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Answered6 months ago

Can I ride a scooter in Thailand with a UK driving license that includes categories AM and A2?

Swee****
asked May 8, 2026
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Is standard UK driving license with category AM and A2 (73 a) with IDP conversion amount to ride a scooter in Thailand? Online is saying it only covers you for 100cc?

Does everyone drive with IDP from standard UK driving license?
Answer summary
To ride a scooter in Thailand, having a standard UK driving license with categories AM and A2 may not be sufficient. A full motorcycle license is typically required to ensure legal riding and proper insurance coverage. The IDP (International Driving Permit) involves converting your UK motorcycle license, but without a full bike license, your insurance may be void in case of an accident. Most scooters in Thailand are 125cc or above, making it essential to have the appropriate license and ensure all regulations are followed to avoid penalties.
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Dennis *******
Dennis *******
SMART RETIREMENT
Mike ************
Mike ************
Nope

You need a full motorcycle license.

AM and A2 does not exist here
Swee****
Swee****
OP
Thanks everyone. I’m convinced all the younguns from the uk haven’t doughan van motorbike license so I was wondering how they’re all riding ground but seems they may be taking risks.

It would make sense for me to take the test.
Swee****
Swee****
OP
SweeitiQ the police don’t mind if you don’t have a license?
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
SweeitiQ 500 baht fine and you're on your way. Many motorcycle rental places don't even check. But get in an accident and you're screwed as no insurance coverage because you were driving illegally. Even most travel insurance policies will not pay your medical bills if you were doing something illegal
Paul **********
Paul **********
SweeitiQ insurance wise yes, police wise, won't make a difference
David ***********
David ***********
The IDP only covers you for motorbikes in thailand if you have a full UK motorbike licence. The motorbike section of the IDP cant be ticked unless you have a full licence. Your travel insurance definately wont operate if you have a crash hence go fund me are doing a roaring trade !
PurpleO********
PurpleO********
It depends where in Thailand you gonna be,

Officially the answer is no-
Paul **********
Paul **********
The police don't care, in the unlikely event you got stopped without the correct license you would get a small fine.
Malcolm **********
Malcolm **********
Riding a motorbike in Thailand is a sure way to end up in hospital or worse, Thai roads are some of the most dangerous in the world with motorbike making up most of the accidents. If you are going to be in a city then stick to the baht buses or even a grab taxi, they are cheap and much safer
Mike *******
Mike *******
Malcolm Whitlock common misconception, I've ridden all over the world and have done well over
*****
km here in Thailand and I can assure you that Thailand is nowhere near the most dangerous. For experienced riders with common sense and spatial awareness it's actually quite safe 👌😊
Simon *******
Simon *******
If you have never ridden a motorbike in the UK Thailand is not the place to learn.
Simon ***********
Simon ***********
If you don't have a full UK bike licence and ride 125 scooters in Thailand...

And get unlucky.... best of luck.
Jan **********
Jan **********
Don't check here but call your insurance company instead. After all they have to pay your bills not us...🙏
Sue **********
Sue **********
Look at the back of your license. If A and A1 is stamped on your IDP, you’re covered up to a 125cc on a full U.K. driver’s license
Swee****
Swee****
OP
Sue Williams it has A2 but 73 (a) in the last column - online says that means tricycle 😂
Nigel *******
Nigel *******
My IDP only has categories A, and A1. A is full motorcycle license, and A1 is moped. As most scooters in Thailand are at least 125cc, you would only be legal with category A. Most rental shops will let you hire one, but your insurance would not cover you, if you had an accident.
Patrick ********
Patrick ********
I am in Pattaya now I have IDP.. Must of past your motorcycle test police here Will look for it.
Anthony ***********
Anthony ***********
In the UK, a car licence only really covers you up to 125cc with CBT unless you passed a full bike test. Even if you convert to Thai motorbike licence, some travel insurers can still refuse a claim because you weren’t fully licensed for that bike in your home country. Always check the policy wording carefully.
Trudy *********
Trudy *********
No!! 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. Mopeds 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 👍
Donald **********
Donald **********
@Trudy ********
Scooters 110cc. Never seen a moped here in 10+ years.
Barry ******
Barry ******
Donald Campbell in that case, never seen a scooter in Thailand either because they are called motorbikes 🤣
Trudy *********
Trudy *********
Donald Campbell I’m a girl from the UK, I call my Clik a moped 🤷‍♀️
Will ************
Will ************
Uk IDP covers you for mopeds up to 50cc most so called mopeds in Thailand are above this + and you aren’t covered
Karl *******
Karl *******
@Will ***********
IDP covers you for whatever categories you actually have on your national driving licence. It's not limited. But to answer the question, it's an A1 or A2 that's required for a 125cc. A2 isn't given anymore, so it may not even appear.
John **********
John **********
AM no, that's for Mopeds. A2 should be OK for most scooters along with the IDP. But an IDP can only be used for 90 days from entry then you need a Thai licence

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