Self-drive holidays in foreign countries has become the latest trend among Indian tourists. Here is a guide for you.
Indian travellers are now spending more and more leisure trips. Once identified as budget seekers, Indian tourists are now actively looking for more holistic travel experiences. They do not want to miss any chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the country they are visiting.
This includes driving on some of the best roads in the world on which road trips are one of must haves. On foreign trips, most of the tourists end up using public transport to commute. But some people are looking for another experience - self-driving.
Self-drive holidays in foreign countries has become the latest trend among Indian tourists. But how an Indian, who does not possess an American driving license can drive in the US? Wouldn't that be illegal? How do you get a driving licence in the US When you are there for 15 days?
Well, you do not need a US driving license to drive on Blue Ridge Parkway, the 469-mile drive that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Not only the US, there are over half a dozen other countries which allow you to drive on their roads if you have an Indian permit.
With some of the best tourist destinations allowing Indians with desi driving license to drive on their roads, it has become only easier for them to book self-driving trips.
Here's a list of 9 countries where you can drive using your Indian driving licence:
1. United States of America (USA)
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The USA has some of the most iconic and roads in the world where roads are a popular phenomenon. While states have different motor vehicle policies, most states allow foreign nationals with their respective country's driving licence to drive. Indians are allowed to drive up to a year with an Indian driving license which must be in English and valid. Along with the Indian licence, a copy of the I-94 form that mentions the date of entry in the US is also needed.
Some states, however, require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, in addition to a valid licence from home country.
(Photo: blueridgeparkway.org)
2. Germany
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You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months if you have a valid driving licence. While International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory, tourists are advised to get it if they plan to drive through Germany's roads.
(Photo: Twitter@GermanyTourism)
3. France
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France is another European country which allows you to drive if you have an Indian driving licence. But it is mandatory to carry a French translation of the driving license. It is valid for one year from the date of the entry.
(Photo: Twitter@UK_FranceFR)
4. Norway
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Norway has some of the most stunning roads in the world. With beautiful landscape in the background, a self-driving trip in Norway is an unforgettable experience. You do not have to worry about getting a driving licence in Norway before taking up the trip on Norway's mountainous roads. Your Indian licence is valid in Norway for three months from your date of entry in the country.
(Photo: Twitter@visitnorway)
5. Britain
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The traffic rules in Britain are similar to what they are in India. Just like in India, the UK also drives on the left side of the road. You can drive in England, Scotland and Wales) with your Indian passport for one year. However, you are only allowed to drive small motor vehicles and motorcycles.
(Photo: Twitter@VisitBritain)
6. Switzerland
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A self-driving trip on roads of Switzerland with views of the Swiss Alps can be a fulfilling experience. All you need is an Indian driving licence and you can drive on Swiss roads for a year.
Twitter(Twitter@MySwitzerland_e)
7. Australia
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Any foreign citizen can drive in Australia with a valid driver licence. If your driving licence is not an English, you are asked to carry an official English translation of the licence. Australia is even pitching this self-driving trips to promote its destinations.
(Photo: australia.com)
8. New Zealand
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Indian driving licence is valid in New Zealand for one year if it is in English. If not, you are asked to carry an official translation by a translator approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency. However, you are not allowed to rent a car if you are younger than 21 years.
(Photo: newzealand.com)
9. South Africa
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Any valid driver's licence, which is in English and has the photograph and signature of the holder, is valid in South Africa. However, you will need an international driver's licence But if you're hiring from a vehicle hire company.
(Photo: route62.co.za)
