One of the best ways to get to know a place better is by taking a road trip and driving is the ideal way to travel and explore any location. The best of road trip is, that the pace of travel is regulated according to our needs, we take breaks when we want to, linger longer at a famous spot or make a quick getaway to the next destination in store. Among all these, one of the biggest advantages of self-driving is that we get an unhindered view of the countryside.
Here are 10 countries where you can drive around with your Indian driving license.
The United States of America -
The US has the right side as the side of driving. If you have a valid Indian license and if it is in English, you can drive around the US for a year. If the license is not in English, then an International Driving Permit along with a copy of the I-94 form will be needed. The I-94 form shows the date you entered the US.
Road to drive on: Route 66 that takes you from Chicago to Santa Monica across the width of the nation.
Germany -
You can drive in Germany for up to six months of entering the country on an Indian licence. You will also need a translation of the licence from the embassy, it will surely help with the local authorities at the time of cross verification. In Germany also, you will be driving on the right side of the road.
Road to drive on: Experience the thrill of riding through the Autobahn, one of the most famed roadways of the world!
Australia -
In Australia, you can drive if you have a valid Indian license which is in English but only for 3 months. New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory all let you drive with an Indian license. It is also necessary that you carry an IDP. In Australia, you drive on the left side of the road. Don’t forget to pass through the countryside, indeed one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Road to drive on: Lasseter Highway a fully sealed 244 kilometre highway in the Northern Territory.
France -
A valid Indian license holder can drive in France for a year. The French translation of the license is compulsory. In France, you will be driving on the right side. And guess what, According to a Forbes report, France is one among the top 10 car owning countries of the world!
Road to drive on: Mountain roads of Corsica will test your and the car’s abilities.
South Africa -
To drive around in South Africa you will need a valid Indian license which is in English and has a photo and signature. It is advised that we take an International Driving Permit while visiting South Africa since the vehicle hiring companies usually ask for an IDP.
Road to drive on: The Garden Route! Don’t miss out on THIS – It’s Beautiful!
The United Kingdom -
The United Kingdom allows you to drive around with a valid Indian driving license for a year. In the United Kingdom, you drive on the left side which is the same side of the road used in India. You can only rent a class of vehicle that is permitted to your license.
Road to drive on: Visit the Isle Of Man where there are no set speed limits.
New Zealand -
The small country in the Pacific is full of great driving roads, Indian drivers can drive in New Zealand only if they are 21 or above. If you have a valid Indian driving license, and it is not in English you need to get an official translation approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency. Here you drive on the left side.
Road to drive on: Thames to Coromandel Road and some breath-taking views
Switzerland -
The turquoise lakes and the snow-capped mountains make Switzerland everyone’s favourite alpine country. Obviously, you need an English copy of your valid Indian license. They let you drive for a year with this license. In Switzerland, you drive on the right side of the road.
Road to drive on: St Gotthard Pass which joins the north and south of the country.
Mauritius -
Mauritius is pretty easy to go around and you can find road signs all along the way. It is relatively a small island and that is why you cover it up all in a single day. It is easy to hire a car in Mauritius as long as your license is valid and in English. Here you drive on the left side. Make sure you carry an International Driving permit with you.
Road to drive on: Road trip from South of the Island near the Airport to North of the Island near Grand Bay will let you see the amazing beaches and other scenic attractions in Mauritius
Norway -
Norway gives its visitors who decide on taking a road expedition an unforgettable experience. The land of the Midnight Sun, The land of Northern lights will indeed be a treat to the eyes. Here you drive on the right side of the road. If you have a valid Indian license, you can drive across the country for about 3 months.
Road to drive on: Atlantic Ocean Road, it has the ability of filling every road-tripper’s heart with ecstasy.
As the saying goes “People don’t take Trips, Trips take People”, let the road take you everywhere from famous wonders to unexplored locales. After reading this article, maybe, you should hit the roads in the overseas. What say!
