International Driving Permit: 10 countries in which you can drive with an Indian driving license; check list

International Driving Permit: Some international countries allow you to drive with just your Indian Driving License, without needing an International Driving Permit (IDP). This means you can explore these countries with ease using your Indian License.

International Driving Permit: When we go on international trips to new countries, most people usually use local transportation to travel around. However, driving through beautiful foreign landscapes is a Bollywood dream come true for us Indians. Interestingly, some countries allow you to drive with just your Indian Driving License, without needing an International Driving Permit (IDP). This means you can explore these countries with ease using your Indian License, without the hassle of getting a specific local license.

1. United States: Most states allow you to drive a rental car with your Indian Driving License (DL) for up to 1 year, as long as it’s valid and in English. You also need to carry the I-94 form, which shows when you entered the USA.
2. Australia: Your Indian Driving License will allow you to drive in certain regions for up to 3 months, provided it is in English. Also, you have to drive on the left side of the road, similar to India.
3. Germany: You can drive for 6 months with your Indian Driving License. Remember to follow local traffic rules as Germans drive on the right side. A German-translated Driving License may be required and carrying an International Driving Permit is advisable.
4. United Kingdom: You can drive in England, Wales and Scotland for up to 1 year with your Indian Driving License . However, you can only drive certain types of vehicles.
5. Switzerland: You can drive in Switzerland for 1 year with your Indian Driving License. Please ensure your Driving License is in English.
6. South Africa: You can drive with your Indian Driving License in South Africa if it is in English, along with your photograph and signature. Some rental agencies may require an International Driving Licence.
7. Sweden: Your Driving License must be in English, Swedish, German, French or Norwegian. It should be accompanied by a valid ID and is valid for 1 year.
8. Singapore: You can drive with your Indian Driving License for 1 year in Singapore. Please ensure your Driving License is in English or translated.
9. Spain: You can drive in Spain for up to 6 months after registering for residency. Your Driving License should be in English and accompanied by an accepted ID.
10. Canada: You can drive in Canada for 60 days with your Indian Driving License and then get a Canadian Driving License. Remember to follow the traffic rules and drive on the right side of the road.

How To Apply For An International Driving Licence?

Be it for leisure or business, you may travel abroad and may want to drive a car or a bike while travelling in that country. The Indian licence is accepted in several countries, as listed above; however, an International Driving Licence or Permit (IDP) will enable you to drive in other countries as well. Applying for an IDP is easy, and you can apply for the same at the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get an International Driving Licence in India.

Documents Required for International Driving Permit (IDP)

Here are the documents required to obtain an IDP.

• Valid Indian Driving Licence
• Valid Indian Passport
• Valid Visa
• Air Ticket for Verification

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for IDP

You can follow the steps below to apply for an IDP.

Step 1: Fill out Form 4-A, available at the local RTO.

Step 2: Pay the IDP fee, which is Rs.1,000.

Step 3: Attach copies of the supporting documents, such as your DL, Passport, Visa and Air Ticket, for verification.

Step 4: Your IDP will be sent by post to the registered residential address.