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An international driving permit is a document that authorises an Indian driving licence holder to ride/drive motor vehicles when he/she is abroad. It is a multi-language translation of your Indian driving licence, thus helping the authorities abroad recognise it. To obtain an international driving licence, the concerned individual will have to make an application for the same to the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Possessing an international driving permit is a boon for frequent travellers who would like to drive/ride a vehicle when they are abroad. Those who do not want to be dependent on public transport when they are abroad can also apply for an international driving permit before leaving India. Listed below are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the international driving permit.
More than 150 countries across the world recognise the international driving permit as a valid document. If you would like to drive motorised vehicles when you are abroad, it is advisable to apply for an international driving permit.
To obtain an international driving permit, you should approach an RTO that is located in your area of residence or business. You will need to submit the application form to the RTO along with a few supporting documents. You will also need to specify the names of the countries that you intend to visit and mention your duration of stay in each of these countries.
The documents that you will have to submit when applying for an international driving permit are as follows:
When you are abroad, you can only drive/ride the class of vehicle that you are authorised to ride/drive in India. For example, if your Indian driving licence only authorises you to ride two-wheelers, you cannot drive a car when you are abroad.
Once you apply for an international driving licence, the RTO can take between 2 and 7 days to issue the permit.
Yes, the international driving permit is only issued to individuals who hold a permanent driving licence. Also, since the validity of the international driving permit is linked to the validity of your permanent driving licence, you cannot continue to ride/drive motorised vehicles when you are abroad if your driving licence happens to expire during your stay in that country.
Yes, you can rent motor vehicles when you are abroad if you have an international driving licence.
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The international driving licence is valid for a period of 1 year.
If you are applying for an international driving licence through the RTO, you will need to pay Rs.1,000. Members of the Western Indian Automobile Association (WIAA) can apply for an international driving permit through the association. In this case, the applicable fee will be Rs.1,500.
The benefits of having an international driving licence are as follows:
No, there are many countries that allow Indian driving licence holders to ride or drive motorised vehicles without an international driving permit. However, if you are a frequent traveller who likes riding or driving vehicles when abroad, it is recommended that you carry an international driving permit. Further, many foreign countries require individuals to have an international driving permit if they want to hire a vehicle.
No, you cannot renew an international driving permit. The international driving licence is only valid for one year. You will need to apply for a fresh permit if you need the licence for over a year.
If you happen to lose your international driving permit while you are in India, you will need to register an FIR at the nearest police station. If you lose the permit while you are abroad, you will need to report the loss to the Indian embassy. You will also have to inform the local authorities of the same.
If you are considering applying for an international driving licence, make sure to keep the above-mentioned information in mind.
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