Your 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.IIn case it does not, you can opt for an international driving permit (IDP) or international driving licence (IDL).

But first, let’s look at the countries where Indian driving license will allow you to drive!

If your destination country is one of the following, you have nothing to fret about. These countries allow you to utilise the Indian licence to drive on their roads.

1. United States of America

According to a 2023 survey, around 5 million Indians reside in the USA (source). If you are about to become a part of this group, you must know that you can drive in the USA with your Indian driving licence for a term of one year from the date of your entry.

To do so, certain conditions must be met. These are:

• The driving licence should be valid.

• It should be in English

• You should also keep an attested form I94 with you while driving.

Form I94 is considered evidence of having entered the USA on a particular date.

Since this nation is one of the foreign countries accepting Indian driving licences, you do not need to acquire an IDP or a separate licence in America for at least a year.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year, varies by state.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required in some states (e.g., Texas, California).

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for the USA is highly recommended as healthcare is expensive. 

• Visa: Indian citizens need a B1/B2 tourist visa for the USA.

2. United Kingdom

Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland are 4 countries where you can safely drive on roads using an Indian driving licence. The licence should be in English and remains valid for a term of one year only. Another vital point to remember is that your existing driving licence will only allow you to drive a specific vehicle class and not all of them.

However, it's always good to check specific requirements if you plan to stay long-term. Most rental agencies accept the Indian licence, making it convenient for Indian tourists.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required for temporary visitors.  

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: You are strongly advised to take travel insurance for the UK as medical treatment is expensive for non-residents. It should cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

• Visa: A UK tourist visa must be obtained before travel.

3. Canada

Canada allows Indian citizens to drive with their driver’s licence for a period of up to 60 days. After this, you will need to acquire a separate permit if you intend to keep driving on the nation’s roads.

One important thing to remember is that Canadian drivers need to stick to the right hand side of the road instead of the left, as is the procedure on Indian roads.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 60-90 days (varies by province).

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended, particularly in non-English provinces.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Canada travel insurance is mandatory for visa applications. It should cover medical emergencies and evacuation.

• Visa: You must have a Canada visa to visit the country.

4. Germany

The German government allows Indian nationals to drive a car on the country’s roads with their existing driving licence. However, the same must have a German translation. 

Also, validity is restricted to 6 months only. In case of a longer stay, you would need to exchange your Indian licence for a German one. Germany's autobahns are famous for their high speeds, but traffic rules are strictly enforced. 

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 6 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: It is mandatory to have travel insurance for Germany covering at least €30,000 to be able to apply for the visa.

• Visa: You must apply for a Germany visa before travel.

5. France

Are you desperate for some French wine and food? Whether you are looking to visit the splendid Eiffel Tower or simply to attend a business conference, driving your own car can resolve transportation issues.

Even though your Indian licence is accepted, it must have an authorised French translation to work. Moreover, French cars have a left-hand steering wheel, which can cause challenges for Indians who are used to the other form of driving.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): It’s advisable to carry an IDP for translation purposes.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for France covering €30,000 is mandatory for a visa.

• Visa: You need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit France.

6. Australia

Australia is a famous travel destination for many Indians, both for work and leisure. Whether you are on a holiday or due to work, an Indian driving licence would be considered legal and valid throughout the country.

If you are driving in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia or Queensland, your Indian licence would be considered valid for a year.

However, in the Northern parts of the country, validity of such licence is limited to just 3 months. Keep these factors in mind before so that you can plan accordingly.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Indian driving licence is valid for up to 3 months in Northern parts of Australia and up to 1 year in South Australia.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required if the Indian licence is not in English.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: It is not mandatory but highly recommended to have a travel insurance policy for Australia which should cover medical costs as healthcare is expensive for visitors.

• Visa: Indians must apply for an Australia visitor visa to enter the country.

7. New Zealand

Neighbouring Australia is another country where an Indian citizen does not need a fresh driving licence or an IDP.

If you plan to reside or visit New Zealand soon, know that you can use your existing Indian driver licence in New Zealand while keeping the following conditions in mind:

• You must be 21 years or older to rent a car in New Zealand

• Your driving licence should be in English or you must possess an authorised translated copy from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The existing licence can remain valid for up to a year from the date of entrance in the nation. If you plan to stay longer, you should opt for an IDP or a driver’s licence in NZ.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required if the licence is not in English and for driving beyond the validity period.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for New Zealand is also recommended and should cover health, trip cancellations, and personal liabilities. 

