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Do Indian Driving Licenses Work in Russia?

May 1, 2025
  • blog

Okay, so you're picturing cruising around Russia in a car during your MBBS studies? Hold on a minute. Let's talk about driving licenses. Because it's not as simple as you'd think.

 

The short answer is: your Indian driving license will not enable you to drive legally in Russia. It's not recognized there. Period. Driving with just your Indian license is illegal, and you could get yourself into serious trouble.

 

Why Your Indian License Doesn't Cut It:

 

You might have come across International Driving Permits (IDPs). These are issued by groups like the AAI (Automobile Association of India) and make your Indian license available in other languages. Although helpful in certain countries, Russia is not one of them. They're not signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which most IDPs are based on. So, your IDP will not be enough to get you driving in Russia. You'll need a Russian driving license.

 

The (Moderately Complicated) Road to a Russian Driving License:

 

Getting a Russian license isn't easy, but it's not instantaneous either. Here's the catch:

 

1. That IDP Thing Again: While it won't allow you to drive, it's worth getting an IDP anyway. It's a handy translation of your Indian license and could be useful in the event that you need to rent a car or need to deal with the police.

 

2. Translation Time: You will need a certified translation of your Indian driving license into Russian. This will need to be carried out by an official translator, and the exact requirements vary according to the region that you are in, so you best just double-check with the local authorities.

 

3. Doctor's Note: You will probably need to have a medical check-up to prove you are capable of driving. The requirements differ in respect of where you are.

 

4. Tests, Tests, Tests (Maybe): Depending on where you are, you might have to take a theory test (knowledge of Russian traffic rules) and a practical test of driving.

 

5. The Big Application: Once you have all the documents, you submit an application for your Russian driving license at your local traffic police (GIBDD) station. This is the official bit. Be prepared – what's needed can change depending on your location.

 

So, What's the Better Plan?

 

Buying a Russian driving license is a great inconvenience. It is extremely time-consuming and demands much effort, something you might not be able to extract from your busy study schedule. So, what can you do?

 

•  Public Transport: Russia has surprisingly excellent public transport in most cities – buses, trams, metros, trains. It's usually quite efficient and cheap.

•  Ride-Sharing Apps: Yandex Taxi dominates in Russia. It's really convenient to use and generally not expensive.

•  Taxis: Easy to locate, yet always negotiate beforehand before you board the taxi.

 

Things to Take Note of:

 

•  Time Commitment: Getting a Russian license takes time. Seriously. Do you mind wasting that time while you're studying?

•  Cost: Translation fees, medical examinations, and test costs are extra fees.

•  Language Barrier: All of this in Russian can be difficult unless you're extremely fluent.

 

Short and sweet, you may dream of motoring about Russia, but in practice, it's often more handy and less stressful to rely on public transport, ride-sharing apps, or taxis. A Russian license is possible, but it's a serious commitment. Weigh up the pros and cons before you decide.

 

SIMPLE ADMISSION PROCESS

No hefty donations, no entrance exams, no hassle for documentation just your dream MBBS study and you. RUS OVERSEAS does everything for you from scratch. We make sure you don’t have to do rounds of rotation and get fed up with the process of admission. From beginning to end, we are with you. 

 

THE PROCESS

Eligibility: 

  • 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in Class 12.
  • Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
  •   NEET Qualification: Mandatory for Indian students.

 

Invitation letter: 

After RUS OVERSEAS submits your documents in the university. The university issues you an invitation letter. 

 

Visa process: 

Once the invitation letter arrives. The company will start your visa processing and in a few days you will be on the plane to Russia. 

HOW RUS OVERSEAS HELPS YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY

RUS OVERSEAS has the experience of more than a decade. Our team is supportive and cares for the students wholeheartedly. We are available 24/7. Your one stop solution for MBBS abroad is us. We at RUS OVERSEAS will never disappoint any student or parent in their fulfilling journey with us.

 

CONTACT US

Phone: +91 9560533703

Email:  info@rusoverseas.com


Rus Overseas provides expert assistance in choosing the right program, application processing, visa support, and settling in Russia. Contact us today to begin your abroad journey in Russia!

Sakib Hasan