Which Foreign Countries Accept The Indian Driving License?

How Has India been advancing in its relations with other nations? How amiably is one perceived in nations other than India? What�s travel for Indians in foreign countries like? Cars come into the scene How International DL helps

What makes you proud to be an Indian? Apart from one of the seven wonders in the world being situated in India, or that India has given the world a lot of inventions like the digit �0�, one more thing we can for certain point out as proud-worthy is the recognition of an Indian in the foreign lands. India holds supremacy in its welcome culture- �Atithi Devo Bhava�, so when an Indian driving license issued by our state governments works in developed countries like the USA, it�s huge! Over the years, we have seen improved foreign relations between India and other countries worldwide.

Although India offers a huge tourism industry to the captivated and charmed foreigners for its cultural richness, ancient heritage, and traditional practices, the Indians take as much pleasure in their travels lying abroad. Perhaps, the fondness for abroad doesn�t just come from tourism but the quality of education, the culture, and growth opportunities. But simultaneously, it can be stressful and alienating to be away from your nation. Commuting for work, on your way to sightsee, out to meet a friend, and all this in a strange land! It would be easy had you your car to drive without the hassle of getting an International Driving License. And so we check in to the �countries� accepting the Indian Driving License!

United States Of America

When it comes to the USA, each state has its policies for driving and travel. However, at large most states accept the Indian driving license for 1 year as long as the license is in English. Apart from the DL, one needs to carry the I-94 form issued by the DHS or Department of Homeland Security which has the date of one�s arrival in the US mentioned on it.

France

Driving around with an Indian driving license in France is legal! Just one needs to get a French translation of their IDL and then they can drive around the country for 1 year.

Sweden

Sweden makes it easy for one to drive around the nation by allowing drivers to have their license in either Swedish, French, German, English, or Norweigian which is valid for 1 year. Just imagine! Were you to take off on a road trip from Norway to Sweden without having to get your DL translated! Isn�t that bliss? The driver ought to be cautious about carrying their ID proof or any document justifying their Identity.

New Zealand

Driving on the wide and smooth roads offering scenic beauty all around is one hell of a driving experience you would want to have! You can use the IDL for 1 year in this country and you need to oblige to the age bar of 21 as well as stick to the left side of the road to be able to drive in the nation. The IDL copy should of course be in English. But if it is translated, then it should be authorized by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

South Africa

A nation from almost every continent around the world, South Africa allows the use of IDL for 1 year considering that your IDL is in English, valid, and hasn�t expired! However, when traveling to South Africa, one should possess an Internation Driver�s License as it can be asked for sometimes for car rentals.

Australia

Even though the IDL can be used in this country but this comes with this major limitation of the validity of IDL being only for three months and the compulsion of it being in English. Interestingly, like in India, people are to drive on the left side of the road in Australia as well.

Spain

A country of culture, history, and plenty of mountainous beauty for the eyes to behold, a driver can only make use of the Indian Driving License after registering for residency and that too for 6 months. More importantly, apart from the IDL being in English, one ought to carry an ID proof to avoid hassles. Preferably, when traveling through Europe and driving, one should have an Internation driving license.

Finland

Necessarily to go to Norway to see the �Aurora�? Nope. We encourage you to check out the Northern Lights under the Finland sky, because you get to use your IDL on the country roads for 6 to 12 months but with the condition of possessing a health insurance.

Germany

Though one is suggested to have an IDP when traveling in Germany, but one can actually drive around this increasingly high-tech country using an IDL for a period of 6 months but having it translated in German.

Hong-Kong

The Hong-Kong government allows you to drive the cars legally if you possess an IDL for upto 1 year. But having an IDP doesn�t harm either.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom government, specifically in Wales, Scotland, and England allows you to drive on its roads with an IDL for 1 year. But it is to be noted that only select class vehicles are allowed to be driven by the drivers with an Indian License.

Bhutan

We harbor good relations with our neighboring countries like Bhutan. It feels almost as easy to drive in Bhutan as it does in India, especially because you can drive around with an IDL. But make sure you get a vehicle permit to drive on the public roads of the country.

Malaysia

The Indian Driving License ought to be authorized by DL issuing authority or the Indian Embassy in Malaysia and can be used for only 6 months in the nation. The license has to either be in English or in Malay. IDP would a safer bet when you are in Malaysia.

Canada

Did you know that Punjabi was once the third official language of Canada? So we probably do understand that Canada allows IDL on their roads! Driving in Canada happens on the right side of the road, so make sure you don�t make any mistakes when driving around the country. More importantly, the IDL works only for 60 days in Canada after which one needs a Canadian Driving License to be able to drive on the public roads of the country.

Mauritius

The validity of an Indian Driving license on this Island in the Indian ocean is merely 1 day and that too is for the most eccentric reason! It�s because one day of sightseeing is more than enough on this beautiful island to save your public transportation costs.

International Driving Permit

On the crux of it, While driving with an Indian Driving license is feasible enough for a specific time period, and yet we suggest that the matters of abroad should be dealt with intricately. That�s why we would bring in the necessity of an International Driving Permit. Getting an International Driving Permit or IDP is piece of cake! While an IDL will only get you to the countries we mentioned above, there�s no way other countries can stop you from driving if only you have an IDP. To get your IDP made, you can contact the RTO of your state and with the correct documents, permit application is hassle free!

List Of Documents Required

• One�s Indian Driving License
• Passport
• Visa for the Other Country
• International Air Ticket

Note: all the documents mentioned above ought to be valid. Applicants are required to check that the documents aren�t outdated or about to expire. If latter is the case, then applicants are requested to get the required documents renewed- their IDL and Passport.

Steps For IDP Application

• Step 1: Issue the Form 4-A from your state RTO
• Step 2: Pay Rs.1000 as your IDP fee
• Step 3: Provide photocopies of the documents mentioned above- IDL, Passport, Visa, Air Ticket

After these steps are executed, all you have to do is wait and the IDP will be delivered to your home address. Most importantly, when traveling abroad remember to carry your license with you at all times and all the necessary documents mentioned above with you and your stay abroad will be less of at least one worry!