Can I drive in India with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “You can drive without an Indian driver's licence for 3 months if you have both: … an International Driving Permit” (Smartraveller advice for India, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for India: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You can drive without an Indian driver's licence for 3 months if you have both:
- an International Driving Permit
- your current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
Your licence must be valid for the type of vehicle you're driving.
You need an Indian driver's licence if you plan to drive for over 3 months.
Your insurance may not be valid if you have an accident without the correct licence. You could be liable for the accident as an unlicensed driver.
Source: Smartraveller: India, page updated 27 August 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in India
IDP needed in India: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in India? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in India
| Licence | In India | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to India
- British passport: India entry requirements
- Canadian passport: India
- Australian passport: India
- Italian citizens: India
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for India with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “You can drive without an Indian driver's licence for 3 months if you have both: … an International Driving Permit” (Smartraveller advice for India, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in India with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can drive without an Indian driver's licence for 3 months if you have both: … an International Driving Permit”
Which international driving permit do I need for India?
The Smartraveller advice for India does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.