Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) while in Thailand with my home country motorcycle license?

International Driving Permit IDP Thailand motorcycle rental Visa and driving regulations Expat driving rules Motorcycle licensing Thai driving laws Driving in Thailand

Nov 6, 2024

2 months ago

Bet ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone, I was wondering if someone could please help me out as I can't seem to find the right information online. 

I've got a motorcycle licence from my homecountry and I intend to hire a scooter but I'd of course like to have all of my documents correct 

My question is, if I bring my licence could I get an IDP while in Thailand?

Thanks!

2,483

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

To legally drive a scooter in Thailand, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before traveling. An IDP cannot be obtained in Thailand, as it must be issued where your original motorcycle license was granted. While in Thailand, ensure that you carry both your IDP and original license together, as they are required for legal operation of a vehicle.

Bent *************

No you get if from your home country.

a month ago

Stewart **********

Go to a pay point store ( google local one to you )

Used to be the post office but its changed.

Think it still costs £5.50. Go with a passport photo and driving license. Takes about 5 minutes to do.

a month ago

John ********

Also your IDP will last for 3 months in Thailand, not a year as in the EU

2 months ago

Michael *******

Check on line option, UK allows you to apply for IDP on line and mail to your address in UK and get sent express mail to TH - not sure what country you are from - other option of course is take test here if you are around long enough

2 months ago

Andy **********

You get an IDP from your home country, if you spend a lot of time in Thailand, you can convert your home country licenses, into Thai licenses by completing a simple colour blind and reaction test at the DLT.

2 months ago

David *******

Your drivers license is exclusive to your country, you can’t get an IDP anywhere in the world except the at country that gave you that specific license. It is also important to remember that while abroad using the IDP, you need to keep your original drivers license and your passport together. They are a package.

2 months ago

Bet ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks to all who answered, I'll definitely be getting my IDP while back home. Cheers!

2 months ago

David **********

Get it at home before you go

2 months ago

Neil *********

An IDP is given in the country that is your home country where your original license was issued.

2 months ago

Mike *****

You should obtain the IDP from your home country. This will state the type of vehicles you can drive and so on.

However, depending on the city you wl be staying at, you have to be very careful because motorcycle accidents are very very common in Thailand.

2 months ago

Declan **********

Nope, IDP has to be issued in the country the licence was issued in.

2 months ago

Phil ********

No, you get your IDP from your home country.

2 months ago

John **********

You can get an IDP in Thailand but only if you have a Thai licence. If you want to drive in Thailand on your home country licence then you need to get the IDP in your home country before you leave

2 months ago

Stuart *********

An IDP is something you obtain from your home country.

2 months ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation