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Can I legally ride a 50cc scooter in Thailand with a UK IDP that has an A1 endorsement?

Dec 24, 2025

17 hours ago

Hi folks .  I have just purchased 1968 IDP in the UK ready for my trip.

As I’m getting on in age - having passed my car driving test in 1987 - I have classes AM and A endorsed on my UK drivers licence but there is no such equivalent class as AM on an IDP - instead Class A1 has been endorsed/stamped .

When questioning this The guy serving me said A1 class is treated the same as the old AM license class for IDP.  (He showed me his guidance booklet).  

Basically what I asking is reassurance that I am not likely to come up against the law if I hired a 50cc scooter, and 2nd - are you able carry a passenger on a 50cc scooter - or not.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question pertains to the legality of riding a 50cc scooter in Thailand with a UK International Driving Permit (IDP) that has an A1 endorsement. While some responses indicate that an A1 endorsement may cover 50cc scooters, others caution that Thailand does not recognize the UK AM license class. Most contributors agree that a full motorcycle license is required, and riding without the proper credentials can lead to issues with insurance. Generally, 50cc mopeds are uncommon in Thailand, with most rental scooters being 110cc and above, and it's emphasized that proper licensing is crucial for safety and legality.

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Chris *******

Simple answer

NO

You must have a FULL motorcycle licence AND an IDP reflecting that.

Rental is easy,

Tickets are cheap

NO insurance can be devastating.

There are reasons Thailand is one of the most dangerous roads in the world to drive on.

7 hours ago

Tayaout *****************

I've never seen a 50cc motorbike in Thailand. It's usually 125cc or more.

9 hours ago

Graeme ******

Lisa unless you have a full motorbike license from the uk and then an IDP then you are not legal to ride any motorbike in thailand. You will be able to rent one as the hire people dont really care but if you have an accident then you will have no insurance cover, thai or travel insurance as they stipulate as a condition that you have the proper licence. I have never seen a motorcycle 🏍 at 50cc, typically they are 110 -125cc with 125 cc being the most common

9 hours ago

Simon *******

Unless you have a full motorbike license for the UK you cannot legally hire or ride a motorbike, mopeds do not exist in Thailand most bikes are 125cc or over.

Yes you can hire one but the bike insurance will not cover you neither will your holiday insurance if you have an accident, if you don't have experience on a bike Thailand is not the place to learn.

10 hours ago

John **********

You won't find a moped in Thailand and A1 won't legally cover you for riding even scooters in Thailand as it doesn't have categories, you either have a licence or you don't. Normally you need a full Category A. I didn't think an IDP had anything other than check boxes for categories though? But its some time since I've seen one

10 hours ago

Pete *******

AM is the UK moped class, not recognized in Thailand. You have a full motorcycle license anyway so the AM category is irrelevant. You can legally rent any size Thai scooter / bike with an IDP. Most Thai rental bikes are commonly 90cc - 350cc with most popular being 110-125cc scooters.

10 hours ago

Gary ***********

Well for 3 months on an IDP

16 hours ago

Gary ***********

A1 is up to 125cc I believe so the smaller bikes would be covered though you only have a provisional for that class I believe, the one you (and) me got with a car license long ago was just a full licence for 50cc, not up to date on latest UK situation, I also have "A" so that covers me

16 hours ago

Lisa ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gary **********

are you saying i can hire 50cc but not 125cc ?

16 hours ago

Gary ***********

@Lisa ***********

If you have category A then you can have anything,

16 hours ago

Gary ***********

There are no 50cc bikes

16 hours ago

Lisa ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gary **********

thats interesting to know … thanks

16 hours ago

Reply to

Lisa ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gary **********

I have A on my license too …

16 hours ago

Gary ***********

@Lisa ***********

so you have a full unrestricted motorcycle license? If so then all good

16 hours ago

Reply to

Gary ***********

Ok it seems in UK you need a CBT to ride up to 125 and that's only for 2 years, really can't see the Thai police understanding but technically I don't think you have a license for anything over 50cc

16 hours ago

Reply to

Gary ***********

Stephen *******

No, you cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Thailand. I've never seen a 50cc motorcycle in Thailand. You need an IDP with a motorcycle endorsement to be legal.

16 hours ago

Ralph *******

@Stephen ******

A1 is a motorcycle endorsement. And there are plenty of 50cc bikes around.

14 hours ago

Paul *******

@Ralph ******

I have lived in Thailand for over 10 years. I have never seen a 50cc bike here. Smallest is 100cc or 110cc.

10 hours ago

Ralph *******

@Paul ******

I ride one regularly.

******************************************

5 hours ago

Stephen *******

@Paul ******

Absolutely correct. Old waves and clicks were 110. I've been riding motorcycles in Thailand for 10 years and never see a 50cc motorcycle.

7 hours ago

Reply to

Stephen *******

Jim ********

A1 is fine don’t worry

16 hours ago

Norakurito ***************

if you don’t have get it in bts chaktichak transport department m- fri government time

17 hours ago

Norakurito ***************

am liecent no in Thailand

am scooter can’t ride legally in road but you can ride in village not main road

motorcycle in Thailand 2whell 110 cc upper is motorcycle minimum is a1 liecent

17 hours ago

Reply to

Norakurito ***************

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Will my IDP be sufficient for driving in Thailand, and am I covered by the car owner's insurance?

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