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Can my friend get a Thai driver's license without taking a test if they didn't get an International Driving Permit?

Thai Driver's License International Driving Permit Driving in Thailand Visa Regulations Expat Life in Thailand

Jun 9, 2025

21 days ago

Patrick ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

My friend has a US driver's license but did not get an International Driving Permit before coming to Thailand. Can they get one here to drive in Thailand? or get a Thai driver's license without having to take the test? (Non-immigrant visa)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US driver's license holder can obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before coming to Thailand, but if they did not get one and are already in Thailand, they can still apply for an IDP by contacting the AAA in the US. However, most Department of Land Transportation (DLT) offices in Thailand may require the IDP to bypass the driving test when applying for a Thai driver's license. The process can also involve obtaining a background check or taking a short video test. Many expats have found taking the test to be the easier option, as the requirements can vary between DLT offices.

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Patrick ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, everyone for sharing. The reason behind not wanting to take a test and go through the Thai process is time and energy that will be needed to go through everything in order to get a Thai driver's license. Sad to see there is no standardized process at each DLT and it's difficult to find helpful info from the official website. It will take a few people involved at DLT to get this done when you have children and you don't speak Thai. I found out, you can get an IDP from AAA while living abroad by applying online NOW! and they will ship it. Problem solved!

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Brandon ************

@Patrick ***********

That is not the AAA. That is a website registered in the UK. I would not trust it, and it's probably a scam.

To apply for an IDP remotely, you fill out the application and mail it into the AAA. The instructions are on this website for filing my mail.

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Brandon ************

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Frank *****

I have gotten one by mail from AAA in the usa while living in Thailand. there's a branch in florida that offers this service, you send a copy of your license with their form, and 20 bucks, they mail to you in Thailand.

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Patrick ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

could you please share the contact info of that branch?

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Patrick ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you!

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Frank *****

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Frank *****

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Scott ********

I just finished 2 day class at driving school in Pattaya. Very easy! study to pass practice tests on mobile app, take actual in class test, and had my license following day. They have English speaking for help. Additional 2 days if you want motorcycle license on top of vehicle license.

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Sasi ************

With my US DL I granted Thai DL without a test but 45 minutes Video watching and eyes test.

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Todd *********

@Sasi ***********

depends on location, some require full driving test.

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Sasi ************

If you want to shared your experience do so. I did “mine” and “mine” only.

Oh! You are not even an American!?

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Todd *********

@Sasi ***********

I’m Canadian. And Canadian or American makes no difference here. But the transport offices have different requirements

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Sasi ************

Again!! Go ahead shared your information with the OP, not me!!

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Todd *********

@Sasi ***********

quick update for you. 1- YOU asked the fucking question lol 2- this is the internet, the op can read it also.. Ur welcome

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Sasi ************

What a Jerk!! Blocked . Go F… yourself

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Sasi ************

When did I asked !!?

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

How rude!!!

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Sasi ************

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Gerald ********

The one I got is only valid for 1 year.

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Stephen *******

@Gerald *******

Everyone gets one year the first time

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Gerald ********

@Stephen ******

That's not what they told me, they said that Thailand only gets a 1 year international diving licence, I got one before I came out here 18 months ago but I think I left it in a hire car and that one from the UK was valued for 5 years.

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Gerald ********

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Gerald ********

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Gerald ********

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I got one from here.

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Kurt *************

Why not just take the test?

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Ruud ******************

@Kurt ************

my idea

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Ruud ******************

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Colin *********

Ask if usa has a resipecal deal where you can drive in Thailand and thai can drive in the usa

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Simon *******

Has anyone got a link to the training videos

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Simon *******

@Colin ********

They will still need an IDP

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Colin *********

no,idl is good for 90days only

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Simon *******

@Colin ********

yes but they will still need one to drive in Thailand using their US driving license, like a Thai would need a idp to drive on their Thia license in the US even if they have a reciprocal agreement this was my point

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Brandon ************

Thais do not need an IDP to drive in the US as their license is in English

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Brandon ************

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Graham ******

He needs to go to his local DLT to get their requirements. Without an IDP he may have to do the video "test" which can be done in advance at home and generates a QR code.

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Andrew ********

They can but have to goto consulate getting a background check it will be quicker to take the test its easy

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Brandon ************

They can get one by mail to the AAA in the US but it will take a long time. Most DLT offices will require them to have an IDP in order to skip the test to get a Thai DL.

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Brandon ************

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