Driving in another country can be daunting and interesting at the same time. While an Indian driving license might prevent you from hitting the roads immediately, here are some rules and fun facts about driving in different countries.
1. Australia
Tip: Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your car when travelling in remote areas as petrol stations may be few and far between. It’s also advised to carry a spare tyre and plenty of food and water.
Fun fact: The average Australian car covers 14,000 km a year – with more than 13 million vehicles driving a combined 182 billion km annually. That’s the equivalent to Pluto and back 20 times a year.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid with an International Drivers Permit.
2. New Zealand
Tip: You can be fined or towed away for parallel parking on the wrong side of the road, so ensure that you park in the direction of traffic flow on your side of the road.
Fun fact: With 2.5 million cars for 4 million people (including children), New Zealand’s car ownership rate is one of the world’s highest.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 12 months then a test.
3. South Africa
Tip: Distances between towns and petrol stations can be quite considerable so make sure you have plenty of fuel in your car.
Fun fact: Do not stop on the road to feed wild animals: it’s dangerous and can incur a heavy fine.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid with an International Drivers Permit.
4. Saudi Arabia
Sad fact: Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that prohibits women from driving.
Fun fact: Saudi Arabia has approximately one car for every four people.
With an Indian Driver’s License there are complicated restrictions
5. People’s Republic of China
Tip: Having your headlights switched on in the daytime may land you a fine.
Fun fact: The new written test is notoriously difficult with only a 7% pass rate in Zhuhai, and less than 4% in Shenzhen.
No valid exchange for an Indian Driver’s License. You must start all formalities from scratch.
6. Hong Kong
Fun facts: When a car reaches 6 years old, it must pass an annual ‘road worthiness’ test.
There are approximately 285 licensed vehicles for every kilometer of road in Hong Kong.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid 12 months then an exchange with no test.
7. Japan
Fun fact: In order to own a car, one must secure a parking space near one’s house. Additionally, a parking space certificate must be issued when one buys a car.
Tip: Whilst risky, sober passengers travelling with a driver who has been drinking, may also be punished.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 12 months then a drivers test.
8. Russia
Tip: It is illegal to drive a dirty car, so keep the licence plates free of mud, otherwise you could be subjected to a fine ranging from R.800 (INR 756) to R.2,000 (INR 1890).
Fun fact: Picking up hitchhikers is illegal in Russia.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 6 months after which there is an exchange with no test.
9. Finland
Rule: Headlights are compulsory at all times.
Fun fact: In order to reduce reindeer-related car accidents, the Finnish Reindeer Herders’ Association has begun spraying reindeer antlers in reflective paint to make them more visible!
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 12 months and then requires a test.
10. Sweden
Tip: Even in the daytime, you must ensure your headlights are always switched on and set to dipped beam.
Fun fact: Sweden drove on the left until 1967 when they switched to driving on the right. This was to coincide with their immediate neighbours and to reduce accidents – as most cars were LHD, this would allow a better view of the road.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid with an International Drivers Permit.
11. Germany
Fun facts:
1. Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is against the law and can lose you your licence for up to six months.
2. Although over half of the Autobahn (or highway) has no speed limit, there is a guidance limit of 130 km/h.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 6 months then a test.
12. Belgium
Tip: It is compulsory for vehicles to be equipped with a fluorescent waistcoat. Fines may be issued if this isn’t worn when stepping out of a broken down vehicle on a motorway or major road.
Fun fact: Due to the huge quantity of lights, the Belgian highway system is the only man-made structure visible from the moon at night.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 6 months then a test
13. France
Fun facts:
1. As of 2012, it is a legal requirement to carry a breathalyser when driving in France. Failure to do so may result in an on-the-spot fine.
2. There’s only one ‘STOP’ sign in the entire city of Paris.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 12 months and then requires a test.
14. Switzerland
Rule: Dipped headlights are mandatory for all vehicles at all times, even during the day.
Bizarre fact: It is unlawful to wash your car on a Sunday in an attempt to curb noise pollution.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid with an International Drivers Permit.
15. Italy
Fun facts:
1. All vehicles must carry a reflective jacket (red or yellow) and a warning triangle in case of breakdowns.
2. Lamborghini recently donated a specially made edition of its latest Huracan LP 610-4 sports car to Italy’s State Police – capable of over-hauling most getaway drivers.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid with an International Drivers Permit.
16. Spain
Fun facts
1. If you wear prescription glasses, by law, you must carry a spare pair in the vehicle.
2. The most comprehensive in Europe, the Spanish Highway code has 3 times as many rules as England.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid with an International Drivers Permit.
17. United Kingdom
Fun facts
1. Sounding your horn whilst stationary on the road or in a built up area between 11:30 pm and 7 am is illegal and can land you a fine
2. In 2013, there were 36,282,603 vehicles on UK roads – that’s nearly 2 vehicles for every person
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 12 months then a test.
18. Canada
Fun facts
1. Most of Canada allows you to legally turn right at a red light, however, this is illegal in Quebec.
2. Completed in 1971, the Trans-Canada Highway is one of the world’s longest national highways, joining the 10 provinces of Canada.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 6 months then a test.
19. USA
In nearly all states, you can make a right turn at a red stop light, unless otherwise indicated. You must, however, treat a red light as a stop sign and stop before making a right turn and give way to crossing pedestrians.
With an Indian Driver’s License there are complicated restrictions.
20. Mexico
Fun facts:
1. If an oncoming vehicle is flashing its headlights it’s a warning for you to slow down for a hazard ahead. The custom is that the first vehicle to flash has the right of way and the other must yield.
2. Drive carefully at night to avoid animal collisions – animals roam free and they can be extremely difficult to see.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 12 months then a test.
21. Brazil
Tip: Indicators are used for more than just signalling intention to change direction. A left indication can mean it’s unsafe to pass, and right indication can mean it’s safe to pass.
Bizarre fact: Driving in flip flops is an offence in Brazil, along with driving with an elbow resting on the window sill and protruding from the vehicle.
An Indian Driver’s License is only valid for 6 months then a test.
