11 Car-Rental Tips for Indians: Easy Driving Across Europe

2. Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) early

If your destination does not accept an Indian driving licence alone, you will need an International Driving Permit before you leave India. An IDP translates your licence into multiple languages and is legally required in several European countries. Apply through the authorised issuing body in India and allow time for processing. You’ll need your original licence, passport-size photos, and a copy of your passport. The IDP cannot be obtained once you land abroad, so plan this step early in your packing checklist. Keep the IDP together with your licence and passport in a safe place while driving. Rental agents often ask for both documents at pickup, so presenting both speeds up the handover and reduces questions about cross-border travel. A tip from travellers: carry a few printed photocopies of the IDP and licence in different bags. That way, if one item is misplaced, you still have backup documents for police checks or rental paperwork. Treat the IDP like an essential travel document rather than optional paperwork, and you’ll avoid last-minute stress at the airport.