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Answered9 months ago

Can I obtain a Thai driver's license using my Irish driver's license without an International Driving Permit?

Thai driver's license International driving permit Visa DTV motorbike license Irish driving license driving tests in Thailand

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

asked Feb 8, 2026

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Can I get a Thai Drivers Licence by Presenting My Home Country Licence (car)

I'm ready to do my test for motorbike (no prior motorbike licence), have all the relevant docs to proceed with that - residence certificate, tm30, health certificate.

But I'm thinking I might as well get the car licence too. I do not have in date International Drivers Permit.

The Licence is Irish.

From my research (AI), it seems that I will be only required to sit the theory part of the testing which is quite favourable. 

I'm interested to hear from any other folks on DTV (or other visas) that have managed to successfully get their Thai licence by presenting their home country licence.

I'm looking to buy a motorbike and rent cars at times for trips.

Answer summary

The ability to obtain a Thai driver's license using an Irish driver's license varies based on individual circumstances, including whether you possess an International Driving Permit (IDP). Many contributors noted that presenting your home country license might allow you to skip some tests; however, an IDP is often recommended to simplify the process. Several users successfully transitioned to a Thai license with just a theory test after presenting their foreign license. Additionally, the requirements can vary by province, and some suggested that taking a local driving course may be beneficial.

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Dnatjugweme ************

Dnatjugweme ************

Better to convert your car licence first. At least that is what I was told in Banglamung. It's a different queue for the motorbike licence if you already have the Thai car licence.

If you don't hold an IDP corresponding to your car licence, you will need an official translation. Depending on the country in which you got your licence, the process differs.

I did not even have to take a theory test for my car licence, let alone a driving test. Only a reaction test. However, theory and driving tests were necessary for the motorbike licence, even though I already had a car licence (Thai licence issued on the basis of my foreign licence).

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

@Dnatjugweme ***********

good info, yes I've decided to convert car licence first but my licence is in English so I don't think any translation is required.

0

Pat ******

Pat ******

I just did my exams for motorbike, previously i just owned my native country car licence, I didn’t had international driver permit… didn’t use any agent.. was very easy, just studied for a test couple of days and get all documents what are required an very easy to obtain…all exam questions are accessible on internet..

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Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

thanks Pat, did you also get a Thai car licence

?

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Benjamin *********

Benjamin *********

Yes

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Andrew ********

Andrew ********

For the time being you can use an IDP as proof for license transferring another country license to thailand invovles embassy -

Get an IDP from Ireland to show motory bike when in thailand you can use your IDP as proof to apply for thai license

However

There is plan to stop this process and people who used this process will need to take the class and test in thailand for renewal

In conclusion is quicker to just take a driving course in thailand to get thai 2 yr license

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Dany ********

Dany ********

@Andrew *******

home license and IDP is sufficient. plus medical certificate and certificate of residence. dont need embassy

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Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

If your licence is in English you don't need to get an embassy letter from what I read

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Andrew ********

Andrew ********

Anonymous participant i still suggest people take the course so they understand thai law with driving - ive seen too many immigrants post videos on social media for their bike being locked by police for parking on red/white stripes saying no one told them they couldnt

Yes I know common sense is lacking with that

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Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Thanks Andrew, that's definitely something to consider. I am naturally cautious and risk averse on roads, but actually this would be a weakness here without a slight correction. Fine line between caution and hesitation.

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Andrew ********

Andrew ********

Anonymous participant good plan I been riding bikes in america for 20 years and off roads vehicles neber had an accident - 1st month here i was in a wreck on a bike - its no joke here.

I would also recommend taking advance riding courses if you have time

I was told this and ignored it as I been riding for a long time lol

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Of course. I'm looking at it in two phases. Licencing and then actually getting onto the roads in reality is a different phase. I'm fully competent in a car, but only proven in a safe country so far. As for motorbike I'll be taking that very cautiously, no night time, planned routes, no rain etc.

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Andrew ********

Andrew ********

Anonymous participant ah when I inquired the embassy in the US said it was a statement showing the license isnt suspended and active

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Jesper *******

Jesper *******

Get a separate set of residency cert and medical cert for the driving licence do some reactions test and present it while doing your motorbike licence

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Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

thanks mate. Will I need 4 residency certificates in total (car licence, motorbike licence + registering ownership of car/motorbike) ?

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Jesper *******

Jesper *******

Anonymous participant if you are in bkk you can try getting your residency cert at your embassy instead of visiting the immigration office....the processing time and fees are faster and cheaper than the immigration office hope this helps

0

Marc ********

Marc ********

Only if you have international DL

Or if you get translation from your embassy

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

translation only required if it's not in English apparently

1

Paul *********

Paul *********

I went to the DoT with ZiK licence

Sat the theory test

Got Thai licence

Super easy

0

Matt *******

Matt *******

Correctly started u need an idp certification from the drivers license country of issuance, medical certification for driving fitness, attend vdo and theory test, than simulation test of your reactive agility depending on provinces, than your provisional license of 1 year pending renewal to 2 on dtvs

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Dany ********

Dany ********

first license is 2 years.

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Matt *******

Matt *******

I will note that thanks.

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Marcopolo ******

Marcopolo ******

I have one bike for sale, and can tell you i juste make my driving licence bike and car the are separate the 2, you have to passe the pratic and theorie 2 times and i pass after 10 time becose 1 i am not english born and 2 the logic from the theories in thai are not the same from europe good luck. And for change your europe permit to thai forget, at liste for me the say.. non. 😂 🤣 Good luke broo

0

Peter *******

Peter *******

@Marcopolo *****

was pretty easy to change eu license to Thai

1

Marcopolo ******

Marcopolo ******

not all place the same pataya more easy, phuket too chiang mai more difficult....

1

Marcopolo ******

Marcopolo ******

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Marcopolo ******

Marcopolo ******

650cc benelli, 14. km, 60.000bath.

0

AsianInsider **************

AsianInsider **************

I did it in Pattaya paid an agent I list there contact information on my website asianinsider com. They told me I couldn't get bike just car because my license said not for motorcycle on back but I still got both when we went. It's a group trip every Thursday 200 USD for both car bike this license

1

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

You need also IDP.

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