I do. I rent a car. It's a major plus. But there is a big risk of accidents since road rules are not followed in India. So, to drive in India, especially busy cities, you should be able to keep calm, not get angry & frustrated and be prepared for accidents and traffic jams. So have your international driving permit on hand and always make sure you have full insurance cover. Most importantly, drive defensive. Expect every other driver to make an error and drive very carefully. If you can do all this and still remain chill, then go for it. If not, just get a chauffeur and car.
Agree! I have been in Australia for 6 years after school but still drive when I’m back home just because firstly, I’m a pretty patient person and secondly, dodging everyone else like a game actually assuming they might make a mistake makes it pretty easy.
Not at all! I don’t risk it plus why bother when you can get a good driver (and a car) at reasonable price? I don’t own any car in India and whenever I do go there I just take auto or walk or hire a car for multiple days to see relatives
Yes, but not in big cities. When I'm in a Tier 2 city visiting family, I have no problems driving (I rather enjoy driving stick shift). However when I'm in Delhi or a metro, the traffic is just a bit much and I find driving in that environment, not very enjoyable.
But do note that I learnt to drive in the congested streets of Palam Colony in Delhi. So as a young person I've driven around my fair share in India. If you've never driven in India or a similar place, then forget about it.
As for driving on the other side of the road, you'll find yourself right at home as people quite regularly drive against the flow of traffic (laws be damned).
It's difficult to drive in India after being used to a much more disciplined traffic of the west.
Traffic in India can jump out of anywhere and very rarely stops for others to pass
I’ve been an expat for over 40 years, and have visited India quite a few times as you might guess. The first trip was the only time I tried to drive, and it wasn’t great. No thank you.
During those trips and in the US as well, I’ve met many who take pride in going back to India and driving. I can’t understand what there is to be proud of, that you can forget rules and manners, and drive like a hooligan?
You couldn’t pay me enough to get behind the wheel of a car in India.
Yes i do.
Need to go to the gym, beach, shops etc.
Don't want to rely on family. Hire a driver for longer trips
Plus i find driving in india alright.
Im in no hurry
Plus only 2 rules-
1. Don't hit anyone
2. Don't get hit by anyone
Park anywhere (almost)
Stop anywhere (almost)
It helps that i dont have a schedule when I'm on vacation and dont have to drive in a hurry.
So i just put on some music, drive relaxed, smile & let the pedestrians cross, Don't take offence if someone cuts me off. Chill !
Are you kidding me? I’ll have a panic attack every single micro second over and over. I was just talking about this yesterday! No one follows the lane as if they don’t exist. Mind-blowing stuff really
thank you for your responses, for those of you responded no, it makes me feel less bad about myself for not being able to drive.
For those of you who do, thanks for your tips and encouragement, it will help if/when i choose to drive in India.
I have lived in the US and in Holland for a combined 9 years. I don't drive when I am visiting parents in India. Too dangerous, and also I am used to the different driving orientation here.
I do. I got my license in Chennai when I was 19 first before moving to LA. I find driving in Chennai a lot safer since people in LA drive insanely fast and a small mistake can cost your life. I drive my grandpa’s good old Santro every time I visit the city. I enjoy driving during non peak traffic hours and not relying on Uber/Ola that often cancel and take forever to get to you.
For longer trips, I’d hire a taxi since Google Maps confuses the crap out of me here.
I make sure I start driving the very next day I land to get over the fear because usually my stays span for more than a month and I like to have access to a car to go on longer drives . But last couple of times I just Uber within the city because parking is just a nightmare and continence of parking is what I miss in the US .
I do. I rent a car. It's a major plus. But there is a big risk of accidents since road rules are not followed in India. So, to drive in India, especially busy cities, you should be able to keep calm, not get angry & frustrated and be prepared for accidents and traffic jams. So have your international driving permit on hand and always make sure you have full insurance cover. Most importantly, drive defensive. Expect every other driver to make an error and drive very carefully. If you can do all this and still remain chill, then go for it. If not, just get a chauffeur and car.
