Our driving licence certifies that you know how to drive a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Apart from acting as proof of competency, driving without a licence in India is a criminal offence.
However, it is wrong to assume that this licence is only valid in India. If you are planning to migrate to a different nation, you should know whether the same licence will enable you to drive on foreign roads.
A list of countries accepting Indian driving licence should help you assess whether you need to apply for a fresh licence or whether your existing one would suffice.
In case it does not, you can opt for an international driving permit (IDP), whose application and documentation process is also mentioned below.
But first, let’s look at the countries where Indian driving license will allow you to drive!
Countries That Allow You To Drive With An Indian Driving Licence:
When you travel abroad, you generally depend on the local or public transport system to reach your destination. But driving a car or a bike through the scenic locations of foreign countries will certainly add to your memorable trip to the new country. Did you know that there are several interesting countries that allow you to drive with an Indian Licence and do not require an International Driving Licence or Permit (IDP)? All you need is your Indian Driving Licence and you can travel the country without worrying about a specific driving licence.
Indian Driving Licence Valid Countries List:
Read on to find out the list of countries where your DL can be used.
1. United States of America (USA)
Most states in the USA allow you to drive a rented car with your Indian DL. You can drive for a period of 1 year but ensure the document is valid and is in English. Along with the DL, you need to carry the I-94 form which contains the date on which you entered the USA.
2. Malaysia
To drive on Malaysian roads, your Indian DL should be in English or in Malay. The document has to be vetted by the issuing authority or the Indian Embassy in Malaysia. If you do not have the same, then you will need International DL to drive on Malaysian roads.
3. Germany
You can drive in Germany for 6 months with your Indian DL. Ensure you follow the local traffic rules since the Germans drive on the right side of the road, unlike Indians who drive on the left side. You may have to carry a German translated copy of your DL and it is advisable to carry an International Driving Permit in case the local authorities want you to hold one to drive.
4. Australia
You drive on the left side of the road in Australia similar to driving in India. You can drive through the roads of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Region and Northern Region for a period of 3 months. Ensure your DL is in English and not in any of the Indian vernacular languages.
5. United Kingdom
You can drive on the roads of the United Kingdom (UK) which includes England, Wales and Scotland with your Indian DL for a period of 1-year. Please note that the UK allows drivers with Indian DL only a certain class of vehicles and not all.
6. New Zealand
You can drive using your Indian DL in New Zealand for a period of 1-year. However, you need to be 21 years old to drive a car in the country. You need to drive on the left side of the road just like India. Ensure your DL is in English or a translated copy authorized by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
7. Switzerland
Driving through the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland is an experience in itself. With your Indian driving license, you can experience the scenic beauty of the country. It is valid for a period of 1-year. Also, ensure that your DL is in English while driving a rented car in Switzerland.
8. South Africa
South Africa boasts picturesque mountains and wildlife sanctuaries. You can drive a car with your Indian DL and should be in English along with your photograph and signature on it. Some car rental agencies may ask for an international driving licence.
9. Sweden
To drive a car in Sweden, your DL has to be either in English, Swedish, German, French or Norwegian. The DL has to accompany a valid/accepted ID and the validity of the Indian licence in Sweden is 1-year.
10. Singapore
To drive in Singapore you need to be 18-years old and your Indian Driving Licence is valid for 12 months. After that, you need to get a Singapore Driving Licence. Ensure your DL is in English if not you need to get it translated.
11. Hong Kong
You can drive a car legally in Hong Kong for up to 1-year. You can also drive with an International DL.
12. Spain
As an Indian Driving Licence holder, you can drive through the roads of Spain for up to 6-months after you have registered for residency. Also, your DL needs to be English and should accompany an accepted ID proof.
13. Canada
The snow-capped mountains or the scenic road trip to the Rocky Mountains, where you drive through Canada, is certain to add unforgettable memories. Ensure you drive on the right side of the road unlike how you drive in India. The Indian DL is valid for 60 days after which you need to hold a Canadian Driving Licence to drive cars in the country.
14. Finland
You require health insurance to enter Finland and depending on insurance your Indian DL is valid between 6 to 12 months.
15. Bhutan
Indian nationals can drive a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler in Bhutan with their Indian Driving Licence. Ensure you get a vehicle permit to drive around the country.
