19 Countries That Allow You to Drive with an Indian Driving Licence

Here are more details about the countries accepting Indian DL.

Australia

Australia is quickly becoming one of the top travel destinations for Indians, whether they are going there for leisure, work possibilities, or higher education. Your Indian driver's licence is accepted here, thus you don't need to hire a driver or rely on the public transportation system. In Australia's northern regions, an Indian driver's licence can only be used for a period of three months. However, for longer than a year, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory accept Indian driving licences. 

New Zealand

New Zealand is a neighbour of Australia and holds an Indian driving licence valid for one entire year from the date of entry into the nation. Here you can legally drive with your Indian driving licence. The scenic views and clear roads will surely make it a memorable road trip.

However, you are required to meet the below mentioned conditions:

1. You should be 21 years old or above.
2. You Indian driving licence should be in english or you must carry an authorised translated copy from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Switzerland

Switzerland, which is known for its cheese and chocolate and is home to the Swiss Alps, allows drivers with a valid Indian licence to legally drive there for a period of one year after entering the nation. The licence document must, however, be in English in order to be accepted. The nation is renowned for its well-kept roads and low accident rates, making it a secure location to test your driving prowess.

France

In this stunning European nation, which is yours to travel through by road, you may enjoy the world-famous French cuisine and wine. If you have an authorised French translation of your current Indian driving licence, you are free to choose to drive yourself wherever in the nation. For some amazing driving adventures, wander through the streets of Paris, cruise along the Cannes coast, or explore the island of Corsica.

South Africa

One of the most developed nations in the African continent, South Africa boasts many marvels such as the Table Mountain and Kruger National Park. Known for its breath taking natural beauty, the country permits Indians holding a valid driving licence to rent a car and explore the country by road for a period of one year.

United States of America

Whether you're in the USA visiting relatives, working or studying, you can travel distances across this vast country behind the wheel of your own car or a rental. The US allows Indians to drive within the country for a period of one year on their valid Indian driving licence as long as the licence document is in English. You should also carry a copy of an attested form I-94 while driving on the American roads.

United Kingdom

The drivers holding a valid Indian driving licence can legally drive in England, Scotland and Wales for one entire year. However, the licence should be in English. Do remember that you can only drive specific class of vehicles in UK, not all vehicles.

Germany

Indians who reside in or visit Germany are permitted to drive anywhere on its soil using a valid Indian driver's licence. For a period of six months, the driving licence can be used to rent or drive a car throughout the nation; however, it must be translated into German.

Finland

Another Scandinavian country, Finland permits all those holding a valid Indian driver's licence to drive within the county for a period ranging between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the health insurance policy you hold.

Sweden

Another nation that permits drivers with an active Indian driver's licence to drive there is Sweden. The licence document, however, must be in either English, Swedish, German, Danish, Norwegian, or French. Additionally, the driver must always be in possession of a valid identity card and a photo.

Malaysia

One of the most popular tourist destination, Malaysia allows tourists having a valid Indian driving licence to drive on Malaysian roads. In order to drive in the country, the licence should be either in English or in Malay and the document must be vetted by the issuing authority or the Indian Embassy in Malaysia. If you do not have a valid driving licence then you need International Driving Licence to drive on Malaysian roads.

Hong Kong

Tourists can drive on the Hong Kong roads legally for up to one year with a valid Indian driving licence. The tourists who do not have a valid Indian DL they can also apply for an international driving licence to drive in Hong Kong.

Spain

Indian Driving Licence is accepted in Spain for up to six months after you have registered for residency. However, the driving licence must be in English to be legally allowed to drive on the roads of Spain. The individual concerned should also carry an accepted ID proof along with their valid driving licence.

Canada

Canada is one of the countries which most frequently visited by Indians for its magnificent mountains and scenic beauties. The Indian driving licence is valid for 60 days in Canada after which you should apply for a Canadian Driving Licence to legally drive on the Canadian roads.

Norway

One of the most popular European countries, Norway accepts Indian Driving Licence for up to three months. Norway is known for its spectacular mountains and breathtaking tourist destinations where tourists can enjoy a long road trip. You should carry relevant ID proofs along with valid Indian DL to drive in Norway.

Italy

Italy is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and popular for its prestigious artistic accomplishments and scenic nature. Tourists can drive around in Italy with an Indian Driving Licence and International Driver’s Permit which will be valid only for a year in the country.

Mauritius

Owing to its small size, Mauritius allows tourists to drive around in the country legally for only one day. The driving licence in Mauritius is valid only for a day after which you cannot legally drive around on the Mauritian roads.

Iceland

Iceland allows tourists to rent cars and drive around the country with a valid Indian Driving Licence. However, the driver’s licence should be in English. International licences granted in the U.S., Canada, and the EU are also accepted as valid driving licences by the country.

Ireland

Ireland, one of the less-explored tourist countries in Europe allows driving on their roads with a valid Indian driving licence. Indians with a valid driving licence are permitted to drive for 12 months in Ireland after which the visitors must obtain an Ireland driver’s licence.