How to get your Driving Licence for India

Driving in India, or any foreign country, requires some preparation. Therefore, this article will explain how to get your international driving license for India. Afterward, you can book your tuktuk and cruise those amazing Indian roads!

Your driving requirements in India depend on the length of your stay. For example, if you are a tourist on a short visit, you must have two documents to drive a vehicle yourself. You will need both your national license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

So what is an IDP or International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to drive in countries where your national license alone is not enough. This legal document allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country that recognizes it. For the IDP to be valid, you must also carry your valid driving license from your home country.

What is the validity of an IDP?

The validity depends on the type of IDP you are using. It also depends on the validity of your national license. Specifically, once your national license expires, the IDP also becomes invalid. There are three types of IDPs:

1. 1968 IDP – has a 3-year validity.

2. 1949 IDP – has a 1-year validity (this is the most common type).

3. 1926 IDP – also has a 1-year validity.

What driving license is required to drive a tuktuk in India?

Many foreign travelers ask what kind of license they need to drive a tuktuk. The answer is simple: you need an IDP with a class B endorsement.

But why class B and not A? It’s because the Indian Motor Vehicle Act considers a tuktuk, or auto-rickshaw, a light motor vehicle. This puts it in the same category as a car. In contrast, Class A is for motorcycles, which the Indian Act only permits to carry a maximum of two people, including the driver. A tuktuk, however, can legally carry a maximum of four people, including the driver. Therefore, you need a Class B endorsement to drive a tuktuk in India.

Can a foreigner or tourist get an Indian Driving License?

Foreigners and tourists can only get an official Indian Driving License if they have a residency permit visa. To receive this Indian license, you must first obtain proof of residency from the Police Commissioner’s Office in your area. This document will mention your local Indian address, which you can prove with a genuine rental agreement.

After you receive this document, you can apply for an Indian driving license at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). You will need to provide a copy of your Indian visa and passport. Before you get the official Indian license, you will take a learner’s license test and a driving test. After passing both, you will receive your Indian Driving License!

How can I get my International Drivers License?

The process to get your IDP depends on your country of residence at the time of your application. For instance, depending on the country, you might have to visit your regional transport authority, post office, or another relevant government office to apply. You can find a comprehensive list of countries and their application processes for an IDP here.

How to get your Driving License for India

To sum up, here is what you need to do before getting your driving license for India:

• First, ensure you have a valid national driver’s license from your home country.

• Next, get yourself an International Driving Permit from the correct authority.

• Finally, travel to India and enjoy the drive!

Questions?

If you still have any questions about your license and self-driving in India, please comment below. We will get back to you!