If one wants to drive a vehicle in India then he can do it with the help of a Canadian driver’s license but there are some things which need to mention here. It is compulsory to have an International Driving Permit to drive a vehicle in India when you are a tourist from any country including CA to drive legally in India. The IDP is a direct equivalent of the Canadian license translated into various languages and valid in India if both are produced simultaneously.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. IDP Requirement
India has also endorsed the 1949 Geneva convention on road traffic meaning that individuals from Canada for instance can drive in the country using the IDP. To get an IDP, you have to have it issued in Canada and it enables you to drive in India for a short period usually not exceeding one year. The IDP is necessary even if you are going to rent a car or use your own car during the trip.
2. How to Obtain an IDP
The Canadians who are citizens of Canada intending to drive their automobiles in India will need to go obtain an IDP from the Canadian Automobile Association. The process is simple: you will be required to produce a copy of your Canadian driver’s license, fill a form, and have your passport size photographs taken. The permit is normally issued promptly; however, it is always wise to apply for the permit several weeks before the planned visit. Just bear in mind that the IDP is only good for one year and if you intend to drive past this period, you will need a new one.
3. Short Term Driving on a Canadian License
However, the IDP is needed for legal driving, but some of the states or car rental agencies in India may allow short term driving using a valid Canadian driver license. It is however safer to have an IDP although this may vary from one country and the rental policies in that country. This may also be true that some of the police or traffic authorities may not entertain the Canadian license and having both papers will avoid this problem.
4. Laws and Conditions of Driving in India
Roads in India are in a different condition than the roads in Canada, traffic rules and regulation, and local traffic laws are also different from Canada. Cities will have a busy traffic while in the rural areas they may have some challenges like small roads and type of structures to be constructed. Indian traffic laws are very much sensitive to issues of road safety and police officials are very much particular with the proper identification, therefore it is wise to always produce an IDP and the Canadian license.
5. Insurance and Vehicle Rental Issues
Almost all vehicle rental firms in India demand an IDP together with your Canadian license for car hire. If you do not have an IDP, you will have problems getting a rental car. Besides, having no paperwork to operate the car is that in the case of an accident, your insurance claim is void and this can lead to other legal and financial issues. Hence, make sure your rental agreement specifies the required documents and do not forget an IDP.
6. Conversion to Indian License
In case you intend to live in India for an even longer time than the validity of the IDP, then it is advisable to get your Canadian license transferred to an Indian one. This mostly requires an applicant to get a local license from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), take a test and provide relevant documents. But this process is possible only for those who have lived in the country for a long time.
Final Thoughts
In India it is permitted to drive a car with the Canadian license and yet coming prepared with an IDP to suit the country’s standards is advisable. It’s wise to apply for the IDP as early as possible before the trip, also get to know the driving conditions in India to avoid the risky roads. Having the right documents, you will not only be safe from legal ramifications, but also get to enjoy a more comfortable drive while in India.
