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Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?
Driving in ThailandInternational Driving Permit (IDP)Thai driver's licenseTraffic regulationsExpat life in ThailandVisa requirementsInsurance issuesRoad checkpoints
Sep 18, 2024
2 years ago
Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all! I have a driver’s license from my home country but I do not have an IDP (I forgot to get one before I left). From my understanding, I would’ve needed to have it before I entered Thailand. I saw a few posts stating you can drive without an IDP. Can someone share your experience with driving in Thailand. Is there another option if you don’t have an IDP? Thanks for your help! 😀
TLDR : Answer Summary
Driving in Thailand without an International Driving Permit (IDP) raises various legal and practical concerns. Many users report mixed experiences, with some being waved through checkpoints while others emphasize the risk of fines for not having an IDP. While foreign licenses in English may sometimes be accepted for up to three months, driving without an IDP can invalidate insurance claims in case of an accident. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding local laws regarding driving permits and the potential consequences of neglecting them.
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Tammy ********
Hey you setting up the phone conference with doctor tomorrow. Definitely going late November early December. I'll be hurting for a while but well worth it. Going to need an Airbnb for a month or two. EXCITED!!!
Michael *******
In a car you will be fine for 3 months, on a motorbike you will get fleeced on a regular basis without an IDP, if you have a UK address apply on line through AA/RAC and get it sent to your home address and then send here by EMS
Steve *********
It's simple. Get an IDP (mine was £6 from a UK post office valid for 3 years). While in Pattaya recently I got stopped 5 times on my rented bike in a month, showed them my IDP everytime, that's all they want to see, they are not interested in any other form of licence that a holidaymaker/tourist shows them.
Christopher *******
Experiences driving in Thailand. 🤔 Perhaps you failing to get a license is the universe protecting you. There is so many unspoken rules you don’t know until one lives here & adapts to the driving here. I suggest to many hire a driver for less than 20% more than renting. Enjoy your travels avoid a potential disaster. Farangs always guilty to save face for Thai. You have to prove they are lying by a dash cam.
Andreas *********
So many answers 😄, but the only correct answer (if you take the law into account) is no. How controls are handled is another matter. That's Thailand. However, if you have an accident, you are officially driving without a valid license.
Daniel *****
You wont have a problem renting any car or any motorcycle without a licence in Thailand. Many Thais are also getting around on the roads without one. This doesn't mean you should.
Dave ********
My first trip, I had an IDP from the US along with my US driver's license and passed through MANY checkpoints going on a road trip from Chiang Rai to Umphang and was never asked for anything other than my passport. That was a tourist visa trip. Now on an non-immigrant "O" visa and recently got my Thai license. I don't recall any point where the issuance depended on the type of visa. I don't think they really care. In any event, I did the online video training and got my QR code showing completion and got through the process no problem.
Tony *********
@Dave *******
yes correct before I got my Thai license I used my British license which is not an IDP and got stopped many times without any problems.Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Michael *******
Depends what you are driving, if it’s a car a license in English is fine for up to three months, if it’s a motorbike you need an IDP so they can see if you are licensed to drive a bike. Tourists renting cars at the airport are not required to have an IDP, and you are very unlikely to get pulled over in a car in any case.
Andy ********
@Michael ******
Legally you need an IDP AND license for both a car or motorbike. The IDP is only an internationally accepted translation of a driving license.Michael *******
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…..
