How to apply for an international driving licence in India?

Posted on: Jul 20, 2023 | | Written by:

How to apply for an international driving licence in India?

Published on July 20, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Applying for an international driving licence in India

For a lot of travellers, the best way to explore the world is to drive. If you are someone who drives a lot in India, you would want to drive in other countries as well. Or even better, you would want to drive your car to a neighbouring country. And for that to happen, it is recommended that you opt for an international driving licence and international travel insurance to safeguard your trip.

Here is everything that you need to know about an international driving licence and how to apply for one.

Understanding what an international driving permit is

An International driving permit or IDP is an official document that is issued by the Road Transport Authority of India. It is a legal document that allows Indians to drive two-wheelers and four-wheelers outside India. Quite a few countries make it mandatory for travellers to have IDP, if they wish to drive. Also, the international driving licence is a translation to the official language of the country that you are travelling to.

When do you need an international driving licence?

The driving licence that you possess currently, will allow you to drive in about 21 countries without any issues. However, if you wish to drive a friend’s car or take a rental car and explore any other country, you will need IDP. You will need to apply international driving licence in India for that, even before travelling. And once you have the document, you can drive without any concerns.

Steps to get an international driving licence

If you are wondering how to apply for international driving licence in India, you can either do so online or offline. For the offline mode of applying, you can visit the nearest RTO and they will issue IDP to you. All the RTOs can issue IDP to you, according to the 1949 Geneva Convention agreement.

Alternatively, you can apply for an international driving licence in India online and visit the RTO for any tests later. Here is how you can apply for an IDP.

• You must first fill out Forms 4A and 1A, which are for driving competence and medically fit certificates, respectively.

• You must also submit other documents such as your existing driving licence, proof of address and identity and 2 passport-size photographs.

• The next step requires you to pay the necessary fees for an IDP, which is Rs. 1,000.

• And lastly, you must visit your nearest RTO for a driving test. On the completion of this, you will be issued an international driving licence.

Eligibility criteria for an international driving permit

Though the process of getting an international driving licence in India is rather smooth, you must meet the following eligibility criteria for it.

• An applicant must be 18 years or older to apply.

• An applicant must have a valid passport.

• An applicant must have a visa from the country for which they are applying IDP.

• An applicant must first have a valid Indian driving licence, before applying for an international driving licence.

Other perks of having an international driving licence:

One of the biggest advantages of having an international driving licence is that you can drive without any issues in foreign lands. However, there are a few other perks as well.

• The document ensures that you do not have to undergo any other driving tests in the country that you are travelling to.

• The document is valid in about 150 countries that recognise and acknowledge the IDP.

• It works as proof of identity.

• Using the IDP you can rent a car easily abroad and drive without any worries.

• In the unfortunate event of an accident, the IDP will come in handy during the insurance claim process.

Getting an international driving licence will ensure that you can enjoy your abroad trip at your own pace and wishes. To ensure that your trip does not have any other hiccups, it is highly recommended that you opt for individual travel insurance. The policy will ensure any sort of delays or cancellations of flights or hotels are taken care of. If you were to lose your baggage or documents, the policy will have your back and provide the necessary compensation.

What to do if your IDP expires?

An international driving licence in India is valid for a duration of 1 year from the date of issue. If you have moved to another country and your stay is getting extended beyond the 1-year mark, you can renew your international driving licence online. Here are the steps that you need to follow to renew the document.

• Get your hands on the documents needed for renewing the IDP from the Indian Embassy of where you are currently staying at.

• Fill out the necessary forms and provide any additional documents such as proof of residence, passport-size photographs, an Indian passport, and the original IDP.

• Pay the necessary fees for the renewal of IDP, which stands at Rs. 2,000.

If you are planning to travel abroad and stay there for a while or for a short vacation, you can choose travel insurance online. The plan can protect you and your finances if you fall sick or there is a medical emergency during your trip. If your airline cancels the flight or there is a delay, the plan will offer compensation. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the personal accident cover also has your back. By paying a small premium for individual travel insurance, you can secure your trip.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to apply for international driving licence, you can go ahead and apply for one for your next international trip. The document gives you legal clearance to drive in the country where it is mandatory to have an IDP. And more importantly, gives you the freedom to travel and enjoy on your own terms.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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