Destinations / India
Driving in India as a visitor
Usually yes. India expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What India expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. India expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does India accept?
India recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in India ask for one?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP plus passport.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.