Brandon ************
@Michael ******
what reputation? Rental cars companies are maligned worldwide.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Michael *******
@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.Andy ********
@Michael ******
You've just invented all of that....look at the Government Website its all very clear. You never did say where you could get an IDP on line in the UK....Michael *******
@Andy *******
AA or RACBrandon ************
@Michael ******
the care hire companies don't care if you can drive legally. But when the insurance is denied after you have an accident, they'll be happy they have your credit card on file when the insurance claim is denied.Andy ********
@Brandon ***********
Exactly.Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Pete *******
@Michael ******
your incorrect. To be legal your foreign drivers license must be accompanied by an IDP.Michael *******
@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 coversPete *******
@Michael ******
2 seconds on google will demonstrate your error. Here in Thailand rental companies will rent to anyone, regardless of their documents. Again I make the clear statement that for you to drive legally your foreign drivers license must be accompanied by a valid IDP.Michael *******
@Pete ******
actually spent 20 seconds and got three different answers , consensus was that if license was in English then an IDP was not required, however some municipalities might require it……most tourist areas have police with some command of English so not an issue…..however, hire companies do not demand an IDPPete *******
@Michael ******
you are simply wrong. Do more research. Stop digging yourself into a hole. AGAIN foreign drivers licenses are not by themselves a legally recognized document in Thailand. The legal mechanism to qualify the license is to obtain a valid International Drivers Permit. Without the permit you cannot legally drive.Michael *******
Ok PC Plod I will defer to your expertise on the matter 😊
Michael *******
@Pete ******
they would be subject to major insurance issues handing out a car to an illegal driver , motorbike operators don’t give a toss, but a million baht motor vehicle is another matterPete *******
@Michael ******
Here in Thailand the insurance is on the vehicle NOT the driver.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Jamie *********
you dont need it!
Nigel ********
Without the correct driving licence , the sh## will hit the fan if you have an accident
Tony *********
@Nigel *******
not true.Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Greg ******
Driving without a license is a small fine.
Remember the cops almost never set up checkpoints in the rain.
Remember the cops almost never set up checkpoints in the rain.
Bob **********
You can drive without an IDP all you like but you’ll be stopped and fined on a daily basis
Ray *********
I got pulled over a few years back, showed the copper my IDL and he said what is that? Maybe a one off, since then I never got one with no problems.
Andy **********
There are many IDP websites that will send you a pdf that superficially looks like a A6 sized IDP, with a grey card cover and white double sided pages. Websites like ITCA, which do a clever job of deceiving tourists into thinking they can get a IDP online. However, I am 100% certain RTP officers are fully familiar. I mean, this looks pretty obvious, doesn't it?
Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *********
Yes, I’m glad you brought that up. Those websites were the first thing that popped up when I googled IDP. Something felt off about it. I’m glad I went with my gut to actually research further. Definitely not legit online.Reply to
Edwards ********
Reply
Hiram *******
I always hire a car when I visit my gf in Issan. I carry my Uk licence and an IDP but I have never been stopped, so I don't have any experience of what many posters are saying, but it makes sense to abide by Thai laws just incase
Marky *******
It’s more about your travel insurance mate.. ask the Bali wankers who seem to have scooter accidents daily
Aaron *******
Short answer, as in all things in Thailand. It depends. I've been stopped and they didn't ask for IDP. I've been stopped and they did ask for IDP. 95% of the time just waived through. My motto on such things. It's better to have and not need. Than to need and not have.
