Travelling abroad? These countries allow Indian DLs

Driving around in a foreign country is a dream for many Indians and what could be a better news than the fact that many countries, including the US, does allow Indians to drive with their Indian licences.

Well, if you're in one of these countries, submit some supplementary documents (though not in all cases), get a car and you are good to go. Here is a list of some popular destination where you can enjoy a drive:

1) Australia:

Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory all allow driving with a valid Indian DL for a period of 3 months. It is also necessary to be in possession of an International Driving Permit. The license also must be in English. Australia follows the left-hand traffic system like India.

2) France:

France's requirements are a little stricter than Australia, but the validity of Indian DLs is also longer. Any Indian who seeks to drive on French roads must have a French translation of the licence, but the licence is valid for a period of one year. France follows the right-hand traffic system.

3) Great Britain:

Indian DLs allow people to drive around in Scotland, England and Wales, but there are restrictions as to what kinds of vehicles one can drive. One can only rent the class of vehicles mentioned on the DL. Needless to say, with Scotland being on the list of places, the highlands are also a go. Great Britain follows the left-hand traffic system like India.

4) Germany:

Indian DLs are valid for six months from the date of entry. While translations are not required, it is recommended to get one just in case there is trouble. Germany follows the right-hand traffic system.

5) Mauritius:

The tiny island nation off the eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius allows valid Indian DLs as long as they are in English. An International Driving Permit is required and the country follows the left-hand traffic system like India.

6) New Zealand:

Valid Indian DLs can be used in New Zealand if the holder is 21 and above. If the DL is not in English, then a valid translation must be acquired as well from the national transport agency. New Zealand follows the left-hand traffic system like India.

7) Norway:

Indian DLs are valid for a period of three months from the date of entry. There are no specific requirements and the country follows the right-hand traffic system.

8) USA:

Arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, most states in the US allow valid Indian DLs in the English language for a period of one year from the date of entry. A special requirement is the possession of an I-94 form that shows the date of entry. The US follows the right-hand traffic system.

9) South Africa:

Indian DLs are valid as long as they are in English and have a photo and signature of the owner of the licence. However, getting an International Driving Permit is recommended as rental agencies usually ask for one.

10) Switzerland:

This Alpine nation holds Indian DLs valid for a period of one year, but they must be in English. No other document is necessary to supplement the DL. Switzerland follows the right-hand traffic system.

An International Driving Permit can be obtained from your local RTO with a standard application like that for a driving licence. If a country requires a translated licence, the Indian Embassy/Consulate in the country concerned can be used to obtain it.

As is necessary, always follow the road rules of the countries and drive safe!