure is generally brilliant. So, what are you waiting for? Show up in the countries mentioned above, rent a self-drive car and drive off on your Indian driver’s license.