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Do Americans need a Thai or international driver’s license to rent a scooter in Koh Larn?

Thailand Travel Visa Driver's License Scooter Rental International Driver's Permit Motorcycle Insurance

Feb 28, 2024

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Traveling to Thailand in April, and want to rent scooter/motorcycle on Kon Larn, as an American do I need a Thai or international Driver's license?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Traveling to Thailand, specifically Koh Larn, raises questions regarding the necessity of a driver’s license when renting a scooter. While some commenters suggest that local rental shops often do not require a license, the legal stance indicates that either a Thai motorcycle license or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement is needed to comply with the law. Driving without a license may void travel insurance and could lead to fines from the police. Therefore, for both safety and legality, obtaining an IDP is recommended for American travelers.

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Daniel *****

No licence, no insurance, no worries, cash is king!

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Leo ******

Nope.. You're American.. Just tell them all you're an American. It gets you 15% discount on everything across Asia cause America saved Vietnam all those years back.. The Thais get you mixed up with Europeans though so make sure you keep telling people you're American...

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Patrick ********

Koh lan they don't care 200bht a day but yes you need idp

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David *********

You won’t need a licence to rent one on koh Larn but it’s not a place for the inexperienced, steep hills with switchbacks on various road/track types on poorly maintained bikes with flintstones brakes.

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Steve *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David ********

thanks for the heads up

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Steve *******

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Ste *******

Yes legally No Thailandy

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John ********

You can't get an IDP without a full licence from your home country, so therefore an IDP is not a driving licence, it is a form of translation.

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Albert ********

International will help I have one from USA it will save you some trouble if you get stopped.

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Michael *********

You've apparently never been to Thailand before. For your safety may I suggest using taxi's, driving a scooter/motorcycle is a death sentence in Thailand.

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Polle ***********

@Michael ********

In the Place I stay in Thailand normal speed is between 25 - 45 kmh

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Leo ******

@Michael ********

He won't die on the roads. He wont get a death sentence. He's an American... .....

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Leo ******

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Alain ***************

Before deciding to rent a vehicle, look at the traffic for a while and you might not even want to drive yourself anymore 😱

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Polle ***********

@Alain **************

I like driving in Thailand 😁

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Alain ***************

@Polle **********

me too. But i only drive on the sidewalks

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Alain ***************

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Jerry *******

international drivers licence if you can in case you get hurt it. Was only 15 Dollars

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Borune ***********

Yes.

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Eric ***************

Take out insurancr

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Peter *******

Without a licence any travel insurance is void and of course you'll get a ticket from police

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Ady ******

He asked if he needs a licence and the answer is no he doesn’t need one to rent a scooter

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Stuart *********

You don’t need a license to rob a bank either. Would you advise it’s ok to do so if you don’t have a license for it?

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Robert ********

@Stuart ********

lol

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Robert ********

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Damo ***********

you been on the roids for too long.. try giving worthwhile advice next time. This guy could be the next GoFundMe m0r0n.. are you going to contribute for him after giving him sh1t advice?

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Damo ***********

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Håkan *******

"As an American".

Are you guys special then other?

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

Scooter? Do you mean motorcycle?

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Robert ********

And you better buy lots of insurance that covers motorbikes otherwise you're on your own

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Michael *******

Make sure travel insurance / medical covers. Anything above 125 cc. Most wont cover you. Void. Check check!👍

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Ady ******

You be fine on Koh larn you don’t need any type of licence and no police either so don’t worry

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Damo ***********

only worry when in an accident.. and the insurance will not cover anythng, and hospital wants proof that they can pay for treatment.. great advice of 'don't worry' you give.. 🤡

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Stuart *********

They don’t have accidents there? Ever?

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Ricky ******

@Stuart ********

Correct, and the ex pat community there really enjoy contributing to morons through Go Fund Me.

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Andrew ***********

@Stuart ********

no it's a accident free island by that comment haha joke 🤣🤣, some people lol don't they realise you could have a account in the hotel car park.

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Andrew ***********

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Stuart *********

Short answer is no - in order to actually rent a scooter. Most places won’t care if you don’t have one.

Correct answer is yes. To be legal you need either a Thai motorcycle license or a license from your home country and an international driver’s permit endorsed with a motorcycle entitlement.

Without either of those you are riding illegally and are subject to getting fined by the police. If you were to have an accident then any travel insurance you may have will be void as you are driving illegally.

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Graeme **********

@Stuart ********

yeh the travel insurance is a major issue. Read the fine print. Sometimes they limit the engine capacity of the bike and you must wear a helmet. Don’t ride drunk. Ya don’t wanna be in a situation when you have to raise a ‘go fund me’ page to pay your medical bills and maybe get you home

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Graeme **********

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Marc *********

Everyone needs an IDP who is not Thai or doesn’t have a Thai license i believe

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Brook ********

Not completely true. Non provincial/non temporary (ie Thai 2 year) licenses from ASCEAN member countries are also perfectly valid by international agreement. YMMV

Source:

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5137.pdf

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Marc *********

good to know thanks

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Marc *********

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