10 Countries Where Your Indian Driving License is Valid

Transporting while travelling is a big concern for many. The cost of transport also consumes a huge part of the total travelling cost. However, if you rent vehicles and drive yourself around, it will help to save a great deal. The thing is that you are not allowed to drive a car or any other vehicles everywhere you travelled to, especially in a foreign country. That being said, there are several countries across the world where you will not have to worry about the validation of your driving license. In these countries, any Indian citizen with a valid driving license is allowed to drive around. Here is the list of 10 most-visited countries where Indian driving licenses are accepted.

Before we start, it should be noted that some countries on this list have right-hand traffic, which might require you some time to adopt. If you are not familiar or confident with driving on the right, you should not drive yourself even when you are entitled to do so. In this list, we will categorize these countries into two sub-groups, left-hand driving and right-hand driving countries.

Left-hand driving country

Great Britain

Great Britain has a rich history and culture, meaning that you have plenty of things to discover and explore. Your Indian driving licenses are valid in all three countries of Great Britain, namely, England, Scotland and Wales. However, the validation period of Indian driving licenses is only one year. Moreover, Indian travellers can only drive the class of vehicles listed on your vehicle license.

Great Britain

Australia

Australia is a country with fascinating natural landscapes. There is nothing that could be more exciting than freely driving across these beautiful wide sceneries. Fortunately, Indian visitors are allowed to drive across Australia using the valid driving license from our country. However, there is an exception of the Northern Territory where Indian driving licenses are refused. Similar to Great Britain, Indian tourists can only drive the class of vehicle mentioned in the license.

Australia

New Zealand

New Zealand is also a tourist attraction on the world map. This small country is famous for its wonderful and diverse landscape, from rocky mountains to pristine beaches. Lucky enough though, the small country in Australian continent approves of driving license. However, the details license should be written in English. If not, you will have to translate and get the translated version stamped by the New Zealand Transport Agency to avail it for a period of 12 months.

New Zealand

South Africa

South African is an interesting travelling destination with beautiful towns and stunning countryside. On top of that, the African country approves all valid licenses of Indian citizens. All you have to do is to have a driving license printed in English and featured your photos and signature. It should be noted that even car rental companies will require IDP (International Driving Permit) before letting you rent their cars.

South Africa

Singapore

The small country in South East Asia is one of the most famous and most-visited destinations in Asia. Singapore has a fantastic city scene with many shopping locations and hawker centre where you can indulge yourself with local foods. Driving around Singapore is also viable for Indian travellers as they accept our driving license. However, you are asked to keep an IDP issued by authorities in India. It also requires an approved English-translated version of the original driving license is not in English.

Singapore

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is among the hottest tourist attractions in Asian. It is also one of the most densely populated and culturally diverse places in the world. As what expected from a highly developed and crowded city, there are plenty of activities for tourists to explore, from the hustle street markets to fancy shopping mall, street food to Michelin restaurants, you name it. All in all, this city will never fail to give you something to experience. Moreover, Hong Kong authorities allow foreign travellers avail their own driving licenses here for 12 months. Tourists are required to carry their driving license and IDP along.

Hong Kong

Right-hand driving countries

USA

The USA is also a great destination to visit. What’s great is that Indian visitors are allowed to use the driving licenses from our country. However, this country has a right-hand traffic system, which will require you a while to get familiar to the right-hand driving. Moreover, the law might differ from states to states, so make sure you understand the regulations of the state where you will visit. In some states, you will be asked for an IDP along with driving license when renting cars.

USA

Sweden

Foreign driving licenses are accepted in Sweden. However, it should be printed in one of the following languages, English, German, French, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. If your driving license is not written in one of the above languages, you must bring along a translated version in one of these languages, and official ID proof with a picture of yourself.

Sweden

Switzerland

This European country is filled with stunning alpine scenery and poetic quaint villages. You will have the greatest time to delight your eyes with beautiful landscape and immerse in cultural-rich surroundings. It is best to drive a vehicle yourself so that you can fully enjoy the scene. The good news is that you can drive here with a valid India driving license.

Switzerland

Germany

In German, the Indian driving licenses are accepted and India tourists with valid driving licenses are allowed to travel by various class of vehicles, be it two-wheeler or car. It is not compulsory for foreign tourist to acquire IDP. Still, it is recommended to keep this document along with the translated version in case the local authorities ask for your credentials.

German