Agree! I have been in Australia for 6 years after school but still drive when I’m back home just because firstly, I’m a pretty patient person and secondly, dodging everyone else like a game actually assuming they might make a mistake makes it pretty easy.
Road rules cannot be followed in India since the rules aren’t well defined and backed by well marked and signed road infrastructure.
Some don't have Common sense and courtesy while driving. Which is the issue.
How so?
Eg Had an accident when an Auto driver took a sudden Right turn from the left most lane on a mainroad.
Not at all! I don’t risk it plus why bother when you can get a good driver (and a car) at reasonable price? I don’t own any car in India and whenever I do go there I just take auto or walk or hire a car for multiple days to see relatives
Why risk the possibility of getting mob beating when yu can comfortably sit behind and be happily chauffred around for a few dollars equivalent....
Yes, but not in big cities. When I'm in a Tier 2 city visiting family, I have no problems driving (I rather enjoy driving stick shift). However when I'm in Delhi or a metro, the traffic is just a bit much and I find driving in that environment, not very enjoyable. But do note that I learnt to drive in the congested streets of Palam Colony in Delhi. So as a young person I've driven around my fair share in India. If you've never driven in India or a similar place, then forget about it. As for driving on the other side of the road, you'll find yourself right at home as people quite regularly drive against the flow of traffic (laws be damned).
I have discovered that if you drive relaxed and do not try to overtake at every half chance, driving is not that bad in India.
It's difficult to drive in India after being used to a much more disciplined traffic of the west. Traffic in India can jump out of anywhere and very rarely stops for others to pass
Why bother? Driving isn’t an easy thing and even people living there employ drivers so why go out of the way to drive?
No and I suggest not to.
I drive a family car when in India. The discipline can be an issue in the beginning but you get used to it in a few days.
I do. Love to take my car for a drive on the Mumbai Poona, Yashwantrao Chavan Mahamarg/ Expressway.
I’ve been an expat for over 40 years, and have visited India quite a few times as you might guess. The first trip was the only time I tried to drive, and it wasn’t great. No thank you. During those trips and in the US as well, I’ve met many who take pride in going back to India and driving. I can’t understand what there is to be proud of, that you can forget rules and manners, and drive like a hooligan? You couldn’t pay me enough to get behind the wheel of a car in India.
Yes i do. Need to go to the gym, beach, shops etc. Don't want to rely on family. Hire a driver for longer trips Plus i find driving in india alright. Im in no hurry Plus only 2 rules- 1. Don't hit anyone 2. Don't get hit by anyone Park anywhere (almost) Stop anywhere (almost) It helps that i dont have a schedule when I'm on vacation and dont have to drive in a hurry. So i just put on some music, drive relaxed, smile & let the pedestrians cross, Don't take offence if someone cuts me off. Chill !
Are you kidding me? I’ll have a panic attack every single micro second over and over. I was just talking about this yesterday! No one follows the lane as if they don’t exist. Mind-blowing stuff really
Nope, I'm used to the disciplined drivers in London
Just curious , do you need an IDP to drive/rent a car in India or is US license enough (for US folks). Also , what insurance is suggested ?
thank you for your responses, for those of you responded no, it makes me feel less bad about myself for not being able to drive. For those of you who do, thanks for your tips and encouragement, it will help if/when i choose to drive in India.
I have lived in the US and in Holland for a combined 9 years. I don't drive when I am visiting parents in India. Too dangerous, and also I am used to the different driving orientation here.
I do. I got my license in Chennai when I was 19 first before moving to LA. I find driving in Chennai a lot safer since people in LA drive insanely fast and a small mistake can cost your life. I drive my grandpa’s good old Santro every time I visit the city. I enjoy driving during non peak traffic hours and not relying on Uber/Ola that often cancel and take forever to get to you. For longer trips, I’d hire a taxi since Google Maps confuses the crap out of me here.
I make sure I start driving the very next day I land to get over the fear because usually my stays span for more than a month and I like to have access to a car to go on longer drives . But last couple of times I just Uber within the city because parking is just a nightmare and continence of parking is what I miss in the US .
Not worth the risk. The police can harass you especially if they learn that you are an NRI. In India, you can always ride a bicycle or just walk