Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

@Colin ********

yes

Not shore if this helps pal 👍

@David *******

depends on which year of convention the IDP obtained relates to, I think it’s the 1968 convention that has the 3 year validity before expiry.

@David *******

my idp says it's valid for 3 years, 2 years later I'm still using it. Out of the handful of times I was stopped at a checkpoint I showed it to the police and they let me on my way. It's why I haven't bothered getting a Thai license yet.

@Leo ******

How long a IDP is valid for depends on which IDP, which country you are using it in and your own national driving licence. If your own licence expires or is canceled, your IDP had no validity. For the UK, that includes the photocard, do it dies with the photocard. 1949 IDP has 1 year on it. Thailand moved to 1968 IDP which is 3 years or whenever your own licence expires, which ever comes first. There is also a 1926 IDP which you need for Brazil. Thailand and Vietnam are both 1968 IDP but Cambodia and Laos are 1949 IDP. So travelling in all 4 needs 2 idps. It's an abuse to misuse multiple IDPs to "extend" driving in a country. The clock starts when you arrive nit when you start driving.

@Andy *********

good advice. Australia uses the 1949 convention so they are only valid for 1 year. I imagine if I was using it in Thailand it would be valid for 3 years.

@David *******

Nope. You can't drive for 3 years on a foreign diving licence anywhere. If you are actually living in a country, you need to get a national licence.

@Andy *********

not sure who you are answering but it isn't my comment.

@David *******

I was answering you. Specifically your comment "I imagine if I was using it in Thailand it would be valid for 3 years". The IDP is not valid for 3 years in Thailand. How long a foreign driving licence is recognised in a country varies. A foreign driving licence is good for 90 days in Thailand, then you need a Thai licence. Its irrelevant how long the date is on the IDP. If I was in Australia, I'd need to get a Aussie licence after 3 months. In the UK, Aussies get 12 months, which is a bit strange. Living in the US, I got 6 months out of my GB licence.

@Leo ******

There's a big difference between what the police will accept, and what is legal. If you are in an accident and the insurance company is able to determine that you should not be driving on the IDP due to how long you've been in Thailand, you won't be covered.

@Brandon ***********

well it's the first time I've heard that lol

@Leo ******

For me it’s the x hundredth time I’ve heard it. Also my insurance broker asked me about my license and told me that IDL will invalidate any cover.

@Jonas **********

You will wait until you apply for your next renewal.

And only for 90 days pr. travel in most countries.