The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has reported a significant increase in the issuance of International Driving Permits (IDPs), highlighting a clear trend of Indian travellers opting for greater freedom and flexibility during their overseas holidays. The data confirms the observations of travel industry experts who have noted a shift away from rigid itineraries towards self-driven exploration in foreign countries.
Rising Numbers Reflect a New Travel Trend
In a telling statistic, the Pune RTO issued a total of 5,623 International Driving Permits in 2025. This marks a notable rise from the 5,184 IDPs issued in 2024 and a substantial jump from the 4,914 permits granted in 2023. For context, the office had issued 4,090 IDPs in 2022. This consistent year-on-year growth underscores a changing pattern in how Indians are choosing to experience international destinations.
A senior RTO official, speaking to TOI, interpreted the numbers as evidence of a growing preference for rented vehicles. "The numbers speak for themselves," the official said. "The increase shows that a large number of travellers tend to use rented vehicles, both cars and two-wheelers, while travelling abroad. While some may be students heading to foreign universities, we believe the main crowd is tourists seeking independent mobility."
Travel Agents Confirm the DIY Exploration Boom
The RTO's data aligns perfectly with ground reports from Pune's travel industry. Santosh Gupta, owner of Shree Vinayak Holidays, noted a robust recovery in international travel last year. "We handled a high volume of bookings to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe," Gupta revealed. "A significant number of clients specifically inquired about the process for obtaining an IDP and requested our guidance, indicating their plan to drive abroad."
Echoing this sentiment, Nilesh Bhansali, owner of Devam Tours and Travels and President of the Travel Agents Association of Pune (TAAP), observed a distinct trend. "There has been a noticeable shift towards renting a car or even a two-wheeler to explore the countryside of international destinations," Bhansali explained. "While many still prefer structured itineraries, a growing segment wants the liberty to discover places at their own pace."
Traveller Experiences and Calls for Better Awareness
For travellers like Tuhin Joshi, a Koregaon Park resident and business professional who made two trips to Southeast Asia this year, an IDP was invaluable. "It allowed me the freedom to access some untapped, offbeat spots," Joshi shared. He, however, cautioned that proper research about local driving rules and conditions is essential before getting behind the wheel in a foreign country.
Despite the rising demand, awareness about the IDP process remains an issue. Anand Sahay, an IT professional from Kharadi, pointed out a gap in information dissemination. "I frequently travel abroad but was not fully acquainted with the IDP procedure," Sahay told TOI. "I have visited the RTO office multiple times for other work but never saw any prominent notices or information about IDPs. The RTO needs to actively advertise this service."
To apply for an IDP, an individual must possess a valid Indian driving licence, an Indian passport, and a valid visa for the destination country. The permit is issued for one year, cannot be renewed, and is not valid for use within the local jurisdiction of the issuing RTO.
In a related development, the Pune RTO has also witnessed a major spike in the issuance of regular driving licences. In 2025, the office issued 1,16,445 new licences, a dramatic increase of more than 25% from the 92,675 licences issued in 2024. This surge in both domestic licences and international permits paints a picture of a city that is increasingly on the move, both at home and across the globe.
