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Can I exchange my UK driving license for a Thai driving license after 11 years away?
Thai Driving LicenceUK Driving LicenceInternational Driving PermitVisa RequirementsExpat Life in Thailand
Jan 6, 2026
4 months ago
Stuart ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi I had a Thai driving licence when I lived in Thailand before had a 2 year followed by 2 x 5 year licences. Car only. Ive now been back in the UK for 11 years. We are returning to live there later in the year.
Can I still change my UK licence for a new Thai licence ?
TIA
Can I still change my UK licence for a new Thai licence ?
TIA
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you are returning to live in Thailand after an extended period, you cannot exchange your UK driving licence directly for a Thai driving licence. However, you can use your UK licence to facilitate the application process for a new Thai licence. It is advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well, which is not mandatory but can help during the process. If your previous Thai licence has expired, you may need to redo driving tests, and you will need to provide proof of residency and your visa.
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David ******
You cannot change your uk license for a thai license .But you can apply for an international driving permit in the uk .For £ 6.50 pence.
Pete *******
@David *****
you cannot “change” but you can certainly use your valid UK license to obtain a valid Thai license with or without an IDP at your local DLT office.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Dave *********
Praew praewpan will help shes on fb just message her feel free to mention my name if u wish
Chang ******
You just need international driver license
And proof of visa
Certificate of residency
That's all
Watch 20 minutes video .
You ready to go with in 2 hours depending on the location easy .
And proof of visa
Certificate of residency
That's all
Watch 20 minutes video .
You ready to go with in 2 hours depending on the location easy .
Newfarang ****
@Chang *****
thank you do i need a doctors certificate also will a rental contract be ok in place of resident certificate also i am waiting for my non o visa will they still let me have my licence.Chang ******
Newfarang 57 you needs a visa for sure
Chang ******
Newfarang 57 oh yes you need that sorry . I forgot
Reply to
Chang ******
Reply
Newfarang ****
I was in the same situation my Thai license had expired several years ago, I am in Thailand now with uk license and IDP. I was told by a Thai driving instructor/ school that I needed to start again from scratch and do two tests one for each license total cost of
*****
baht.Chang ******
Newfarang 57. you got ripped off wow witch location pattaya?
Newfarang ****
Udon Thani i have not done it yet because i thought that was not wright they just want to take my money 5555.
Pete *******
Newfarang 57 correct they just want your money. Go to your DLT office and using your UK license you can easily obtain a new Thai license.
Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Tony *********
The IDP lasts for 3 years , £5-50 from paypoint shop
Jim *******
My Thai wife had Thai driving license. 5 years not in Thai, she had to renew it but with DL tests, even practical. As a novice to driving.
Stuart ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim ******
yes my wife's got a UK licence aswell as her Thai licence.Reply to
Stuart ******
Reply
Brandon ************
You cannot change your UK license for a Thai license. But you can use your UK license to simplify the process of getting a Thai license.
You might consider getting an IDP too. It might not specifically be required, but many DLT offices do like to see the IDP when they are processing the application.
You might consider getting an IDP too. It might not specifically be required, but many DLT offices do like to see the IDP when they are processing the application.
Stuart ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks i definitely will get a IDP over next month and will have one then also. Hopefully it last a year Although will only drive on it this time and use next time to help convert my UK license to simplify the process.John **********
@Stuart *****
you can only use the IDP for 3 months then you must get a Thai licence. But with an IDP the process is simple, watch a video answer a few simple questions then do the reaction tests and your doneStuart ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
hi John yes im aware of that coming next month only for 2 weeks hopefully buy a home. I will have a IDP will hire car for the two weeks. Then when back for good in December will get a Driving licence but my IDP will still be in date.my wife can then drive to i get my Thai licence. She will renew her Thai licence hopefully in the 2 weeks we are over next month.Reply to
Stuart ******
Reply
David *****
@Stuart *****
with the IDP you won't have to take a written or driving n test. Make sure you have it. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your UK license, make sure the IDP reflects that and you can get bothPete *******
@David ****
with a home country DL you don’t have to take written or driving tests. For this the IDP is irrelevant.David *****
@Pete ******
Not true. You will have to take the writtenPete *******
@David ****
nope, no written tests when converting a valid home country DL to a Thai DL. Go and check the requirements on the DLT website.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Jim *******
@Stuart *****
With IDP and your UK DL, you can just convert it to Thai DL. Forget the expired Thai DL and renewal of it.Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
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