Answered10 months ago
Can I legally ride a 50cc scooter in Thailand with a UK IDP that has an A1 endorsement?
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.
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.
Answer summary
The conversation discusses whether an individual can legally rent and ride a 50cc scooter in Thailand with an IDP that includes a motorcycle endorsement, specifically A1. Various comments clarify that 50cc scooters are not commonly found in Thailand, and a full motorcycle license (Category A) is required to legally ride a motorcycle or scooter. While some rental services may allow individuals without the correct license to rent scooters, this introduces risks regarding insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Overall, the consensus is that riding legally necessitates proper licensing.
31 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Martin ***********
Two up I suggest 125cc or higher - especially if you're going into the mountains.
Adam *****
If you're licensed as A, don't you already have a full motorcycle license?
Zac ********
Thailand doesn't recognise cc categories, here if it has 2 wheels and an engine it's a motorbike and you need a full motorbike licence and an IDP to legally ride one.
Sally ********
No 50cc here so motorbike licence needed & IDP
Floyd ******
I was told if you have pedals you don't need a license so I got electric bicycle
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.
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.
Tayaout *****************
I've never seen a 50cc motorbike in Thailand. It's usually 125cc or more.
Lyndon ************
@Tayaout ****************
there are some available for hire on the island I'm on. They say that they are for people with a car licence and entitlement to a moped provisional. However there's no moped licence in Thailand, and the riders are effectively hiring a bike with no licence or insurance cover
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Gary ***********
Well for 3 months on an IDP
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
Rok ********
@Gary **********
A1 is fine for the IDP in Thailand until you have an accident and the insurance starts asking questions. Interestingly, in Italy A1 is for scooters up to 125 cc (as simply there is no 50cc these days).Gary ***********
We have a separate 50cc class in UK for 16 year olds, not really up to date with things but it could be possible that the A1 covers 50cc at 16 and then 125cc at 17 as the old 50cc only category seems to have vanished from the back of the licence
Lisa ************
OP@Gary **********
are you saying i can hire 50cc but not 125cc ?Gary ***********
@Lisa ***********
If you have category A then you can have anything,Lisa ************
OP@Gary **********
thats interesting to know … thanksGary ***********
There are no 50cc bikes
Lisa ************
OP@Gary **********
I have A on my license too …Gary ***********
@Lisa ***********
so you have a full unrestricted motorcycle license? If so then all goodGary ***********
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
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.
Ralph *******
@Stephen ******
A1 is a motorcycle endorsement. And there are plenty of 50cc bikes around.
Paul *******
@Ralph ******
I have lived in Thailand for over 10 years. I have never seen a 50cc bike here. Smallest is 100cc or 110cc.Ralph *******
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.
Jim ********
A1 is fine don’t worry
Norakurito ***************
if you don’t have get it in bts chaktichak transport department m- fri government time
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
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
Activity
20 joined20
people
Related
25How can I manage my immigration bank documentation without a physical bank book at SCB?
1.8k5444mo
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit for both car and motorcycle with a UK full license and provisional 125cc in Thailand?
5.5k81585mo
Can I ride a scooter in Thailand with a UK driving license that includes categories AM and A2?
7.1k291566mo
Is it feasible to use cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi) for daily transactions in Thailand?
3.8k39246mo
What are the essential tips for relocating to Thailand from the US, especially for a couple with remote work and disability income?
8.3k341826mo
What type of International Driving Permit do I need for driving in Thailand: 1949 or 1968?
7.4k63707mo
What do I need to know about obtaining a Thai driver's license for a car and motorcycle as an expat?
3.8k274710mo
What health insurance options should I consider while spending a year in Thailand on a DTV?
1k751y
How do I successfully apply for a TrueMoney wallet in Thailand?
9.4k35341y
What should I do if my TM30 receipt is missing my last name?
1.3k7101y
What do I need to know about applying for a retirement visa in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
5.4k39691y
What are the best accommodation options near the border for a quick border run from Bangkok to Vientiane?
2.8k23182y
What are the visa options for U.K. citizens retiring in Thailand while maintaining funds in the U.K.?
1.7k8192y
Do Americans need a Thai or international driver’s license to rent a scooter in Koh Larn?
5.4k36693y
What countries in Asia can I easily obtain a motorbike license that allows for an IDP while on a tourist visa?
5.8k33473y
What does the Immigration Holiday in Thailand mean for expats?
1.7k9213y
What are the options for legally riding rental scooters in Thailand as an expat with a B-category driver's license?
11.2k64403y
How Can Expats in Thailand Find Information on Legal and Lifestyle Matters?
7.5k62754y
What are the requirements for traveling to Vietnam in March 2022 for a visa run?
4.4k42235y
How can I complete my TM30 process without a rental agreement?
1.7k12125y
What are the updated quarantine procedures and insurance requirements for travelers entering Thailand as of April 2021?
8.8k76856y
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
16.2k1351736y
What is the procedure for updating the TM30 after an international trip in Chiang Mai?
4.6k44289y
What should I do about TM 30 registration if I haven't been registered at my current residence in Thailand?
1.8k1659y
Are immigration officers still checking for 20,000 THB cash upon entry in Thailand?
4.6k41339y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served