Driving in India as a United Kingdom National
India drives on the left with chaotic urban traffic, diverse road conditions, and a unique horn culture. An International Driving Permit is required for foreign visitors.
Key Things to Know First
India requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United Kingdom before departure.
How to get an IDPBoth United Kingdom and India drive on the left. No adjustment needed.
United Kingdom uses mph, but India uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | India | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Left-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in India
Speed limits in India are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in India
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in India. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers India before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in India
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull India Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in India.
Read the complete guide