Answered6 months ago
Can I ride a motorcycle in Thailand with a UK driving licence and an IDP that has been incorrectly stamped?
Hi folks. Could I please ask a quick question regarding my UK driving licence and IDP I got back in January when I travelled to Thailand. On the IDP, categories A and A1 have been stamped, but on my driver's licence I only have entitlement to category AM. Not sure if this was a mistake by the person who completed it. I wondered if the IDP as shown would allow me to ride a motorcycle in Thailand without being fined if stopped. I do understand that legally I cannot ride a motorcycle unless I have a UK motorcycle licence. Many thanks
Answer summary
The original poster (OP) inquired whether they could ride a motorcycle in Thailand using their UK driving licence, which supports only AM category vehicles, while their IDP shows endorsements for categories A and A1. Many comments emphasized that the IDP is essentially a translation of the actual licence and is not valid by itself. Although the OP's IDP might be accepted for minor infractions, they would be uninsured in case of an accident due to the mismatch in motorcycle categories. The best legal route would be to get a local Thai driving licence if planning to stay longer, as the IDP typically becomes invalid after 90 days in the country. Additionally, there were warnings about the general risks of riding in Thailand without proper insurance or safety precautions.
93 repliesnewest first
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Mark **********
Apply for international drivers license maybe google it?
Terryj *********
What's an idp.
Whenever I Ve gone there I Ve always rode one but make sure you wear a helmet and a shirt don't go driving around bear shirt then you will get fine
Whenever I Ve gone there I Ve always rode one but make sure you wear a helmet and a shirt don't go driving around bear shirt then you will get fine
Ben *********
best bet is just get a licence there, and keep renewing it every 5 years, else it's just paying fines all the time
Pedro *******
All the times i got stopped in thailand they just checked the IDP and ignored the card.
Marc *********
Ive had full bike ticket for 50 yrs ,thought i would ride in thailand,mayhem to say the least,daily sight bike under a pick up ,tourists looking like the mummy after bining it .yes i would ride in certain places but not towns your are tempting fate ,taxi more expensive but atleast you live
Guz ********
You're UK driving licence showing different vehicle categories is identical to mine. The only difference obviously valid from etc. I have a full motorbike licence. Your IDP clearly shows A being stamped. No worries
Dino ***********
How long do you stay in Thailand because a international driving licence is only valid to drive in Thailand for six months doesn't matter if the UK issue it for one year.. if staying in Thailand more than six months should get a Thai driving license
David ********
OPDino Di Marco 1 month usually
Dino ***********
David Hughes can believe what you want anyway mate don't matter to me I got all my Thai license to drive my own vehicle's
Dino ***********
David Hughes IDP UK issue for 1 year but in Thailand it's useless after 3 months like John stanners said
John **********
Dino Di Marco it's only good for 90 days from entry
James ***************
@John *********
Can you provide a link where it states that, the permit is valid for 3 years or until the expiry date of your U.K. Licence.James ***************
@John *********
I already have and I don’t see any replies from the Thailand of Land Transport about the validity of an IDP.John **********
@James **************
Google is a search engine. Search for the informationJames ***************
@John *********
Google isn’t the Thai Law only people’s opinions.John **********
@James **************
Google is your friend, pretty much every country has a limit, for the UK it's 12 months. The reason it's good for 3 years is to save you having to get a new one if you travel a lot. So if you leave Thailand at say day 90 when you return you will get another 90 daysJames ***************
@John *********
Why issue a IDP for 3 years then, can you provide a link where it says an IDP is only valid for 90 days in Thailand issued by the Thai government.John **********
@James **************
nothing to do with the validity of the permit. It's the period that Thai law dictates. Once you have been in Thailand 90 days you need a Thai licence to continue drivingDino ***********
@John *********
yes I thought so but said 6 months to be on the safe side... I have Thai car and motorbike licence anyway and first class insuranceJohn **********
Dino Di Marco you lent the wrong way to be on the safe side 😉
Charles ******
What many people fail to realise is that most hired motorbikes/ scooters don't have insurance.
Licence makes no difference.
Most travel insurance doesn't cover you to ride over here.
It's a chance you take.
Many think it wont happen to them until it does and then the costs multiply.
Pay for the damages and hospital fees
Licence makes no difference.
Most travel insurance doesn't cover you to ride over here.
It's a chance you take.
Many think it wont happen to them until it does and then the costs multiply.
Pay for the damages and hospital fees
Dave ******
It's not a mistake
Trudy *********
You need a full bike license to be insured and legal. The IDP (International Drivers Permit) is a translation of your UK full bike license into Thai, also required. You can do it but your insurance will not cover you. Motorcycles in Thailand generally start at 125cc.