Henrik *****
Not a correct drivers license = no insurance
John ********
Key visa will help you
Nongnuch ********
the good thing is - some (!) Thai police will accept your drivers license if it is in English. The sad thing is, if you have an accident, your insurance and the insurance of the vehicle will refuse to pay for any damages and personal injury, because you didn't have an IDP. Then you will need a very good lawyer to get you out of Kalamazoo . errh, Calamities
Tony *********
@Nongnuch *******
that's not my experience. Although I now have a Thai license, I was driving in Thailand for 20 years with my British license and had one accident. The insurance company accepted my license without question and fully paid for the damages.Nongnuch ********
@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 troubleTony *********
@Nongnuch *******
well that's my point. I didn't need anybody to get me out of trouble because I wasn't in trouble.Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Greg ******
@Nongnuch *******
Please provide a source for this non-payment of insurance.Nongnuch ********
@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?Greg ******
@Nongnuch *******
Not true in Thailand, the car is insured not the driver.Simon *****
Greg Noah a car's insurance is only effective if the driver has the proper paperwork ie, licence.. Not sure if it's mandatory to have IDP in Thailand. But I know insurance will probably find an excuse not to pay. BTW what insurance are we referring to , travel insurance or a Thai road insurance
Simon *****
@Greg *****
a car's insurance is only effective if the driver has the proper paperwork ie, licence.. Not sure if it's mandatory to have IDP in Thailand. But I know insurance will probably find an excuse not to pay. BTW what insurance are we referring to , travel insurance or a Thai road insuranceNongnuch ********
@Simon ****
correct, the IDP is just a translation, and it is not mandatory to have, it is NOT a driving permit per se. It juristically is an "administrative offense" to drive without it. A minor offfense which is punishable with a maximum of 400.- THB. If you got an actual and valid national driving permit, you just committed a minor offense if you forgot getting an IDP issued in your home countryNongnuch ********
@Greg *****
😅😄 the car insurance or your holiday-travel insurance will not pay your hospital bill if you haven't had a proper driving license. Why do you think we see so many "go-fund-me" pages of people who had an accident in Thailand?Greg ******
@Nongnuch *******
Thai Car insurance will pay for the damages to the car. My health insurance from the US pays regardless, even if driving a car without a license.
Nongnuch ********
@Greg *****
I doubt that, your U.S. insurance will not pay if you drive illegally and have an accident. Try to find that clause in your insurance contract, dreamer!Greg ******
@Nongnuch *******
They will not even check.Ralph *******
@Greg *****
If you are committing a crime your insurance is invalid. So, without the right licence to drive, you are committing a crime.Nongnuch ********
@Greg *****
obviously, you have never seen the many "Go-Fund-Me" cries for help from people that thought like you do. You are dreaming, and I am not the only one who knows betterGreg ******
@Nongnuch *******
For some people, but there are many exceptionsNongnuch ********
@Greg *****
😂😂😂😂😂 exceptions!! 😂😂😂😂😂 Your U.S. Insurance will find a reason to avoid payment. U.S. insurances are fully profit-oriented. They are no welfare organizations, if you thought they areReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Brian ********
@Nongnuch *******
don't plan on the cops taking anything other than an IDP. I got pulled over at a stop and the cop used my IDP to show another farang what they needed and issued them a ticket.Nongnuch ********
@Brian *******
it happens yet it does not always happen. Depends on the officer and the place. Nothing is for sure in ThailandBrian ********
@Nongnuch *******
but saying the good news is Thai police will accept your license in English is not correct. That might, but usually don't.Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Robert **********
Been stopped many times. Never had a IDP. No problemo.
Ralph *******
@Jim *****
The risk is your insurance may be invalid.Jim ******
@Robert *********
same. Drove many times in Thailand with US license. Never had a problemJan *********
@Robert *********
that's strange.....the police always fine drivers with no idp. Why else do they have roadblocks......very unconvincing story that you never got fined.Don't promote lawlessness in a foreign country.
Nigel ********
@Jan ********
Like me older people with a helmet on don't normally get stopped Sign.of respect for elders 🙏🙏
Steve *******
@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.Robert **********
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.
Nongnuch ********
@Robert *********
you must bear a holy light shine around you that's why they wave you through. Go elsewhere with your tales, pleaseRalph *******
@Nongnuch *******
No. I’ve had the very same experience. Driven through many roadblocks and I’ve always been waved on.Max ********
@Nongnuch *******
I was stopped at a road block and asked for driver license, showed him my NZ DL and he spoke to me in English and said oh from NZ. Have a great day and sent me on my way.Reply to
Max ********
Reply
Marty *********
I never had an IDP. I think you are OK for up to 3 months. They accepted my California drivers license when getting a Thai license.
