Destinations / India
Driving in India as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Foreign visitors are commonly asked for an IDP to drive in India; most travellers hire a car with a driver.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What India expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | Up to 120 km/h expressways (varies by state) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in INR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Drive on the left amid dense, unpredictable traffic. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Horn use is routine. |
| Alcohol | 0.03% alcohol limit. |
| Tolls | Inter-state toll plazas common. |
On the road in India
At the pump
Stations are attendant-served (self-service is rare) selling 'Petrol' (and premium variants) and 'Diesel'; cards and UPI are accepted at most outlets, though carry cash for rural pumps. Petrol commonly runs around 95-110 INR per litre depending on state taxes.
After a crash
Call the all-in-one emergency number 112 (or 100 police / 108 ambulance); for any injury, third-party claim or significant damage you must report to police and an FIR may be filed. Do not move an injured person improperly, but be aware crowds can gather - prioritise reaching a police station/hospital safely.
Sources: revv.co.in · tripcabinet.com · discoverindiabycar.com · epic.uchicago.edu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in India?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Foreign visitors are commonly asked for an IDP to drive in India; most travellers hire a car with a driver.
Which translation format is used for India?
India uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in India ask for a translation?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP plus passport.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for India?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.