COVID-19 took the world by storm and travel industry came to an halt, with people locked inside their homes, hoping to stay away from the virus. However, as things improve, travel is slowly resuming. While domestic travel is going on full swing with manageable restrictions, international travel is also opening up soon as various governments are allowing tourists to visit their countries with a COVID-19 report or in some cases, COVID-19 passport.
Not just tourism, but Indians are now also travelling due to work related opportunities. Whether leisure, or work, they are looking for avenues to experience a country in a different way. One such way to explore a different place is self-drive around the country instead of using public transportation, as road-tripping brings a different kind of exposure altogether. While renting a self-drive car outside India is easy, you can’t drive a vehicle without proper documentation, more specifically License.
There are a number of countries that accept the IDP/IDL and allow travellers to rent and drive cars. A comprehensive list is available on the regional transport authority website and on the official websites of a country’s transport authority. The IDP is valid for a year from the date of issuance and you need to apply for a new permit each year. If you have a valid motorcycle or two wheeler license in your home country, you can rent and ride a two-wheeler using your license and the IDP while travelling abroad. In certain cases, your IDP document can be used as identity proof subject to fulfilling certain conditions in the country you are travelling in.
To make sure that you experience all this country has to offer, you will have to make sure that you rent a car, which will make it easier for you to explore this country. For example, you will have the freedom to visit some local markets or spend more time in places that fascinate you. You won’t be able to do this if you book a guided tour, which has a rigged schedule that you will be expected to follow. However, before you leave for your holiday, there are some things that you should know about driving in India. This information will ensure that you can stay safe when navigating the roads in this country. To help you, we put together this excellent guide, telling you everything you need to know about driving in India.
Although the Indian driving license is not valid outside of India, International Driving License can be utilized to drive a car in various countries on a short term basis. Getting an IDP (Indian Driving Permit) is not that difficult and you can do that at your local Regional Transport Office. Duly filled application form (to get the application form for driving licence, visit the nearest RTO or download it from the online portal for your state) 6 passport sized photographs (when applying for Learners Licence) 1 passport sized photograph (when applying for driving licence) Application Fees.
There are some procedures and documentations to obtain an IDP. An IDP can be issued immediately at an AAA branch or may take 10-15 business days by mail from AAA or AATA. An IDP is valid for one year. Here’s a step-by-step guide, or Do-It-Yourself guide to apply and acquire an International Driving permit-
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Valid Indian Driving License:
Without having a valid Indian driving license, you can’t apply for an IDP. The license should be valid till you return to India with over a month’s time remaining.
Valid Indian Passport
One must possess a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity remaining before return to India.
Flight Ticket
The RTO officer can ask for the country and confirmed return tickets from the country of the visit.
Visa:
A copy of the Visa of the country you will be driving is to be attached with the Form. If the host country is offering a ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility to the Indians, you have to attach a printout from the official website mentioning the provision of ‘visa-on-arrival facility for Indians’.
Photographs:
Four passport sized photographs needed.
PAPERWORK & FORMS
1) 4A Form: The Regional Transport Office requires you to fill the 4A form available at the local RTO. The form should be duly filled and signed.
2) Medical: One has to get the signature and stamping done from a registered medical practitioner stating you are physically and mentally fit for driving.
3) NOC: The IDP has to be applied at the same RTO from where your Indian driving license has been issued. However, if you are living in a different city or state other than the one mentioned in your license, then a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ is required from your original license issuing authority to apply for IDP at a different RTO. With the centralized Parivahan Website, things have eased out in certain states.
The IDP is delivered within a day or two, but depends on the efficiency of the local RTO. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of its issue.