Driving in India: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to India need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document or a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. India is party to both conventions. India drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h, rural roads 80 km/h, motorway up to 120 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
India at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Japan, Australia)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 18 (car), 16 (geared motorcycle with guardian consent)
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.03% (strict — roughly one drink)
- Emergency number
- 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
How to get your permit for India
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
India + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document for India — picked for you, so you do not have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
India driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Japan, Australia)
- Minimum driving age
- 18 (car), 16 (geared motorcycle with guardian consent)
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — rural roads
- 80 km/h
- Speed limit — motorway/highway
- 100–120 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.03% (strict — roughly one drink)
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for driver and all passengers (front and rear)
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Headlights
- Required at night and in fog — dip to low beam for oncoming traffic
- Triangular warning sign
- Required in case of breakdown
- First-aid kit
- Recommended — not legally required but strongly advised
Documents required to drive in India
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document or 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving DocumentMust be carried alongside your foreign licence — not a replacement for it
- PassportRequired for identification at all times in India
- Valid Indian visa or e-visaTourist visa or e-visa — required for entry and legal stay
- Vehicle registration certificate (RC)Provided by rental company or vehicle owner
- Vehicle insurance certificateProvided by rental company — verify it covers third-party liability
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificateEmissions test certificate — rental companies provide this
When you need a permit in India
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — all major rental companies require it — Zoomcar, Revv, Avis, Hertz, local agencies all ask for it
Driving a private vehicle
Strongly recommended — Police may request it at checkpoints; insurers require it for claims
Short tourist visit (under 1 year)
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Your foreign licence alone may work in practice, but an International Driving Document is the legal standard
Staying longer than 1 year
No — you need an Indian driving licence — An International Driving Document is valid for 1 year. After that, convert to an Indian licence through the RTO
Frequently asked questions
Driving in India with a foreign licence, answered.
How we reviewed this page
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.