Last Updated on June 3, 2024 by Showroomex Desk

Home » Can I Drive a Car in India with a US License?

One of the best targets to visit in the world is India. Traveling in India as a foreign or US person, there is also a requirement of a vehicle. To fulfill this requirement US people go for car rental services and hire a car rental. However, hiring a car rental with a driver is a much safer and fairly low-cost technique. Driving in India for a person requires a valid driving license by the RTO and this is also for NRIs and foreign as well.

Can a person drive a car in India with a US license?

Indian Driving License & International Driving License:

For driving a car in India as a foreigner, there are various rules and regulations that are necessary to follow. Here is a list of those requirements:

Indian Driving License: The person who desires to drive car in India legally needs a valid Indian driving license. The Indian driving license is compulsory for both residents of India and also for a foreign person. 

International Driving Permit (IDP):  If a foreign person wants to drive a car in India, an international driving permit is required. The validity of an international driving license is one year after its issue date. It’s also crucial for you as a foreigner to carry your original driving license. Regarding IDP there are various factors to consider: 

  • An IDP can be obtained from the American Automobile Association or an Official allotting organization in the US.
  • The valid IDP is only limited to 1 year after its date of issue. 
  • A driving license in the US is also required along with IDP for driving a car in India. 

Documents Require for receiving IDP:

The list of paperwork required to receive an IDP (International Driving Permit) in India is given below:

  • Passport
  • Visa for India
  • Birth Certificate
  • Address proof
  • Driving license of your country
  • Passport-size pictures

Some other documents that are required include:

  • Car registration certificate
  • Insurance certificate
  • Taxation certificate

Instructions for US person to drive in India: 

There is a guide for a US person to drive in India:

Traffic Rules and Regulations: every country has different traffic rules and regulations. India also has varied traffic rules and regulations as compared to the US. It is significant to familiarize yourself with these rules including signage, traffic laws, and right-of-way instructions to evade misperception and safeguard protection. 

Road Situations: The road situation in India is comparatively different from other countries. For foreigners to drive in India, the country offers well-maintained highways and more challenging rural roads. 

Chaotic Traffic: India has extremely dense and unpredictable traffic. So, for a person to drive in India, it’s imperative to stay alert and avoid destructive driving tactics. 

Insurance: Another important step to drive a car in India, it’s crucial to make sure you have valid car insurance that covers you while driving. Valid car insurance is beneficial for a person’s security and financial protection.

Honking: In India, another practice that is most recommended is Honking. In India Honking is significant because people only react when you honk. It’s imperative to stop reacting to every horn because it is a normal practice in India.

Conclusion:

However, for a US person to drive a car in India, it is compulsory to have an International Driving Permit along with a US license. Consider your comfort level, prior driving experience, and the length of your stay as you carefully assess the benefits and drawbacks. Recall that India provides a wide array of transit choices for discovering its colorful tapestry. You can guarantee a secure and unforgettable travel to this incredible country by making an informed pronouncement.

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Laiba Muhammad Javed

Passionate content creator with a track record of producing over 1000 pieces of content for various online platforms, including blogs and business websites.