• Visa: Indian citizens need a visitor visa for New Zealand.

8. South Africa

South Africa is full of scenic beauty, which is best experienced while driving on the vast open roads. You can drive a car or bike on these roads for a year with your Indian driving licence, provided that it remains valid for this duration.

Since cars in South Africa follow a right-hand drive, Indians do not need to adapt to a different driving style, easing matters further.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: A travel insurance for South Africa is recommended to cover health, theft, and cancellation.

• Visa: You must apply for a South African visa from India.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland has some of the most scenic places in the world and has been a favourite honeymoon destination for Indians since it was popularised in the classic ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ by Shahrukh Khan and Kajol.

If you plan to recreate the magic with your loved ones, you would be happy to know that the country allows Indian drivers to operate vehicles on their existing licence and the driving licence concerned should be in English. Moreover, it remains valid for just a year.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: To apply for a Swiss visa, you must have travel insurance for Switzerland with at least €30,000 coverage.

• Visa: It is mandatory to have a Switzerland visa for Indians.

10. Italy

Italy accepts Indian driving licences for up to a year, but it’s advisable to carry an IDP along with your licence for translation purposes.

 Italy’s driving culture can be a bit more aggressive, especially in big cities like Rome or Milan, so it’s important to stay alert and follow local driving customs. The country drives on the right-hand side.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance policy for Italy is mandatory when travelling from India to Italy.

• Visa: All Indian passport holders need a visa to travel to Italy.

11. Spain

Spain allows Indian citizens to drive for up to six months on their Indian driving licence, but it’s necessary to have an IDP to accompany your licence. Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road, and Indian visitors can easily rent cars to explore the country. Always carry your IDP, especially for verification by local authorities.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 6 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Your travel insurance policy for Spain must include medical and emergency repatriation coverage.

• Visa: All Indian citizens need a valid Schengen visa for Spain. 

12. Finland

Indian drivers can use their Indian licence in Finland for up to a year, making it convenient to rent cars and travel around the country. No IDP is required, but it's advisable to carry one for easy communication with local authorities. Finland drives on the right-hand side, and the roads are known for being well-maintained.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required, but recommended.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Finland is a part of the Schengen countries. Hence, to acquire a visa, you must have valid travel insurance for Finland.

• Visa: Indians will require a Schengen visa to visit Finland, valid for 90 days. 

13. Norway

Norway allows Indians to drive with their Indian licence for up to 3 months. An IDP is not required, but carrying it can be helpful in case of language barriers. The country drives on the right-hand side and is famous for its scenic routes, particularly along the fjords, making driving a popular way to explore the country.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 3 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required, but recommended.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Norway. 

• Visa: Indian nationals travelling to Norway require a visa like national visa, transit visa, or Schengen visa.

14. Sweden

If you intend to drive a car in Sweden with your Indian driver’s licence, the same must be in one of the following languages – Swedish, English, German, German, Norwegian, Danish or French. Besides this licence, you would also need to keep a photograph and ID with you at all times.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Sweden travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to the country since it is a Schengen country.

• Visa: To visit Sweden for less than 90 days you are required to apply for a Sweden visa.

15. Singapore

In Singapore, Indian drivers are allowed to use their driving licence for up to 12 months, but they must carry an IDP along with their licence. Singapore drives on the left-hand side, which is convenient for Indian travellers, and the country’s well-structured roads make it easy to navigate.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 12 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: A travel insurance for Singapore is not mandatory but strongly recommended. 

• Visa: Indian citizens are required to have a visa to enter Singapore.

16. Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the few countries on this list, which allows for driving with Indian driving licence but also requires you to hold an international driving permit.

If you have both of these documents at hand, rent a car and set out to explore the beautiful tourist places in Malaysia and the surrounding areas.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 3 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Though not mandatory, buying travel insurance for Malaysia is still essential for tourists.

• Visa: Malaysia is visa-free for Indian nationals until December 31, 2024, for tourism purposes for a maximum of 30 days stay. After this date, you’ll need to have a visa.

17. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Indian citizens can drive in the UAE for up to six months on a visit visa, provided they have an IDP. The UAE drives on the right-hand side of the road, and rental car agencies usually accept Indian licences if presented with an IDP.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 6 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Your travel insurance for UAE (Dubai) should cover medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.

• Visa: Indian citizens need a Dubai (UAE) visa to visit the country. Visa-on-arrival is also available for Indians.

