11 International Driving Permit Rules Indians Must Know

4. Confirm which vehicle classes your IDP covers

The IDP only covers vehicle classes that appear on your Indian driving licence. If your Indian licence allows only motorcycles, the IDP will not suddenly authorise you to drive a car abroad. Before you rent or borrow a vehicle, check that the vehicle category is listed on both documents. When renting, rental agreements often require drivers to present a licence class that matches the hired vehicle; failure to do so can void insurance and lead to fines. Translation differences may exist: some countries use different class codes or descriptions. Bring a catalogue or screenshot that shows how Indian licence categories map to the destination country’s classes, or ask the rental company in advance. If you plan to drive both two-wheelers and cars overseas, ensure your Indian licence includes both classes. For commercial vehicle driving, check additional local permits and medical requirements since those often go beyond the IDP’s scope.