Q525. UK resident driving in India - Exchange UK driving license for Indian driving license.

Question: I am a british citizen with OCI card. I have uk driving licence. Iam going to stay in India for couple of months.

Can i drive in India with uk licence.

or can i get an Indian licence by showing uk licence.

solly kurin

Answer: My understanding is that you cannot drive in India solely on the basis of your UK driving license. There are two options that you can consider:

Get an International Driving License

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in UK before leaving for India. UK residents visiting India can drive in India if they have a IDP and a valid UK driving license. Getting a IDP is a fairly easy and fast process in UK. • The fee is only about £8.00 per permit. • International Driving Permit applications can be made up to three months in advance of your travel date and have a validity of 12 months. • In UK applications for IDP can be made at the post office’s or through Automobile Association (AA).

Exchange foreign drivers license for Indian driving license

Exchanging your UK license for an Indian driving license is not that easy and straightforward process. Generally, some states in India will not allow this, while some states still require foreign driver license holder’s who want to get a Indian driving license to complete the written driving exam but may exempt them from the requirement of taking the actual driving part of the exam. The best option for tourists visiting India and wish to drive in India, is to get a IDB before arriving in India. They can then drive as long as they have a valid IDP and their foreign driving license with them.