The best way to discover the beauty of a place on a holiday is to venture out on a road expedition. Car rental services are quite common these days. If you love driving, all you need to enjoy an awesome road trip in a foreign destination is GPS on your phone, fuel money in your wallet and your driving license. Yes, there are many road-trip friendly nations that allow you to drive with your Indian driving license.
We bring to you the list of 10 exotic countries where Indian driving license is valid.
1. Australia
Australia is a land of mesmerising scenic beauty that can be best explored through road trips. You must remember that Canberra, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia allow you to drive against a valid Indian driving license that is in English. But the Northern Territory of the country grants driving permission with a caveat – a permit that allows you to drive for just three months. While in Australia, you may only drive the vehicle that your Indian license allows you to drive.
Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road
2. France
The culturally rich country of France is known for its natural beauty. You can explore the country by driving through its scenic locales if you take along your Indian driving license on your trip. France allows you to drive for a year against a valid home license. Carrying a French translated copy of your Indian driving license is mandatory.
Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road
3. Germany
The most interesting way to explore Germany is through road trips, rather than travelling through trains and flights. There are many roads in the country that have no speed limits. Indian tourists can drive around in Germany with a valid Indian license for a period of six months. Though it is not required by law, you may carry an International Driving Permit to enable local authorities to inspect your documents easily. You may also carry a German translated copy of your Indian driving license.
Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road
4. Great Britain
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) offers the exceptional pleasure of driving through an awesome British countryside. As an Indian tourist you too can experience this pleasure. Great Britain allows you to drive on its soil against your Indian driving license for a year. However, you will be permitted to drive only the class of vehicle that is allowed in your license.
Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road
5. Mauritius
The enchanting island of Mauritius is a traveller’s paradise. You can drive along the fascinating sandy beaches of Mauritius if you carry your Indian driving license while on a trip to the island. Mauritius allows you to drive across the island on your home driving license for a period of four weeks and only in the type of vehicle mentioned in your license. Carry the International Driving Permit to be able to rent cars easily on your holiday. Make sure that your driving license is in English.
Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road
6. New Zealand
The picturesque New Zealand is a small country in the Pacific with great driving roads. You can drive for a year and explore the country if you are in possession of a valid Indian driving license. But you must be at least 21 years of age to be able to rent a car. Remember that you can only drive the kind of vehicle that your driving license allows you to drive. In case your Indian licence is not fully or partially in English, you must translate it with the approval from the New Zealand Transport Agency or a government recognized translator.
Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road
7. Norway
Norway, the land of the midnight sun, offers an unforgettable experience for visitors who decide to explore the country through road expeditions. As an Indian tourist you are allowed to drive across the country for three months if you are in possession of a valid Indian driving license. Note that your driving license must be in English.
Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road
8. Switzerland
The scenic Switzerland is a dream destination for many visitors and a drive through the country of Swiss Alps and turquoise lakes can be a memorable experience in itself. If you have your Indian driving license with you, the Swiss authorities will allow you to drive through their mesmerising country for up to one year. You must carry an English copy of your driving license to be able to drive in Switzerland.
Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road.
9. South Africa
South Africa welcomes visitors to a land of breath-taking cliffs and unique flora and fauna. To be able to drive through the enticing roads of South Africa you must possess a valid Indian driving license. You license must be completely in English and it must have your photo and signature on it. It is advisable to carry an International Driving Permit as car rental companies may ask for the document while you try to hire a car.
Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road
10. United States of America
The United States of America (USA) has some of the most amazing driving routes of the world. The US allows you to drive and explore the country against your Indian driving license. You can drive around the country for a year as long as you have a valid license. Your driving license must be in English and you will need to carry an International Driving Permit. You must also have a copy of the I-94 form, which shows your arrival date in the US.
Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road
A few tips to remember while planning to drive abroad on an Indian licence:
- You must possess a valid driving license (original only) and a valid passport.
- You must obtain a valid visa for the country in which you wish to drive.
- It is advisable to get an International Driving Permit. It is valid for one year and is easy to obtain one from your local RTO, provided you have the required documents.
- Try to rent a car that is GPS enabled or ensure that you have GPS on your phone.
- In India many among us drive cars with a manual gear system while the cars abroad have automatic gears. Rent a car that you will be comfortable in driving.
- Some countries, including India, drive on the left side of the road while others drive on the right side. It may take some time to adjust to the right side of driving.
- Select a car rental company after researching about it in advance to get the best prices for car hire.
- Always carry extra copies of your documents along with the originals.
So, plan your road trip now and apply for the visa of the country that you wish to explore.
