Driving in India

Have your Passport photographs ready?

Carry both your IDP and your State Driver's License with you all the times.

Some things to keep in mind:

Some countries have a minimum and maximum driving age. In India minimum driving age is eighteen years.

• Always "buckle up" while driving in the metro cities in India.
  Keep to the left and always let the heavier vehicles have the way.
• If you rent a car, purchase the liability insurance too.
• Obtain a copy of the rules of the road before you begin driving in this country. This can prove to be very good idea.
• Be aware of the countryside where you will be driving. Many countries require you to blow your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
• Find out before you start your journey that who has the right of way in a traffic circle.
• Always know the route you will be traveling. Have a copy of a road map and chart your course before leaving.
• Avoid giving lifts to hitchhikers and strangers.

Rental: Self-driven rental in India is not yet very popular but it is possible to get a hold of a car on rent. If you do not feel confident about driving on Indian roads, or if self-driven rental is unavailable, it is easy to hire a car and driver, either from the local station tourist authority or privately through your hotel. By western standards the cost is quite low.

Fuel: Petrol is expensive compared to the West and when compared to the cost of living in India but diesel is much cheaper. Petrol is usually readily available in all large towns and along the main roads so there is no need to carry extra fuel.