Pic Source
Road trip is the best thing to make any trip memorable. One cannot see the true beauty of any place without taking the road trip. It is easy to do a road trip in our home nation, but if we talk about abroad then there are many restrictions & formalities that can’t let you drive. The major restriction is that you need a driving licence of that country to drive a car or any vehicle. But there are some countries which allow Indian travelers to drive on their Indian driving licence.
As we know that car rental services are quite common today and what to say about roads of foreign countries. It is like a dream that we are driving a jet black Range Rover, with GPS or may be a map in our hand, on the international roads with the stunning landscapes.
Now, I think I have written sufficient to convince you to do a road trip when you will be on a international holiday. So here’s a list of some road trip friendly countries, where you can drive with your Indian driving licence.

 

1. Germany

Pic Source
Travelers from India can drive in Germany for a period of up to 6 months after entering the country on a valid Indian driving licence. There are many beautiful roads in the country with no speed limits where you can enjoy your trip by driving. There are no other documents required for driving as per law. But it would be better if you carry a German translated copy of your Indian driving licence or an International driving permit.

Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road.

2. United States of America

Pic Source
Imagine, that you are driving an SUV with the stunning view of Grand Canyon. How exciting is this? For this, only you need a valid Indian driving licence and perfect driving skills. Yes, you can drive across the country for a period of up to 1 year on your valid Indian driving licence. The licence should be in English. If your driving licence is not in English then you need a translated copy of your licence through the embassy or you need an International driving permit. You must also have a copy of the I-94 form, which shows the date you entered in the USA.


Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road.

3. Great Britain

Pic Source
The Great Britain’s government allows you to drive in the country against your Indian driving licence for a period of up to one year. The licence should be valid. The good thing is that, the driving is on the left side of the road. So Indian travelers won’t have any problem in driving.
 

Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road.

4. France

Pic Source
France is known for its rich culture and natural beauty. A road trip in the country will add an unforgettable experience to your trip. You can drive with your valid Indian driving licence for a year. The licence should be translated in to french language.

Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road.

5. Australia

Pic Source
You can drive in Australia against your Indian driving licence for a definite period. The licence should be in English and valid. There is also a need of an International driving permit. You must remember that, the Australian government allows you to drive in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian capital territory on your Indian driving licence. For driving in Northern territory, you need a permission with a caveat. Caveat is an official permit which allows you to drive in the country for a period of 3 months.

Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road.

6. Switzerland

Pic Source
Switzerland is everyone’s dream country to visit. “Driving a car along the alpine meadows and snow capped mountains in Switzerland” is like “driving a chariot in heaven”. For this experience all you need is an English copy of your valid Indian driving licence. Government of Switzerland allows Indian visitors to drive for a period of up to one year.


Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road.

7. New Zealand

Pic Source
If you are in New Zealand then you can explore this picturesque country by taking a road trip. The authorities of New Zealand let you drive on your local driving licence for one year. But you must be at least 21 years of age to be able to rent a car. The licence should be in English, if not then you need to translate it by any recognized transport agency.


Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road.

8. South Africa

Pic Source
South Africa is a country with a land of mesmerizing cliffs and amazing varieties of flora and fauna. You can explore all this by your own. Indian visitors are allowed to drive in the country against their Indian driving licence. The licence must be valid and translated entirely in English and it has your photograph & signature. You also need an International driving permit to rent a car in South Africa.


Driving side: Drives on the left side of the road.

 

9. Norway

Pic Source
Indian visitors can explore the land of midnight sun, i.e., Norway through road expeditions. They are allowed to drive across the country against their valid Indian driving licence for 3 months. Make sure that the driving licence is translated in to English.

Driving side: Drives on the right side of the road.

Important

Some countries don’t insist to get an International Driving Permit, it is advisable to carry one.

Don’t know how to get an International Driving Permit?
Check out this post: How to get an International Driving Permit?

Written by

Manu Khandelwal

An engineer and a travel blogger. Loves trekking and doing bike road trips. Burger lover (want to try every burger in the world). Clinomaniac. Sports fanatic. Likes technology but not a technology addict.