18. Thailand

In Thailand, you can drive with an Indian driving licence for up to 3 months, but must carry an IDP. The country drives on the left-hand side of the road, so it is easy for Indians to adjust.

•  Licence Validity in the Country: 3 months.

•  International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

•  Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for Thailand is highly recommended, particularly for healthcare.

• Visa: Indian tourists who wish to visit Thailand must apply for a Thailand visa from India. Visa-free entry is allowed for Indian tourists till November 11, 2024, for a stay of up to 30 days.

19. Mauritius

Indian travellers can use their Indian driving licence in Mauritius for up to four weeks. No IDP is required, and the country drives on the left-hand side, which is similar to India, making driving easy for Indian tourists.

•  Licence Validity in the Country: 4 weeks.

•  International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required.

•  Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for Mauritius is highly recommended, especially for medical emergencies.

• Visa: Mauritius is a visa-free country for Indian citizens for stays up to 90 days.

20. Bhutan

Bhutanese authorities also allow Indians to drive on their national driving licence. 

However, since Bhutan is mostly mountainous regions and roads, it may be better to opt for a practised driver instead, especially if you have no prior knowledge of handling cars or bikes on such terrain.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for Bhutan is recommended to cover health, trip cancellations, and theft. Especially important for trekking and outdoor activities.

• Visa: No visa is required for Bhutan for Indian citizens, and an entry permit is issued upon arrival.

21. Nepal

Indians can drive in Nepal with an Indian driving licence in a Nepali-registered vehicle for up to one year, as both countries share open border agreements. If you decide to drive your own Indian-registered vehicle in Nepal, you’re allowed to do so for a maximum of 30 days in a year. No IDP is required, and the driving culture is quite similar to that in India, with left-hand side driving.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance for Nepal, especially if trekking or engaging in outdoor activities.

• Visa: Indian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Nepal.

22. Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, Indian travellers can drive for up to one year, provided they carry an IDP. The city drives on the left-hand side of the road, which is familiar to Indian drivers, but traffic can be quite busy, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: A travel insurance for Hong Kong is not mandatory but highly recommended and should cover health, personal accidents, and evacuation.

• Visa: Indian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Hong Kong if they are visiting the country for a duration of 14 days or less.

23. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road, and although the traffic can be heavy, the roads are well maintained. Many Indian tourists drive in Saudi Arabia for work-related purposes or while visiting family.

• Licence Validity in the Country: 3 months.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Saudi Arabia travel insurance policy is mandatory for all visa applicants and should cover health, accidents, and emergencies.

• Visa: Indian citizens need a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia and it is available online or on arrival for select visas.

24. Ireland

Ireland allows Indian drivers to use their Indian driving licence for up to one year. While an IDP is recommended, especially for translation purposes, many rental car agencies accept Indian licences. It's important to note that rural roads can be narrow, so drive carefully in the countryside.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended.

• Driving Side of the Road: Left-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Having travel insurance for Ireland is, though not mandatory but highly recommended.

• Visa: Indian passport holders require an Irish visa to visit the Republic of Ireland. But if you plan to visit Northern Ireland, then a UK visa would suffice. 

25. Iceland

Iceland allows Indian tourists to drive using their Indian licence for up to a year, but they must carry an IDP for translation and verification purposes. Iceland is known for its stunning scenic routes, particularly the famous Ring Road. Indian tourists can rent cars easily and explore the vast, picturesque landscapes of Iceland.

• Licence Validity in the Country: Up to 1 year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required.

• Driving Side of the Road: Right-hand side.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for Iceland is mandatory for Indians travelling to Iceland.

• Visa: You are required to apply for a Schengen visa for Iceland.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official travel document that allows you to drive in foreign countries legally. It's recognized in over 150 countries and translates your driving credentials into several languages, making it easier for authorities abroad to understand your license. The IDP is not a substitute for your regular driving license but works as a supplement. 

In India, you can apply for an IDP through the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It's typically valid for one year, and its requirements include a valid driving license, passport-sized photographs, and a nominal fee.

To apply for an International Driving Permit through the Parivahan Sewa portal, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and visit the Parivahan Sewa portal. From the homepage, select "Online Services" and click on "Driving License Related Services."

2. Choose your state from the list, then select "Apply for International Driving Permit" from the menu and tap "Continue."

3. Fill in the application form with your driving license number and date of birth, upload the required documents, and proceed to pay the fees using the available payment options. 

After completing the process, your International Driving Permit will be issued within 4 to 5 days.