Pete *******
@Marty ********
nope, the IDP covers the three month period before requiring a Thai license.Marty *********
@Pete ******
OK. Doesn’t matter to me now. I’ve been on a Thai license for 6 years now.Marty *********
@Pete ******
I’m saying so does your home country drivers license.Graham ******
@Marty ********
Don't have an accident and find out the hard wayEdwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
so no IDP, no coverage? Am I correct in saying you need both DL and IDP to rent a car?Ralph *******
@Edwards *******
No. car rental companies will rent to you if you show your driver’s licence. They only request an IDP if your licence isn’t in English.Graham ******
@Edwards *******
Legally yes but most will not ask for an IDP as it is your riskJohn **********
@Edwards *******
rental companies probably won't care. But that's far from the same thing as being legalPete *******
@John *********
absolutely correctPete *******
@Edwards *******
yes your correct, for your insurance to be valid you need both a home country license and a IDPJohn **********
@Marty ********
legally it doesn'tPete *******
@Marty ********
only in combination with a IDP. You cannot legally drive just on your home license.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Nick *******
From what I've read. If your licence is in English you dont need an IDP.
In reality if you haven't got an IDP you will get a fine if stopped .
In reality if you haven't got an IDP you will get a fine if stopped .
Duncanc **********
@Nick ******
incorrectBenjamin *********
@David **********
it's different everywhere depending on the location or perhaps the officer. I've been given a ticket and told to drive to the police station by myself. I've also had to leave the bike at the police stop and walk to police station. I've had a 1-day grace period and a 7-day grace period. 500 baht fine and a 1000 baht fine....Since getting a Thai license I've had zero issues 😊David ***********
@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.Reply to
David ***********
Reply
Bonnie *********
@David **********
I’ve never been escorted to a police station.David ***********
@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.Reply to
David ***********
Reply
David ***********
@Nick ******
this what hapoens when you drive a motor bike without an IDP1. They escort you to a police station
2. Fine you Baht500
3. Give you a form which gives you 3 days grace to get one.
4. If you get stopped again in those 3 days nothing happens, they let you go.
5. After this 3 days, I guess repeat 1 thru 4. Did not drive after that.
Happened to me in Chiang Mai
David ***********
@Jim *****
this was in Chiang Mai. Stops everywhere, even Thais getting. Must admit in my local town never got stopped.Jim ******
@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 issueReply to
Jim ******
Reply
Michael ********
@Nick ******
No way is that right, your English license is not valid here, only an IDP for 3 months, if stopped you will get a fine.Ralph *******
@Michael *******
How much is the fine?Michael ********
@Ralph ******
It depends who stops you ! so it's difficult to give a definitive answer to that.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Pete *******
@Nick ******
nope, you need the IDP to cover your first 3 months before requiring a Thai license.Michael *******
@Pete ******
only for bikes not car.Nigel ********
@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💰👮♂️💰👮♂️💰💰💰💸👮♂️💸💸👮♂️💸💸👮♂️👮♂️👮♂️
Thomas **********
@Pete ******
that’s not truePete *******
@Thomas *********
so post your source that contradicts my statement.Thomas **********
@Pete ******
I just go Swedish konsul and get an English translation my Sweden driver license then house of residence paper and paper from doctor then go DLT and look a video and check color and brake then I get my Thai driver licensePete *******
@Thomas *********
that is correct however not the topic of this thread. If you drive on your Swedish licence without an IDP it is illegal.Thomas **********
@Pete ******
I know that and that’s why I made a Thai driver licenseThomas **********
I never had IDP before
Reply to
Thomas **********
Reply
Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ******
I’ve read that as well. My DL is in English.Andy ********
@Edwards *******
Its wrong, legally you need an IDP to accompany your UK license.Michael *******
@Andy *******
only for a bikeEdwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *******
understood, I definitely want to be in compliance with the law.Wayne *********
@Edwards *******
check your insurances as well some don't cover if no IDPAndy ********
@Edwards *******
It's easy to get a Thai driving license if your local land Transport office issues them on a tourist visa. I got mine in Chiang Mai no problems.Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Nick *******
@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
Michael *******
@Nick ******
car or bike ?Benjamin *********
@Nick ******
no need to provide IDP if you have a Thai license.James **********
@Nick ******
you should have refused to pay any fine you have Thai Drivers license , I’ve been stopped at many many check points now one time have I gas a problem when the officer sees I have Thai licenses.Nick *******
@James *********
i mean getting the thai licence also required an idp to avoid having to do the test . The thai licence has been a god send . Never get grief off the police.
