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Remember To Carry Your Driving License When Visiting These Countries

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To drive any vehicle, whether a car or a bike, you need a valid driving licence. The Indian driving licence is a very powerful document and is valid in many international destinations too. This makes it easy for you to self-drive when you visit these countries either for work or for a holiday. It is important to have a travel insurance plan when you travel and similarly it is important to have a driving licence if you wish to drive.

Take a look at this article to know more about these countries and some very pertinent driving-related rules that would help you when you travel and wish to drive a vehicle there.

1. South Africa:

South Africa has many Indians living there. It is a favoured tourist destination for Indians too and many people travel to South Africa to meet their friends and families who live there. This is why being able to use the Indian driving licence in this country proves to be highly beneficial. It is also one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has a lovely landscape that is best explored when travelling by road. If you are a tourist, you can rent a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler and go all around the country, provided you have a valid Indian driving licence. The country has some wonderful roads and highways where driving is a pleasure, additionally, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, making it simple for you to drive. You can use the Indian driving licence for a period of one year after you reach South Africa, post which you need to get a local driving licence made.

2. France:

France is a dream destination for many people. From the pristine countryside to the bustling cities like Paris, France has a little something to offer to everyone. France is also becoming an employment hotspot with many people moving there to enhance their careers. No matter what your travel reason to France is, the good news is that you can use your Indian driving licence in France. You just need to get a French translation and attach it to the DL.

3. Australia:

There are many Indians in Australia. From students to immigrants, Indians love going to Australia. It is also a popular tourist destination. The good news is that the Indian driving licence is valid in Australia for a period of a year. This is only in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and New South Wales. In the other parts of the country, you can use the driving licence for only three months.

4. UK:

There are certain documents that you need when you visit the United Kingdom such as your passport and a valid travel insurance plan. But you should also carry your valid Indian driving licence as you can use it in the UK. However, you should note that not every type of vehicle can be driven with your Indian driving licence. Check the clauses and then hire a suitable vehicle only.

5. Finland:

Finland is a beautiful and vast Scandinavian country with a lot to explore and see. From the northern lights to the virgin mountains, there are many natural wonders to check out. And driving around at your own pace while exploring is a great option. However, some of the roads are narrow and hilly and so you should only venture out if you are an experienced mountain driver. Use your Indian driving licence to drive in Finland and enjoy the journey.

6. Sweden:

Another Scandinavian country where you can use an Indian driving licence in Sweden. Sweden also has a beautiful natural beauty which is best explored while driving. Hire a car and use your Indian driving licence, which needs to be in English. Note that, you also need to have valid ID proof and a photograph with you when you drive with an Indian DL in Sweden.

7. Switzerland:

You must have seen many Bollywood stars drive their own vehicles amid the snowy mountains of Switzerland in many of your favourite movies. And if that has motivated you to do the same, you can easily hire a car and drive yourself to Switzerland. The Indian driving licence is valid in the country for an entire year. The Swiss people are very welcoming and they love Indians and that makes your journey all the more special.

8. Germany:

Next on the list is Germany. You can use your Indian driving licence in Germany, provided you get a German translation of the same attached to it. This apart, the document is only valid for the first six months, so if you are moving there permanently, you should apply for a German driving licence within this time frame.

9. New Zealand:

New Zealand has become a hot favourite for Indians over the last few years. We see many Indians migrating to this beautiful

country. Also, students are making New Zealand their preferred destination. If you are travelling to New Zealand, remember to take a good travel insurance plan and also your Indian driving licence as you can use that for a period of one year. The licence has to be in English and you have to be over the age of 21 to drive in New Zealand.

10. USA:

The United States of America also allows you to drive with an Indian driving licence. You can use the DL for a period of one year, provided it is in English. You also need an attested form I-94 with you when you are driving in the US with an Indian driving licence. This document keeps a record of your entry date into the country.

Conclusion:

It is crucial to have a good travel insurance plan with you when you travel and it is very handy to have a valid driving licence when you land in a new country. Getting the local driving licence prepared takes time and in the meanwhile, if you can use your existing Indian driving licence, it proves to be highly beneficial. So make use of this very handy document that you have and drive your own vehicle without any worries. But always remember to follow the rules and adhere to the safety protocols. Once that is done, you can safely and confidently use your Indian driving licence in all the above-mentioned countries and have a smooth and safe drive.

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

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