COUNTRIES THAT ACCEPT INDIAN DRIVING LICENSE

Imagine you're on an exciting international trip and think of renting a car and driving around like you do in India? But then, a question pops up in your mind, is your Indian driving license valid in this country?

The good news is that several countries allow Indian driving licenses as legal entities to let Indians drive legally on their roads without any additional requirements.

In this article, we’ll acknowledge the 15 countries where you can drive with a valid Indian driving license.

 

 

Countries That Allow Indians To Drive With An Indian Driving License

1. United States of America (USA)

The first name comes in the list where you freely drive the car having an Indian license is USA. It is a memorable experience travelling to a developed country like America. In this country, Indians can enjoy exploring America by road for a year with an Indian license.

2. Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the southern Asian countries where you can legally use the Indian driving license. You can drive in Malaysia with an Indian driving License for 3 months. But there may be a language problem. At that time, you have to contact the assembly in Malaysia or India. If the license is in English or Malay, then there is no problem.

3. Germany

A European country allows you to drive with an Indian driving License up to six months, but language conditions are there. Your driving License must be either in English or in the German language.

If it's not, then you need to translate it from translation service providers in Germany. After six months, you ought to obtain a valid German driving license. International driving permits can be valid to drive on German roads. 

4. Australia

Driving on Austrian roads is exciting, especially for those who love road trips. The stunning landscape and great Ocean roads can be explored by road journey only.

In Australia, you are allowed to drive with an Indian driving License for up to 3 months. But in some areas, you need to have an International Driving Permit only if your license is not in English.

5. United Kingdom (UK)

The UK has been a traveller's favorite destination due to its outstanding architecture. You can have an amazing experience if you tour the UK by road. The country permits you to drive with an Indian driving license on UK roads for 1 year.

If you don't have an English driving license, it is recommended to receive an International Driving Permit to roam the UK.

6. New Zealand

Are you planning an unforgettable drive to New Zealand? You can simply have this experience with an Indian driving license now. The country permits drivers who have an Indian driving license for 12 months in English. For more than 12 months, you will be asked to have an International driving permit.  

7. Switzerland

To visit the iconic landmarks in this country, you must choose to drive by road. Witnessing the country’s magical beauty is just an amazing experience.

You can explore the country if you have an Indian driving license for up to one year from the date when you cross the boundaries. Only the condition is, that the driving license must be in English.

8. South Africa

The next name that comes into the list of countries where an Indian driving license is permitted to drive is South Africa. The country welcomes you to explore its nature with open arms. It lets you drive freely with an Indian driving license for 12 months.

Your road trip to South Africa won’t get interrupted if your license is in English. Otherwise, you need to carry an International Driving Permit. 

9. Sweden

A road trip to Sweden is possible if you have an Indian driving license for 1 year. But it has a rule that validates your driving license. The license must be in English, Swedish, German, French, Danish, and Norwegian language. Along with this, you need to carry ID proof.

10. Singapore

Singapore is an Asian country that is a second home country for many. So, it's a country where an Indian driving license is considered a valid document to drive. With this, you can drive a car on Singapore roads for 1 year from entering the country.

A driving license in English is a must. If it's not, then you are recommended to translate it from the embassy.

11. Hong Kong

To travel on wheels in Hong Kong, you can use an Indian driving license for one year. Once you enter the country, from that moment to one year will be a valid period. During this, you can enjoy driving on Hong Kong streets with your Indian license. Beyond that, you can drive with an international drive permit.

12. Spain

Spain is another country where you can drive with an Indian driving license. Online application for a 4 wheel driving license in India is an easy process. The license will be considered valid for six months only. An English driving license is legally permitted in Spain. Otherwise, you need to opt for an International Driving Permit.

13. Canada

Canada is well known for driving opportunities. Here you can explore Canadian streets with your own Indian driving license. From the date of arriving in Canada to three months, your license will be valid. A French or English license would create any legal issue. After a time span of 3 months, you are requested to apply for an International Driving Permit.

14. Finland

Holding an Indian driving license in Finland is valid for 6 months to 1 year. When you cross the country's boundaries, you are free to drive on Finland roads for a year. Your health insurance determines how long you can drive in Finland. It is mandatory to have health insurance to get greater driving opportunities in Finland.

15. Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the international driving permit countries. Here, you have the flexibility to drive with an Indian driving license. Accompanied by the license, the country demands a passport and voter ID. You must have professional driving experience to navigate Bhutan's narrow terrains.

 

Difference Between Indian Driving License & International Driving License

An Indian Driving License is a document that is required to drive in India. However, some countries consider this a valid document to run vehicles outside India. Whereas, an International Driving Permit is an all-time valid document in any country all over the globe. More than 150 countries allow people to drive cars with IDP.  

If you are thinking, can I drive in the USA with an Indian license, then its answer would be ‘Yes’. The USA is once the country where IDL is considered valid for a year. If you are planning to relocate to the USA for a year, then you can drive with IDL worry-free.

Let’s have a look at the basic difference between Indian Driving License & International Driving License.

 

Indian Driving License	International Driving License
Individuals above 18 years of age can drive legally within India.	Any Individual can drive in overseas countries.
A document for drivers is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India.	IDP is also issued by RTO, an Automobile Association of India.
Limited countries allow you to drive with IDL for a restricted time span.	International License is used to travel all over the world and is accompanied by an Indian driving License.
Indian Driving License can be made available in regional languages including English.	International Licenses can be made available in multiple languages. It helps foreign authorities to authenticate.

 

Things To Remember

International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of grant. The International Driving license renewal process does not exist. If it expires, you need to apply for a fresh license.

FAQs

1. Can I Drive in the USA with an Indian Driving License?

Yes, you can drive in the USA if you have an Indian Driving License. Whenever you are in the USA, your license will be valid for a year.

2. Is Indian Driving License Valid in Thailand?

Yes, the Indian Driving License is valid in Thailand for a shorter period. But as per the law, you need to have an International Driving Permit with you.

3. Is it allowed to drive a car in the UK with an Indian Driving License?

Yes, for a whole year, you can drive a car on the streets of the UK. But if it's not in English, you have to drive a car with an International Driving License.

4. Is an Indian Driving License Valid in Australia to Drive a Car?

Yes, an Indian Driving License is valid in Australia for three months. Once you enter Australia, you are free to drive the car with IDL for three months legally.

5. Can I Drive a Vehicle in Dubai with an Indian Driving License?

No, Dubai does not permit you to drive a car with an Indian Driving License. The country allows you to drive with an International Driving permit.

6. Is Indian Driving License Valid in Malaysia?

Yes, the Indian Driving License is valid in Malaysia. But it should either be in English or Malay. Otherwise, you are recommended to carry an International Driving License.