Everybody loves to travel. Many people are into road trips. Indians can use their driving licences to drive in 11 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The United States
Bear in mind. Rules differ from state to state in the United States. It is a good idea to get information from the motor vehicles department in the state you intend to visit. Some states may require an International Driving Permit. The Regional Transport Officer who issued your licence can grant you this permit. Get it before you travel.
Germany
Indian driving licences are acceptable in Germany, where the norm is right-hand driving. In case your driving licence is in a vernacular language, you have to get it translated to German through German consulates. You can use the Indian licence for up to six months.
Australia
Though Indians can drive freely in most part of Australia using their licences, they are not welcome to do so in the northern region of the country. Though you can drive with a valid licence, you can only drive a vehicle in the class specified in your licence. The country follows left-hand drive.
The United Kingdom
England, Scotland and Wales allow Indians to drive on their roads for up to one year using an Indian driving licence. However, you can only drive a vehicle that belongs to the class of vehicles specified in your licence.
New Zealand
Indian licence holders can drive in New Zealand for up to one year. In case your licence was granted in a language that is not English, you might want to get it translated by a recognised translator and get it stamped by the New Zealand transport agency.
Switzerland
You do not have to rent a taxi to roam around Switzerland. You can drive everywhere in the country with an Indian driving licence. You have the privilege for up to one year.
South Africa
You can take in the beautiful countrysides and pretty towns of South Africa in the car you drive. You can use your own Indian licence. You have to make sure that your documents are in order. Your licence should be in English and affixed with your photo and signature. Even car rental companies would ask you for an ID before giving you a car. It is a good idea to get an International Driving Permit before you head for South Africa.
Sweden
If your driving licence is not in English, it has to be either in German, French, Norwegian or Swedish if you want to drive in Sweden. Get your driving licence translated to one of these languages and get it accompanied with an accepted ID.
Singapore
If you are on a short visit, you do not need a special driving licence in Singapore. Just make sure that you are carrying an International Driving Permit issued by an authorised agency. Get in touch with your Regional Transport Officer. If your driving licence is not in English, get it translated by a recognised authority. You drive on your left side when in Singapore.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong allows tourists to drive on its roads for up to a year, provided they carry a valid driving licence issued by their country or an International Driving Permit.
Malaysia
Your driving licence has to be either in English or Malay if you have to drive on Malaysian roads. So get your driving licence, if issued in a vernacular language, translated to English or Malay. It has to be vetted by the Indian embassy in Malaysia or the issuing authority. Or you can use an International Driving Permit.
