Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?

Serious reputational damage would Avis or Budget be happy with that? The IDP was a way for cops to shakedown tourists who are not licensed to drive a motorbike…..

@Andy *******

I have travelled all over the world without an IDP and my UK license has been accepted by every car hire company at every airport , including Bangkok, your welcome to verify with any of the car hire operators in Phuket - they would do zero business if an IDP was required…..it’s only for motorbikes in Thailand the cops realized a few years ago that there was a great shakedown opportunity as most tourists do not have a license to drive a motorbike so they are illegal, hard to prove though without an IDP so it’s a bonanza for them and most tourists are happy to pay.

@Pete ******

not for a car, check with Avis at the airport, they are probably better informed than you , my brother went through if last year, and double checked when he rented. Bikers are targeted because most have never passed a bike test, and cops can’t tell from a normal driving license hence the B500 shakedown if no IDP which clearly shows what vehicles license covers

@Tony ********

that's because the lack of an IDP juristically is just an "administrative offense" instead of a "criminal offense". It's a minor offense and you can only get fined a maximum of 400 Baht for a misisng IDP. The British Driving License documents, that you indeed hold a valid permit for driving a car. The IDP is only a translation, not a driving permit per se. In case police would constitute a personal fault because you didn't hold an IDP, a good lawyer will get you out of trouble

@Greg *****

if you are caught out driving without the required driving permit, every insurance will refuse damage payment. It's their lawful right. Or what were you thinking?

@Brian *******

it happens yet it does not always happen. Depends on the officer and the place. Nothing is for sure in Thailand

@Jan ********

Like me older people with a helmet on don't normally get stopped Sign.

of respect for elders 🙏🙏

@Jan ********

Not strange at all. Been stopped at road blocks a few times, never been asked for an IDP only a driving license. It's not actually a requirement to have one.

Roadblocks are generally checking road tax is paid. I have never been asked for a IDP, in fact I rarely get asked for anything. Just a courteous nod and waved on.

@Pete ******

OK. Doesn’t matter to me now. I’ve been on a Thai license for 6 years now.

@Pete ******

I’m saying so does your home country drivers license.

@Benjamin ********

I have a car licence but not a bike. I now have an IDP but may be hire a bike one or two times a year.

@Bonnie ********

I was, had to follow a cop on his bike with 3 others. Got a feeling he was helping as it was a tortuous route.

@Jim *****

this was in Chiang Mai. Stops everywhere, even Thais getting. Must admit in my local town never got stopped.

@David **********

hmm. Guess I am lucky. Driven motorcycles and scooters many times all over Thailand. Went thru check points and showed US license. Never her a fine or an issue

@Michael *******

How much is the fine?

@Pete ******

only for bikes not car.

@Pete ******

I Agree all insurances are invalid after ninety days without.

A Thai licence They can check your entry stamp , especially if you have an accident and your riding a motor bike above your licence rating cc💰👮‍♂️💰👮‍♂️💰💰💰💸👮‍♂️💸💸👮‍♂️💸💸👮‍♂️👮‍♂️👮‍♂️

@Pete ******

that’s not true

@Edwards *******

Its wrong, legally you need an IDP to accompany your UK license.

@Edwards *******

problem is the police don't seem to go by this .

No Idp at a police stop = 500 baht fine .

I got a thai licence based of my Uk licence. Unfortunately they wanted a copy of the IDP too . Other than that it was easy and cheap

@Edwards *******

I have got my driving licences (for car and motorcycle). However, you also need the International Driving Permit, a residence registration, a medical certificate and a letter from immigration for each driving license class. The rest, what else needs to be done (Watch traffic video, ask a few simple questions or nothing at all) is decided by the respective DLT Office

@Edwards *******

You make have to wait 1-2 month to get a appointment at the DLT.

@Edwards *******

At Chonburi DLT you need a long term visa to apply for a Thai driving licence.

@Edwards *******

at some DLT offices yes, at some DLT offices no.