11 International Driving Permit Rules Indians Must Know

6. Understand local driving rules and road signage differences

Road rules change from place to place. Even simple differences—left-hand versus right-hand driving—affect decisions like which side to pass on and where to turn. Speed limits, alcohol limits, mobile phone bans, and seat-belt laws vary by country and state. Before you drive, read a local guide or a reliable travel advisory that lists the rules you are most likely to encounter. For North American roads, signs and lane rules differ from those in the UK, so practice basic manoeuvres in a quiet area first. A practical approach: make a short cheat sheet—four to six rules you must follow—and keep it on the dashboard. For example, note the local drink-driving limit, whether U-turns are allowed, and rules for school bus stops. When in doubt, ask the rental desk or local traffic police courteously. Learning local signage and basic rules reduces the chance of fines and makes the trip more relaxed for you and your passengers.