Top 10 Countries Accepting Indian Driving Licence

List of Countries that Let Indians Drive on their DL

Most tourists need to depend heavily on local transportation to explore a foreign city. While some people may prefer this, many simply wish to drive through these unknown scenic locations.

It is quite possible nowadays to rent a bike or a car abroad, that too on your Indian driving license. You don't need an international driving permit for many countries, which is good news for a lot of you who are done with endless documentation like ticket booking, visa formalities, travel insurance purchases, and whatnot. Without wasting any more time, here are ten countries that only need you to have your Indian driving license:

Australia

The land down under offers some of the best roads and highways for you to zoom through. It is a favourite among Indians and is perfect for tourism, work and studies.

Several states in Australia allow Indians to drive on their Indian DL. These include the Australian Capital Region, Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Region and South Australia.
Just like in India, you can drive on the left side of the road, so it makes a comfortable driving experience.

Good to Know: Your DL must be in English language and not in any vernacular language. If you're planning a long stay in Northern Australia, your license is only valid for 3 months. You should prepare your international driving license if you want to stay here for long. Don't forget to buy suitable travel insurance for Australia for this duration!

Sweden

Home to multiple World Heritage Sites, Sweden has spectacular roads with scenic features. You can easily drive there on your Indian DL for up to 1 year.

Good to Know: Your DL should be either in English or one of the following- Norwegian, Danish, French, German, and Swedish. You must always carry for government-issued ID and photograph along with your Indian driving license. Since Sweden is a part of the Schengen zone, you must also buy Schengen travel insurance for Sweden and any other country you plan to visit.

United Kingdom

Your Indian DL is valid in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You are allowed to drive vehicles in the UK from day one of your entry up to one year of your stay. Like India, you need to follow the left-lane driving.

Good to Know: You can only drive a specified class of vehicles here on your license, including some motorcycles and cars. Your license must be in English.

USA

If you've imagined yourself driving on the famous Route 66 in the US, all you need is a good car and your Indian driving permit. Indians can drive on this license for up to one year from your entry date.

Good to Know: You must have a valid driving license in English along with an attested I-94 form. Your I-94 is essential to prove your legitimate entry to the US.

New Zealand

A drive to the Fiordland National Park is one of the most stunning things to do in New Zealand. With a large Indian population well-settled in, New Zealand lets you use your Indian driving permit for up to one year.

Good to Know: If you want to stay longer than a year, then you must apply for a New Zealand driver's license after passing the NZ theory and practical driving test.

Bhutan

India's stunning neighbour next door lets you drive through its beautiful rocky roads on an Indian driving license. Since the roads are very rocky, it may be difficult for drivers to drive comfortably. Make sure to designate only the most seasoned drivers to swift through this area.

Good to Know: Along with your DL, you should also carry your Indian passport and voter ID as proof if you wish to drive in Bhutan.

South Africa

You can enjoy a drive in South Africa for up to one year with your driving license. You can easily rent a bike or a car to enjoy South Africa's scenic beauty. The license should be in English.

Good to Know: The cars follow the right-hand driving rule, so it's very easy for Indian drivers to adapt here. Along with necessary travel documents, make sure to buy travel insurance for South Africa to keep yourself protected throughout your trip.

Germany

Indians can drive cars in Germany for up to 6 months with their existing driving permit. For Indians planning to stay here beyond 6 months, a permit within the country is mandatory.

Good to Know: You must provide a German translation for your Indian driving license. Since Germany is a Schengen country, make sure to buy travel insurance for Germany for your Schengen visa.

Switzerland

If there's a dream destination for most Indians, Switzerland certainly tops the list. Whether it is for a cosy honeymoon or an adventurous solo trip, you can surely drive around in serene Switzerland on your Indian DL.

Good to Know: Your DL must be in English. You need to follow the right lane driving directions, i.e., you need to drive on the right side of the road.

Singapore

Singapore lets you drive on your Indian DL for up to 1 year. You need to get it translated into English if it's in a regional language. Foreigners who can't provide an official translation of their DL must obtain an International driving permit along with their valid DL.

Good to Know: You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Singapore. The right lane is the fast lane, so you must drive on the left side of the road. Only overtake from the right-hand side, or you will be fined.

International Driving Rules & Requirements

Every country has different driving rules and as a good tourist, you must adhere to them to the best of your ability. From maintaining speed limits to correct lane driving, you should do your research if you wish to go on an international drive.

Since each country has varying driving rules, here are some lesser-known rules for the countries listed in this article:

• Traffic in the US, Germany and Canada relies on right-side driving.
• Traffic in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa relies on left-side driving, which is easier for Indian motorists.
• While driving in New South Wales (Australia), be careful about splashing muck or water on people waiting near the bus. You can be charged with a massive fine.
• Yielding and stopping is an important driving habit which is not actively followed in our country. However, things can turn bad for you if you don't practice these abroad.
• Lane change and signalling laws will also vary from country to country. You should always follow the mirror-signal manoeuvre by first checking your mirrors and signalling accordingly before a turn.
• It is unlawful to stop on the Autobahn while driving in Germany. Even running out of fuel is not valid as it's deemed careless driving.
• While driving in Sweden, you must always turn your headlights on. This is necessary even during daylight hours.
• In Germany, you can't turn right on a red light unless you get a green arrow along with it.
• Honking laws are a serious affair in many countries like the UK and Japan. In the UK, you must avoid honking between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM unless there's an emergency.
• While driving in South Africa, make sure your vehicle has a reflective triangle. In case of an emergency or breakdown, you must place it on the road behind your vehicle.
• Avoid making calls or using your phone while driving. You must absolutely avoid this and only use hands-free devices when driving in the UK, Germany and Australia.

Over to You,

Driving is surely a thrilling and memorable activity for many people. It is also a great way to enhance your travels as it frees you from tight schedules and the hassles of public transport. As you plan your routes, maps and bags for your trip abroad, don't forget to buy international travel insurance before you leave!