Learn the signs

All of India uses the same simple set of road symbols. Just take a few minutes to learn them. Many major rest stops have free local driving almanacs (or cheap maps) that explain such signs, roadside facilities, and exits.

You can drive in and out of strange towns fairly smoothly by following a few basic signs. 

To save time, use the freeway

The shortest distance between any two Indian points is found on the route. Although tolls can be high in any region of India. Small roads can be a breeze, or they can be dreadfully jammed up.

Passing is essential

We are timid about passing. Be bold but careful. On winding, narrow roads, you'll notice a turn-signal sign language from the slower car ahead of you indicating when it's OK to pass. This is used inconsistently. Don't rely on it blindly.

Don't use a car for city sightseeing

Park it and use public transportation (or taxis). City parking is a pain. Find a spot as close to the center as possible, grab it, and keep it. For overnight stops, it's crucial to choose a safe, well-traveled, and well-lit spot. A tourist's car parked overnight in a bad urban neighborhood will almost certainly be vandalized. In cities where traffic is worst, look for huge government-sponsored (cheap) parking lots on the outskirts, where a bus or subway will zip you easily into the center.