Driving Across Countries - Blog for Indian License Holders
Driving in other countries is an adventure altogether. Different rules, different roads, different vehicles and sometimes even different side of the road.
When I started my research for driving in Romania, I realized there is so little information on license and IDP rules and whatever information was available was too scattered. This made me come up with this blog where I will keep updating the newest and latest information about driving rules in other countries for people holding Indian Driving License.
Please note, this information is applicable only to tourists who wants to visit the below countries for short duration. In case you are visiting for education or long term work purposes, then these might not apply to you. In such cases, you might need to get the information from some other websites/sources.
……in Mauritius
Romania
IDP requirement: International Driving Permit or License (IDP)* is not required for Indians in Romania. BUT the condition is, the LICENSE SHOULD HAVE DETAILS IN ENGLISH. If the license is in any regional language, then IDP along with your original driving license is a must if you want to drive or rent a car in Romania.
Drives on: Right side of the road. This is on the opposite side as compared to India so there will be some getting used to initially.
France
IDP requirement: France requires a driver’s license to be in French language. Since, no one in India would possess that kind of a document, it is REQUIRED to have an IDP while driving in France.
Drives on: Right side of the road.
England
IDP requirement: If your license is printed in English then you do not need IDP and can drive up to 12 months using the Indian license. However, if you use the ferry to transport the car across the channel, an IDP may be needed. .
Drives on: Left side of the road. Same side as India
South Africa
IDP requirement: Just like Romania, if your license is printed in English then you do not need IDP. But if the license is in any regional language then do not forget to carry your IDP along with your valid Indian license.
Drives on: Left side of the road.
Mauritius
IDP requirement: Relax. IDP is not required in this country. You can drive around on your valid Indian license.
Drives on: Left side of the road
Czech Republic
IDP requirement: IDP along with valid Indian driver’s license IS mandatory if you want to drive in Czech Republic.
Drives on: Right side of the road.
Hungary
IDP requirement: IDP along with valid Indian driver’s license IS mandatory if you want to drive in Hungary.
Drives on: Right side of the road.
Croatia
IDP requirement: You can drive around Croatia with your valid Indian Driver’s License. There is no need to issue an IDP. Also, there are some topics online that say this might change in future. So please ask your car rental and be double sure whether you require IDP or not. We had not issued any IDP and could drive without any hiccups.
Drives on: Right side of the road.
Australia
IDP requirement: If the DL is in English, then an IDP is not required. You can drive around on your valid Indian DL. This rule is true for all the states in Australia including Tasmania for Indian license holders
Drives on: Left side of the road.
USA
IDP requirement: As long as the Driver’s license (DL) is issued in English, IDP is not needed if you want to drive around in the USA. If not in English, make sure you carry an IDP along with your valid DL. Another important document to carry is the form I-94. This form has all the details of your entry in and exit from USA.
Drives on: Right side of the road.
Malaysia
IDP requirement: IDP is not required for Indian License holders. You can drive around with a valid DL.
Drives on: Left side of the road
Greece
IDP requirement: IDP IS mandatory if you want to drive around in Greece. Although car rentals might not ask for it, it is a MUST document if you are stopped by cops and/or for your insurance claim in any unfortunate circumstances.
Drives on: Right side of the road.
Thailand (Koh Samui)
IDP requirement: IDP is NOT mandatory to drive in Thailand. We visited Koh Samui recently (July 2022) and all we needed was a valid Indian license. We hired the car for 5 days and explored the whole island.
Drives on: Left side of the road
….in Cape Town
Where and how can you issue IDP?
Visit the RTO within whose jurisdiction you reside
You will need to carry your completed Form 4 issued by RTO. Correctly mention the countries where you are visiting.
Documents you will need to submit:
Form 4
Copy of valid driver's license
Copy of passport and visa
Passport sized photographs.
Copy of address proof (Passport should suffice)
Copy of age proof (Passport should suffice)
Some General Driving Tips:
In countries where you need an IDP, please do not forget to carry your original DL. IDP is only a translation. It is not a proof that you can drive.
Respect the road rules of the country you are visiting
Honking, unlike India, is considered to be as good as abusing. Thus, avoid it as much as possible unless really required.
Give way to pedestrians and cyclists. They have a priority.
Slow down at crossroads even if you do not see anyone.
Stick to your lane. Do not change them often unless you want to overtake or want to give way to someone.
At signals, be in left lane if you have to turn left, right lane if you want to turn right and center lane if going straight.
Keep an eye on lane direction signs on the road. More often than not, the roads have appropriate drawings.
Use Indicators. Avoid random and sudden lane changes and turnings.
Adhere to the speed limits. You do not want to pay hefty fines for carelessness.
Roundabouts are confusing and they have rules about who should go first based on which side of the people drive. Make sure you are aware of these specific rules. Ask people who live in that country or ask your car rentals. They will be ready to help you.
Always hire from known car rental companies
Make sure your car has insurance and you have insurance too.
Most of the car rentals require a credit card issued under primary driver’s name. Have this in place in order to avoid additional charges.
Car rentals are strict on fuel levels. Give back the car with the same amount of fuel that you got when receiving the car.
Last but not the least, while enjoying the scenic beauty while driving, be responsible for your and other’s lives.
*The International Driver’s Permit is an official travel document that is authorized by the United Nations issued to tourists travelling to foreign countries. It is an official translation of your driver’s license issued in your home country. The document essentially states that you possess a valid driver’s license and it translates your license documents into a number of languages so authorities abroad are able to verify and understand your driving credentials.
The document is printed in a number of different languages- English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian as well as German, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese and the Scandinavian languages
