Do you have an Indian driving licence? Enjoy a road trip in these countries

Using public transport facilities is considered the cheapest and most convenient method if you travel solo. However, hiring or using your own vehicle is the best option while travelling with your family or in groups. This gives the freedom to stop at various places to enjoy the scenery without worrying about the time. If you have an Indian driving licence and are an experienced driver, you can drive to any corner of the country. But, many often wonder whether they can drive vehicles in foreign countries using their Indian driving licence. Some countries allow people who possess Indian driving licences to drive there. Indian travellers can hire cars or two-wheelers and drive around these countries using their Indian licences.

United States of America
Visitors could drive vehicles in the USA for a year using their Indian licence. However, some states or cities require the driver to submit their International Driving Permit (IDP). If the language used in the licence is not English, you could inform the authorities of the entry date, and the driver must always keep Form I—94 with them.
Canada
Canada allows foreigners to drive in their country for up to three months using driving licences issued in their country. However, the driving licence should be in English or French. Some provinces might ask for the IDP. So, travellers should go through the rules and ensure they have the required documents.

United Kingdom
You could drive for up to 12 months in the UK using an Indian driving licence. The licence should be in English; otherwise, you need an International Driving Permit.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its exotic cheeses, chocolates, and the mighty Swiss Alps. It is one of the European nations that allows you to drive around the country for up to a year using an Indian driving licence. However, the language used in the licence should be English. Switzerland, which is famous for its well-maintained roads and impressively low accident rates, is one of the favourite destinations of driving enthusiasts.

Sweden
Your Indian driving licence allows you to drive on the beautiful roads of Sweden for up to a year. The licence should be in English or one of the approved languages, such as Swedish, German, French, Danish, or Norwegian. The driver should also have ID proof, photos, and other required documents.
Finland
Those with a valid Indian licence could drive vehicles inside the country for up to 6 months or a year. The exact duration depends upon the validity of the health insurance policy. A foreigner visiting Finland should take health insurance policies. The duration of the driving licence is determined based on the health insurance policy's coverage.

Germany
Unlike in India, you should drive the vehicles on the right side of the road. Meanwhile, Germany allows persons with Indian driving licence to drive in their country for only six months. The licence should be in German or English. If not, then the visitor could seek translation services from approved agencies or concerned authorities. After the first six months, you need to get an International Driving Permit or a German driving licence.
Spain
You could drive on the Spanish roads using Indian driving licence for up to six months if you have completed the residence registration process. However, the licence should be in English and the driver should have the necessary id proof and other documents.

Singapore
Singapore is one of the Asian countries that approves Indian driving licence. You could drive around in Singapore for up to a year using the Indian driving licence printed in English language. If not, then it should be translated into English with the help of Indian or Singapore embassies or other approved online service providers. The driver should be at least 18 years old to drive vehicles in Singapore.
Malaysia
Indian driving licence is valid in the south east Asian country of Malayasia. However, the driving licence should be either in English or the Malay language. In case it is in any other language, you could seek translation services at the Indian embassy. Besides, the drivers could also keep an International Driving Permit at hand if needed.

Hongkong
You could drive in the busy roads of Hongkong using Indian driving licence for up to a year. However, you need a driving permit to drive in Hongkong beyond this approved duration.
Bhutan
Bhutan recognises Indian driving licence along with passport and voters id card. However, it is better to hire an experienced Bhutanese driver as it would be quite difficult to drive in the vast mountainous terrains of the country.

Australia
As in India, vehicles are driven on the left side in Australia. You could drive using valid Indian driving licence, printed in English, for up to three months here. However, an International Driving Permit may be required in some states in Australia.
New Zealand
New Zealand allows visitors with Indian driving licence to drive around the country for a year. You need to get a New Zealand driving licence or an International Driving Permit to drive in the country beyond this duration. The driver should at least be 21 years old to drive vehicle here. Besides, the driving licence should be printed in English. If not, you should get it translated from the New Zealand transport agency.

South Africa
South Africa is famous for its amazing wild life safaris and exclusive wine tours in its scintillating vineyards. You could drive around the country for a year using a valid Indian driving licence. However, if your photo or signature are not in the licence, then you need to get an International Driving Permit.

What is an International Driving Permit or IPD?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to drive legally in counties that require one. It is an official document that is approved by the United Nations and is given to individuals travelling to foreign countries. IDP, which has been widely recognised as an official document, could be presented as proof of possessing a valid driving licence in your motherland. Besides, the document could be translated into various languages.

IDP grants the legal right to drive vehicles noted in the document in foreign countries. However, you need to submit a valid driving licence along with the IDP to be able to drive abroad.
Indian citizens with valid Indian driving licences could apply for IDP using a valid passport, visa, and copies of airline tickets. You could apply online via the Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or directly apply at the Regional Transport Office.
Usually, the applicant will get an International Driving Permit within 4 – 5 days. However, applying at least three weeks before the travel date is better.