Driving Permit for India
Driving in India on a foreign licence? India drives on the left and recognises the IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Carry your home licence plus an IDP for rentals and police checks.
- Drive on
- Left
- Convention
- 1949 Geneva
- IDP validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- 24 hours
Do you need an IDP to drive in India?
India drives on the left, and foreign visitors can legally get behind the wheel during a temporary stay using their valid home-country driving licence supported by an International Driving Permit (IDP). India is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and recognises the IDP issued under that convention, so a permit that follows that standard is the document Indian authorities and rental firms expect to see. An IDP is not a standalone licence: it is an official multilingual translation of your national licence and must always be carried together with the original licence it accompanies.
In practice, an IDP is strongly recommended for every foreign driver and is effectively required if your home licence is not printed in English, since Indian rules expect a foreign licence to be in English or accompanied by a valid translation such as an IDP. Because the IDP renders your details in multiple languages, it lets traffic police and car-rental staff read your credentials at a glance. Rental companies operating in India commonly ask self-drive customers to present an IDP alongside their home licence, and without one they may decline the booking or add conditions. Foreign licences are generally accepted for driving in India for up to one year from arrival (or until your visa expires, whichever comes first); once you shift from short-term visitor to longer-term resident, Indian law expects you to obtain a local Indian driving licence.
On the ground, keep your documents in order and easy to reach. Traffic checks are common, and if you are stopped you should expect to show your original home-country licence, your IDP and your passport with visa. Rental vehicles must also carry the registration certificate (RC), a valid motor-insurance certificate and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Indian traffic conditions can be dense and fast-moving, so drive cautiously, and note that penalties for offences such as drink-driving were sharply increased under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Carry originals rather than photocopies.
India recognises the IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
India is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention. In practice, an IDP issued by another signatory country is recognised for your permitted visitor stay — in India, plan on 12 months.
What you need to drive in India
Have these ready before you pick up the keys.
IDP mandatory.
Home license.
India drives on the left; rental cars are right-hand drive, which can take adjustment if you normally drive on the right.
Carry the original of your home-country driving licence when driving, not a photocopy, and keep your passport and visa with you for document checks.
An IDP is effectively required if your licence is not in English, and is widely requested by rental companies even when your licence is in English.
Foreign driving licences are generally accepted for driving in India for up to one year from arrival (or until visa expiry, whichever is earlier); longer-term residents are expected to obtain an Indian driving licence.
Seatbelts are mandatory for both front and rear occupants under India's Central Motor Vehicles Rules, and the minimum age to hold a licence for a light motor vehicle in India is 18.
For self-drive rentals, many providers set a minimum age of around 21 (higher for premium or SUV categories) and require that you have held your licence for at least one year; exact terms vary by company.
What to know before you turn the key
India drives on the left — the driver sits on the right, and roundabouts flow clockwise.
Carry your IDP and your original license together — rental desks and police checks will ask for both documents.
Traffic is chaotic.
Drive on LEFT.
Penalties for traffic offences, especially drink-driving, were significantly increased under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019; a first drink-driving offence can carry up to six months' imprisonment and/or a fine of around Rs 10,000, with higher penalties for repeat offences.
Signs you'll meet on the road
Eight internationally recognised signs — including which side of the road India keeps.
Common questions about driving in India
Drive India, confidently.
Apply online in minutes and get instant digital access to your IDP translation — with an IDP PVC card option if you want one in your wallet.