A few weeks ago i got stopped in the town at a police check . Asked for IDP , gave thai licence. The officer said"ok, next time wear helmet" and on my way with no fine 😆
Radost **************************
@Nick ******
you don't need an IDL, you can do a translation to Thai from your home license and you will get a Thai licenseNigel ********
@Nick ******
yeap Thai licence is definitely the way to go no more issues with police And at Regular checkpoints they get used to seeing you and just wave you through 🙏🙏Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ******
lol, seems like an an IDP comes in handy! So is there more steps involved in order to get a Thai license without an IDP? How long would I have to be in Thailand before I can get one?Kenny *****
@Edwards *******
i just got my Thai license 2 days ago. IDP is not required, but need certificate of residency & medical certificate.Appointment via web with Department of Land transport is now up to Feb of 2025 this is for BKK location.
Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kenny ****
I’m glad you got your Thai license and geez that’s a long time. From my understanding, you have to go to the DLT location in the same province you reside? Is that what you did?Kenny *****
@Edwards *******
yes has to be in same province. So i went to division 1 for cert of residence, and DLT building 3 in bang chak in BKK.Michael *******
@Edwards *******
in some countries (Uk for example) you can get an IDP on line, and get it sent to a local address, then courier it here, takes less than a week. You don’t mention what you are driving ?Andy ********
@Michael ******
Whete can you get an IDP online in the UK?? You have to take your driving license and passport to get one.Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
I get what you’re saying and a car.Michael *******
If you are driving a car you are good for three months on an English language license. It’s the bikers who have a problem, as many have never passed a bike test, so their car license is not valid
Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
I see where others have stated that I wouldn’t be insured without the IDP in the event of an accident. That’s the part that makes me reconsider and the possibility of being pulled over and fined. I guess this is one of those situations where it’ll be at my own risk which is not worth it for me.Nick *******
@Edwards *******
I didn't do the test so im not sure what you have to do . Not much probably 😆 i know you can do a 3 day course at honda safety school in Chiang mai and come out with the licence. Might be quicker if you're already a rider at the DLT ? You will need a resident certificate 500 baht from immigration and a health check at a clinic around 100 baht . Then copies of your passport. Minimum 15 days left on your stamp . I got mine on a visa excempt stamp so you dont need a visa .
Reply to
Nick *******
Reply
John **********
An IDP allows you to drive inside Thailand for 3 months then you need a Thai licence. If you don't have an IDP you can't legally drive so need to get a Thai licence ASAP
Edwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
can I get a Thai License on tourist visa?Andreas *********
@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 OfficeHenrik *****
@Edwards *******
You make have to wait 1-2 month to get a appointment at the DLT.Graham ******
@Henrik ****
It was walk in at Sa Kaeo province, in and out in 75 minutesReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Pete *******
@Edwards *******
At Chonburi DLT you need a long term visa to apply for a Thai driving licence.Brandon ************
@Edwards *******
at some DLT offices yes, at some DLT offices no.Kenny *****
@Brandon ***********
but to get Thai license they require certificate of residency. Do not think this certificate is available for tourists.Dave ********
@Kenny ****
You can get a Temporary certificate of residence from immigration. I got my first Thai Driving licence before covid. Unfortunately that lapsed because of travel restrictions.My 2nd Thai licence I had to drive around a course showing i could drive, parking, braking, reversing etc, watch 5 hours of videos and then answer 45 correct out of 50 questions. Took my Pass certificate and residence certificate and medical certificate to get my Thai Driving Licence.
John **********
@Kenny ****
it is immigration office dependentEdwards ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
that’s good to know, thank you!Reply to
Edwards ********
Reply
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