Can I drive a motorcycle in Thailand with a UK driver's license and get insurance?

motorcycle insurance International Driving Permit Thai driving license UK driver's license expat driving regulations Thailand motorcycle driving rules international insurance visa requirements

Jan 21, 2024

a year ago

Gordon ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I stay in Thailand for a couple of months every winter if I buy a motorcycle can drive it and get insurance on my UK driver's license?

1,150

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

If you plan to stay in Thailand for just a couple of months each winter and want to drive a motorcycle, you can do so with a UK driver's license if you also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is valid for 90 days after your arrival in Thailand, but you need to hold a motorcycle license from your home country to be eligible. If you stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a Thai driver's license. Insurance can typically be obtained through local shops without needing to show your license, but it's advised to ensure proper coverage. Rental and insurance regulations may vary, so checking local requirements and possibly obtaining a Thai license may be advantageous.

Dave *********

Go to goverment office in your area for driving licence and take test

If your U.K. licence allows you to drive bike up to 125 cc I think you get licence for car and motor bike in Thai I’ve just done in on Samui

You need certificate from immigration and medical

a year ago

John *********

A International Driving Permit for £5.50 from the post office in the UK which lasts 3 years or a Thai Licencs

a year ago

Henrik *****

You can only get one for motorcycle if you got that in the home country

a year ago

John *********

@Henrik ****

It says the UK 🇬🇧 🙄 🤣 😂

a year ago

John *********

@Henrik ****

a year ago

Reply to

John *********

Jj ****

Get a Thai licence

a year ago

Steve *******

might want to get an international drivers license - and a motor bike lic as well - I am Canadian that's what we need - make sure you are covered in case of an accident - they may say you are but they may lie.... look into it. My buddy is there now and he rented a car - he told me to make sure i pay the $34 to get the international lic or I cannot rent a car - Previously i did read i need a motorcycle lic to rent there. but who knows i might be wrong.

a year ago

David ***********

You need an International drivers licence which you can get at the post office for 5 pounds

a year ago

Richard *********

insurance is issued on the vehicle, i have never had to show my license to get it for my bike and in fact shops will do it for you. ( just got this years tax sticker and insurance for my 125 honda wave via a shop 600 baht)

a year ago

CjandBrigitte **********

@Richard ********

If you dont have a valid drivers license, your insurance will not cover anything. Make sure you either have a IDP for 90 days or a valid Thai drivers license.

a year ago

Richard *********

@CjBrigitte *********

he asked if he could get it, i responded , yes he can>

I know its not valid without a valid license!!

a year ago

John ***********

@Richard ********

If you can get it but can't use it what is the point of it? I'd have assumed form the question that the person was hoping the insurance would be usable.

a year ago

Reply to

John ***********

Brandon ************

If you obtain an IDP (International Drivers Permit) from the authority in your home country that is able to issue them, you can use that for 90 days after entering Thailand to drive along with your home drivers license.

You must have a motorcycle license in your home country in order to do this, as you cannot drive a motorcycle on a car license.

If you will be in Thailand for more than 90 days, then you would need to apply for a Thai drivers license.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Does having a Thai motorcycle license allow me to drive in Thailand if my travel insurance covers me based on my UK license?

55 comments