Your UK car license ONLY covers you on a 125cc if you have taken a CBT test. Insurance is void without it. Licence laws are different in different countries. Coming from UK you are not legal 👍 you will get away with it but NOT insured
Your UK car license ONLY covers you on a 125cc if you have taken a CBT test. Insurance is void without it. Licence laws are different in different countries. Coming from UK you are not legal 👍 you will get away with it but NOT insured
Tony *********
Cat A with restriction 79 03 means you can ride a trike of any power, so basicly you have a car license you ca ride a 2 wheel motorbike upto 50cc ie giorno 50 but no bigger or a trike with 3 wheels because it is more stable on the road, so if you want to ride bigger than 50cc on a normal uk driving license add a side-car to the motor bike. Most motor bikes in thailand start at 125cc but honda giorno is 50cc with top speed 50-60 kph. It took me ages to figure it out but I took my license and IDp to get a Thai car and motor bike licenses to DLT and got both my car and full motorbike licenses
Andrew ***********
If you're not a properly experienced rider then don't ride one.
Haydn *******
The simple answer is, if your home licence does not permit you to ride a motorcycle then you cannot legally ride it in Thailand despite what is stamped on your IDP. Your biggest issue would be insurance. Many police here don't fully understand foreign licences. I've even had them tell me they were. Oth invalid so I now have a Thai licence as well that covers me for everything
Amadou ******
Get an international driving license from your home country.
Gerar ********
A international DL does not exist, only a international driving permit which is just a translation of your domestic DL
Amadou ******
Gerar Teuben . Ok Thank you for the enlightenment.
Rob *************
Take your IDP to your nearest Department of Land Transport office and swap it for a Thai license (or rather, two: car and bike)
With a Thai license you will be fully legal here.
With a Thai license you will be fully legal here.
Russ **********
Rob Van Steijn OP not clear about bring a tourist with visa free entry or otherwise? If here longer term on some longer term appropriate visa the swap to local Licence becomes an option...
Rob *************
Russ Marriott I don’t believe that matters. Only when you extend your license on a tourist visa you get only two years again. Same as on your first license, regardless of visa status.
SunnyChe*********
Driving without a valid licence makes your travel insurance invalid - don’t become another “GoFundme” candidate.
Jeff *******
Thailand doesn't have motorcycle classes, you either have a motorcycle license or you don't. So for any motorcycle license to be legal it needs to be a full unrestricted motorcycle license
Paul **********
Don't worry about being stopped, it's will be a very rare occurance. This is the worst place to ask about driving scooters, or having licenses. Full of miserable expat barstool critics
Mark *******
Paul Franklin maybe in the back waters of issan, but the probability of being stopped in Phuket is extremely high.
Paul **********
Mark Aland parts of phuket maybe, spots on samii too. But the chance of being g stopped are slim, helmet or lice se is a fine. Nothing more
Trevor **********
Chriss Pelotto category A ( 79.03) is restricted to tricycles.
Chris *******
Category AM is for mopeds. That means 2 or 3-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of not more than 28mph.
Category A, which you also have, is for any other type of motorcycle, but the restriction code 79(03) means you're limited to tricycles only.
Category A, which you also have, is for any other type of motorcycle, but the restriction code 79(03) means you're limited to tricycles only.
Graeme *******
As a Foriegner you'll be stopped and fined as a matter of course so doesn't matter what your license says.
Brook ********
Graeme Edgar What a bunch of crap. I live in the city and I'm stopped several times a month at various check points. I've never had an issue after displayng a valid IDP or a valid Thai license.
Gerar ********
Complete bs, if you have the proper DL you will have no problems with the police for your DL at least.
Graeme *******
Gerar Teuben It's a well known stream of income for the Police in Thailand.
Reality is what it is.
Reality is what it is.
Graeme *******
Gerar Teuben Then you haven't learnt much have you.52 years ago I arrived in Thailand and have lived here for 42 years. Guess you've lead a sheltered life as you obviously know very little about how things work here.
Gerar ********
It will be a solid stream of income if you don’t follow the law and you have a attitude. Otherwise there is nothing to worry about.
It could be an issue till a few years ago but not anymore.
At least that’s mine experience for over 37 years living on Phuket.
It could be an issue till a few years ago but not anymore.
At least that’s mine experience for over 37 years living on Phuket.
Peter ******************
They did mistake!
So, in Thailand nobody will fine you.
But, in the case you have an accident and health insurance have to assist you... It could be an issue
So, in Thailand nobody will fine you.
But, in the case you have an accident and health insurance have to assist you... It could be an issue
Luc ************
Yep, thats a mistake. Insurance wise not a good thing if something happens.
Chriss *********
Categories from .Gov
Motorcycles
Category A1
You can drive light motorbikes with:
an engine size up to 125cc
a power output of up to 11kW
a power to weight ratio not more than 0.1kW/kg
This category also includes motor tricycles with power output up to 15kW.
Category A2
You can drive motorbikes with a:
power output up to 35kW
power to weight ratio not more than 0.2kW/kg
The motorbike must also not be derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.
You can also drive motorbikes in category A1.
Category A
You can drive:
motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg
motor tricycles with a power output more than 15kW
You can also drive motorbikes in categories A1 and A2.
Motorcycles
Category A1
You can drive light motorbikes with:
an engine size up to 125cc
a power output of up to 11kW
a power to weight ratio not more than 0.1kW/kg
This category also includes motor tricycles with power output up to 15kW.
