Everything you need to know before you drive
The reservation process at 4Drive India is straightforward. You select your dates and vehicle, complete the online booking, and receive confirmation by email. Your voucher contains all details needed for pickup, including the local company contact and exact location.
Choose your pickup and return dates on the website, browse available vehicles, and select the one that suits your needs. Fill in your details and pay the booking advance online. You will receive a voucher by email within minutes, containing the local company name, pickup address, and all necessary information.
You need your full name as it appears on your driving licence, email address, and a valid payment card for the advance. The driver's licence details and additional documents are verified at pickup by the local company, not during the online booking stage.
Yes. Contact us at [email protected] with your booking reference, and we will coordinate with the local company. Modifications depend on availability and the company's operating hours, which are listed in your voucher.
When you book online, you pay a booking advance by card. This secures your reservation and confirms your pickup slot. The remaining balance is settled when you collect the vehicle, and the accepted payment methods for that balance depend on the specific vehicle you have chosen.
The booking advance is the portion you pay on the 4Drive India website to confirm your reservation. The exact amount is shown during the booking process and depends on the vehicle and duration. This advance is non-refundable once the voucher is issued.
You pay the balance at pickup. The accepted payment method - debit card, cash, or credit card - is specified for each vehicle during booking and is printed on your voucher. This varies by vehicle, not by class or location, so check your voucher before you travel.
No. The system accepts only the booking advance online. The balance must be paid to the local company at the time of vehicle collection. This structure allows flexibility in payment methods and ensures direct accountability with the company issuing the vehicle.
A deposit is a temporary hold or cash amount collected by the local company to cover potential damages or traffic fines. The deposit amount and the card type required are specified in your voucher and vary by vehicle. This is separate from the rental payment and independent of any damage waiver options.
It depends on the vehicle. Some vehicles accept a debit card or cash deposit, while others require a credit card. The requirement is stated clearly during booking and in your voucher. If you do not have a credit card, filter results to show vehicles that accept alternative deposit methods.
Contact your bank before travel and request a temporary limit increase. Many banks allow short-term increases for travel purposes. Alternatively, choose a vehicle that accepts a cash deposit or has a lower hold requirement.
If the deposit was a card hold, it is released by the local company after the vehicle is returned and inspected. The funds typically appear in your account within 7 to 14 business days, depending on your bank. Cash deposits are returned immediately at the return location if there are no issues.
All drivers must present a valid driving licence at pickup. Foreign licences are accepted in India, though an International Driving Permit is recommended for clarity. Minimum age varies by vehicle type and is shown during booking. Some vehicles have upper age limits as well.
You need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or government-issued ID, and the payment card used for the advance or another card matching the driver's name. The local company may also ask for proof of address or a return flight ticket.
Not legally required if your licence is in English, but strongly recommended. An IDP translates your licence into multiple languages and is recognised by police and rental companies throughout India. Obtain one from your home country before departure.
Minimum age is typically 21 years, but some vehicles require the driver to be 23 or 25. Maximum age limits also apply to certain models. Age requirements are displayed on each vehicle listing and enforced by the local company at pickup.
Collection and return locations vary. Some local companies operate from airport terminals, others from city offices, and some offer hotel delivery. Your voucher specifies the exact address and includes a contact number for the local company in case you need directions or have delays.
The pickup location is stated in your voucher. Options include an airport desk, a rental office in the city, or delivery to your hotel. If you selected airport pickup, look for the company desk in the arrivals hall or follow the instructions to reach the off-airport lot.
The local company representative walks around the vehicle with you, noting any existing scratches, dents, or marks on a condition report. You sign the rental agreement, which includes the damage waiver terms, fuel policy, mileage limits, and contact details. Take photos of the vehicle before you drive away.
Some locations offer key drop-off or after-hours return, but this must be arranged in advance. Contact the local company using the number in your voucher at least 24 hours before your return time to confirm the procedure and any additional requirements.
India follows left-hand traffic. Road conditions vary from smooth multi-lane highways to narrow village roads. Monsoon rains from June to September can make driving challenging, while October to May offers dry weather and better visibility. Fuel stations are widely available, operated by Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.
Urban speed limits are 40 to 50 km/h, while highways allow 80 to 100 km/h. Always drive on the left and give way to larger vehicles. Seat belts are mandatory for front passengers, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Traffic in cities can be dense, with frequent lane changes and minimal signalling.
Yes, interstate travel within India is generally permitted, though some rental agreements restrict travel to specific states. Cross-border travel to neighbouring countries is not allowed under standard terms. Verify any geographic restrictions with the local company before you depart.
No paid toll roads exist within Goa state. If you travel to neighbouring states like Karnataka or Maharashtra, you may encounter toll plazas on national highways. Keep small denominations of cash for these tolls, as electronic payment is not always available.
If your travel plans shift, contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation and modification policies depend on how far in advance you notify us and the terms of the specific booking. Refund eligibility and any administrative charges are outlined in the confirmation email and on the website terms page.
Cancellation terms are set at the time of booking. The advance paid online is typically non-refundable once the voucher is issued, but exceptions may apply if you cancel well in advance. Review the terms in your confirmation email or contact [email protected] for specific guidance.
Contact the local company directly using the phone number in your voucher before your scheduled return time. Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and additional payment. Rates for extensions may differ from your original booking rate.
Email us at [email protected] or visit our office in Fontainhas, Panaji. Our hours are Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (GMT+5:30). For urgent matters during your rental, contact the local company whose details are in your voucher. You can also find more details about accepted payment methods on our payment methods page.
Still have questions? Visit our contact page to reach the 4Drive India team. We respond to all enquiries within one business day and are here to ensure your journey across India is smooth and straightforward.