Can I get a Thai driver’s license for a scooter on a tourist visa, and what requirements must I meet?

Yes you can get a licence on a tourist visa but you will need a residence certificate. If you don't have an IDP and a home license that both have a motorbike endorsement on them you can't legally ride a scooter at all. If you don't have a motorbike endorsement on your home license an IDP is of no help, but you will need it to drive a car. Thailand has separate licences for motorbike and car. If you need an IDP for driving a car you need to contact the AAA and see if they will post one to you

Hi Chris ,

Welcome to the Thailand Visa Advice group. What’s your impression of our dodgy and crass members. Sorry lot , huh ?

No worries. You’ll learn to stay away from the crabby old Farangs.

The locals are polite and welcoming. With that being said , it’s relatively easy to get a Thai driver’s license in the Kingdom.

Next trip back home , get the IDP with the motorcycle endorsement.

About the only thing the members said that’s of relevance , as they were berating and calling you names, was that it can be dangerous to ride a scooter in Thailand. I rent one every year and it’s very exhilarating. I don’t rent one in Bangkok but prefer Chiang Mai.

I’ve got over 50 years experience as a rider and have had a few close calls. Thailand leads the world in motorcycle fatalities. Be very careful.

Rent a car it’s like 400 US for a month

i don't think he's asking us to be his mom and give him a schooling about the dangers of riding. You will need a cert. of residency and a medical clearance. I just did both of these. the medical clearance was 200 baht and took 10 minutes. the certificate of residency took most of a day as the lines at immigration were intense and then you have to go back later in the day to pick up. the biggest issue is that you can't make an appt at dlt over the phone or online. you have to go there and then you wait and then they tell you that the first appt isn't for 1.5 months from today. I even tried driving all the way to the chonburi dlt office and same. so not sure how long the cert of residency is valid but it's sort of a catch 22. they won't book an appt without documents. BTW the comments of the dangers of the roads here is real. I've lived in pattaya off and on for a few years and have seen several crash sites with emergency services trying to do their best to keep a crash victim alive. it ain't pretty. Always wear a real helmet, not the toys that are provided by rental agencies and at least some decent shoes. 2 biggest serious areas of injury are lower legs including feet and head injuries.

You need to go to AAA and get a international license with the motorcycle endorsement or you’ll get fined, wear a helmet too. They like Farangs money over here

To be safe, you'll need lessons on how to ride a motorbike. Plus insurance. Otherwise you'll probably end up as another statistic.

There is much to read about drivers license in Thailand. I have shown my Swedish one and the Thai Police semester to be happy about this. There is in reading that if your drivers license can be read in english, then it is ok.

Just be happy and have more than 4 eyes ahed. Maybe 6 ahead and 4 abaft.

Use the bus or taxi, whether or not you've ridden before

You definitely need a residency certificate and a medical certificate.

2 day course. Multiple choice test and basic practical test. £40. Last 2 years then you can extend to 5 years. Absolutely worth it to be fully legal, particularly for insurance purposes.

I was on regular tourist visa got a medical certificate and Tm 30 from hotel went to B.O.S.S driving school 2 days and was able to get license

My advice is this. If you are not an experienced Biker. Leave well alone.

Unless your home is someplace rural. The roads are lethal, not Policed and it is a free for all. Rules. There is an assumption Stateside to best abide by (most) of them, or face the consequences for non compliance. There are few consequences in Thailand, and us Farangs have an ingrained mindset and seriously vulnerable.

Buy a truck. Live longer - You win - they lose. 😬

how long did you ride motor bike in your country?? In USA, motor bike is really rare to see and most of people there drive a car. How dare you come to that idea of riding a motor bike in Thailand which has fully different road and traffic conditions and rules???? You think you can ride it easy and very well, right?? Why people like you so eager to ride motor bike in Thailand??? even you never ride motor bike in your country?? You guys think Thailand is a good place to test your first motor bike race???If you really want it, try bicycle first. And you will know how dangerous for you and others is to ride a motor bike in Thailand. Even, riding a bicycle slowly is enough dangerous in Thailand. Save your life and others life too.

Use an agent, they'll sort it out for you. Not all transport offices deal with foreigners. I used OneStop in Pattaya but we had to do it in Bangkok.

You need a motorcycle license in your country for an IDP to say you can ride a motorcycle.

You will have to pass a motorcycle license test here to be legal.

A residency cert and medical cert is a must for thai motorbike licence ....since you dont have a motorbike licence backhome....you shd go to a motorbike training school they will teach you to ride a motorbike take theory test and practical test after which get yoir licence at DLT

Visa is irrelevant. TM30 filed to get COR. IDP only from home country.