Category A2
You can drive motorbikes with a:
power output up to 35kW
power to weight ratio not more than 0.2kW/kg
The motorbike must also not be derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.
You can also drive motorbikes in category A1.
Category A
You can drive:
motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg
motor tricycles with a power output more than 15kW
You can also drive motorbikes in categories A1 and A2.
Joe ***********
As far as I know, once you turn 18 in Thailand there are no power restrictions if you have a motorcycle licence . You can legally jump straight onto a 1000cc bike without having to wait years for an unrestricted license.
That being said, with that IDP you can technically ride any bike without police trouble, but you'll be completely uncovered by insurance since your original license doesn't match the stamps.
That being said, with that IDP you can technically ride any bike without police trouble, but you'll be completely uncovered by insurance since your original license doesn't match the stamps.
David ********
OPThanks very much everyone. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Any recommendations regarding getting a bike licence to ride legally in Thailand. Best to get in UK or Thailand?
My hope/aim is to retire there in 7 years and will visit once a year until then.
Any recommendations regarding getting a bike licence to ride legally in Thailand. Best to get in UK or Thailand?
My hope/aim is to retire there in 7 years and will visit once a year until then.
Rick *********
David Hughes I got both car and bike license here in Thailand no driving test just a small reaction test, I have a full UK car license but not full bike licence but they gave me a Thai car and bike license no problem 👍
David ********
OPRick Blowers cheers
Billy *********
David Hughes Go too Buddy Visas on 3rd Road they will sort you out i was in same position as you now i have full Car@Mororbike Licence ok
Simon ********
Billy Mulcahy can you get a Thai licence as a tourist?
Victor **********
Simon Barker On most short term tourist visas, no. However, you can obtain a Thai drivers license on DTV and ED visa. A Thai drivers license will also allow you to unlock the full features of TrueMoney wallet, allowing you to do smaller merchant QR payments without a Thai bank account.
John *********
You would be riding otherwise in accordance with your licence entitlement. The Thai Police aren’t really the issue here. Any Insurance cover is. The first thing any underwriter will look for to invalidate any claim in the event of an accident. Is your licence. I would add that unless you are an experienced biker do NOT rent or ride a Motorcycle or Scooter here.
Graham *********
John Kenealy I would agree if you don’t have experience riding a motorcycle and you decide to ride in Thailand you’re a fool .and I’d add .if you do have experience riding a motorcycle and you decide to ride in Thailand your an even bigger fool.
Richard *********
Your license shows you have a full bike license (cat A)…. Note: If you hold a full Category A licence, you are also entitled to drive vehicles in categories AM, A1, and A2.
Peter ******************
Richard Stanton no. Is 79.03 means only tricycle
Anthony **********
Peter Benjamin Parker in belgium is a tricycle good with a B license. But in thailand they dont know what that is. They only see An A stamp. So he will be fine
Chriss *********
Anthony Gonzalez they never worried when I presented my licence and IDP. I also have the 79.xx on the licence and the IDP only had the A..
Richard *********
Peter Benjamin Parker understood…learnt something new today…!!
Adrian ******
Waiting for the tale about a car or lorry or lamppost jumped out in front of you as a non licensed rider without a clue. Seriously you intend to drive on some of the most dangerous roads without ever passing a test. I wait for the go fund me page next
Paul **********
Adrian Hide why does a go fund me matter so much to you? You are not forced to donate
Adrian ******
Paul Franklin you are absolutely right. I just get fed up of people wasting there life’s thinking there Barry Sheen then the poor family starting a go fund me
Paul **********
Adrian Hide I doubt very much you care about them at all
Simon *******
Don't worry about your license it will only cost you 500bht if caught ,it will cost you much more when you have an accident without insurance.
Travel insurance won't cover you either
Travel insurance won't cover you either
Gerar ********
Not any more as the fines have increased a lot and more importantly you are not insured if you don’t have the correct DL.
Simon *******
Gerar Teuben its still 500bht much more for no helmet
Stephen ********
Ultimately it's what you're actually licenced to drive/ride. You might get away with getting fined by police, but if you're involved in any insurance incident, the insurance company will want to see your actual licence. If you're unlicenced for the category of vehicle they will walk away. That's why there's so many farangs in hospital on life support begging for money on GoFundMyStupidity
สก็อต *********
When I got stopped in Pattaya the wanted both
สก็อต *********
A1.a2 is for baby bikes then A is for big boy bikes
Rocky **********
สก็อต อัลการ์ thats not full
Rob ******
Rocky Khonkaen Mines the same and mine is full.
สก็อต *********
Rocky Khonkaen yes it is
James **********
Rocky Khonkaen it is
Nin *****
Most of them stamp it like that because they dont understand 😆
John **********
It looks like whoever stamped your IDP didn't understand the endorsement for category A which I believe restricts you to trikes. An IDP though is only a translation of your licence and is by itself not valid, you also need to show your physical licence alongside it.
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