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Do I need a Thai Driving License if I have a valid UK license and IDP for my retirement visa?
Thai Driving LicenseUK Driving LicenseInternational Driving Permit (IDP)Thailand Visa RulesRetirement VisaDriving Regulations in ThailandThai Road SafetyExpat Driving in ThailandScooter Rental in Pattaya
Feb 15, 2025
a year ago
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERDo i really need a Thai Driving License if i have an current UK issued valid IDP and a UK license. I'm going for a retirement visa next week.
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you hold a valid UK driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Thailand for up to 90 days. After this period, if you plan to stay longer (such as on a retirement visa), it is generally recommended to obtain a Thai driving license. This is not only advisable for legal purposes but also for practical reasons, such as insurance validity and smoother interactions with local authorities. Many expats report that getting a Thai license is an easy process, often requiring only a few documents such as your passport, visa, health certificate, and some nominal fees.
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Jo **********
First of all the Embassy websites are often wrong as the UK one says you do need an IDP. Technically you do not need an International Driving Permit if your home country licence has a photo and is in English. However, in reality, you will need one as the police use it as an excuse to fine you and insurance companies use it as an excuse not to pay your claim. But this is only if you are a tourist. less than 90 days
Brian ********
@J*
This is what the UK gov website says about driving here"If you are planning to drive in Thailand, see information on driving abroad. Youβll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
If you live in Thailand, you can apply for a Thai driving licence using your UK driving licence."
Luit *****************
@Jo *********
You say technically you don't need IDP, but practically you do need. So what is wrong when embassies say you need IDP. They give you advice what you need. A lot of countries accept national licenses as long as it is clear for which categories they are, but they are never obliged to accept a national license without IDP.Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
David *******
You dont need a licence for a visa though
David *********
Yes. IDP isn't always 'accepted' when you get stopped, and you have to pay the fine.
Luit *****************
@David ********
IDP alone is not a drivers licence, it has to be used together with the national drivers licence you obtained the IDP with.David *********
@Luit ****************
I know. But IDP may not be accepted and citation issued is the point.Reply to
David *********
Reply
Sean **********
I love to drive but not here. I would drive if I was not in the BKK metro area. Car + insurance + gasoline. Easy to get a taxi for just a few jaunts shopping a week. Much cheaper for my wifevand I. It's a jungle out there.lot of inconsiderate driving going on. Was in a taxi and a motorcycle slammed right into us trying to pass on left at red light that just turned green. We started left turn and BAM!
George *******
I drove in Thailand for eleven years and when I was stopped on motorbike for roadside checks, produced my old British tatty bit of paper. Only ever once asked why I didn't have a photo id type licence, but nothing said.
Albert ********
I took a International with me.
Andy **********
Also, unless you can renew your photo driving licence, your UK driving licence Will expire, and you will need a UK address to renew it. And there are related connotations related to UK banking and access to the NHS, which is based on residence not nationality. Some banks do offer expatriate banking, allowing a "uk" bank account with a foreign address. I had one with natwest 30 years ago when working my first job after uni in the US. My account was moved to the Isle of Man, complete with its negative balance (I was in overdraft!).
Bill *********
Not many people are aware of the fact that - if you are no longer a resident of the UK, you cannot hold a UK driving licence. In fact, in theory you are supposed to surrender it. The rule used to be 3 years, but think that may have changed. So yes, you will need to get a Thai licenceβ¦
Bill *********
Not going to argue the point with you
@Nelly *****
, just see the attached for infoβ¦.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
and to clarify you said intimated you needed to surrender it. Actually " cannot hold a" licence.....but yeah you can. Absolutely you can.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
thanks for proving half my point. Can't renew. But you can apply,,,, but what do I know. That's facts based on law not Google.Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
I suppose I should clarify various things as this is always an argument. If your resident for UK tax then based on experience you can get a UK licence. If you are devoid of all connections to UK. No tax residence and no abode residence then at next renewal you should not apply for another .... That's the rule. Although residence for a DL isn't in the law....it just says basically nothing. So it's a little grey. And you would need and address to get it but that is nothing to do with residence. You cannot use an address outside UK. Also there's a minor difference for NI licences but pretty much the same.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
the green paper ones are still valid but mostly a pain in a backside....I know people using them still. Abroad and in UK.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
not many people as it's not true. π So much so if you're NOT resident you still need a UK licence to drive in the UK after 1 year of using your local licence. 1 year in the UK doesn't make you resident it's 5. Then we have the non resident tax, resident tax. I could go on about 16 days and 185 etc but it frankly makes my head hurt. What you do need is a UK address. If that's what you mean then you have 14 days to change it or it's an offence.Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
David *******
So easy to obtain got mine couple months ago was about 350 baht for both
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
they want 4000 at agent. Did you get visa first?David *******
@Nelly *****
got residency certificate from immigration took that with my IDP took test got licences all in couple hours apprpx 350 bahtReply to
David *******
Reply
Peter **********
yes for cars but not for motorcycles if you neber passef your m/c test
John ********
Just go to your local office to see what they are looking from you, it will only be for 2 years and then they will give you a 5 year one
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
thanks. That's as I thought from looking online. πReply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Paul ********
The Thai license shows you have taken time to abide by the law and if you come to a checkpoint the police wave you through. In addition it get you discounts. Well actually you get Thai rates at some of the parks and altercations so worth getting
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
thanks. Didn't know about discount. True all over Africa too. Good point indeed. My Botswana car registration used to save me a fortune. No license though. Not without residence visa. It's different here. No residents can get licences. A plus it seems.Paul ********
@Nelly *****
yes we actually got golf discounts in Pukhet with them after they opened it for the sandbox after CovidReply to
Paul ********
Reply
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERStuart Chiverton got all upset.
To answer his last question. I'm asking as I was unsure if it makes it easier typically day to day.
The 1949 and 1968 Geneva and Vienna Conventions on Road traffic which dictates the laws on IDP use are clear. However Thai law I needed to look up. It does not state a limit on duration as defined by section 42 of the Thai motor vehicle act. However insurance can do what they like and looking at policies it seems many limit you to 90 so that advice is good. Thanks.
As not all policies state it however I guess you could get by on an IDP as the law dictates. As it's a non immigrant visa the law is again clear. You don't need a Thai licence. However prudence dictates it's probably easier day to day and so my initial question.
To answer his last question. I'm asking as I was unsure if it makes it easier typically day to day.
The 1949 and 1968 Geneva and Vienna Conventions on Road traffic which dictates the laws on IDP use are clear. However Thai law I needed to look up. It does not state a limit on duration as defined by section 42 of the Thai motor vehicle act. However insurance can do what they like and looking at policies it seems many limit you to 90 so that advice is good. Thanks.
As not all policies state it however I guess you could get by on an IDP as the law dictates. As it's a non immigrant visa the law is again clear. You don't need a Thai licence. However prudence dictates it's probably easier day to day and so my initial question.
Garrett ***********
@Nelly *****
This is correctNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERunfortunately
@Jim *******
i cannot comment on your accurate post as Stuart blocked me. I can't comment on that part. At least you know how it works. Thanks for the comments.Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Brian ********
I live in Kanchanaburii and in August 22 took my UK licence and IDP, along with a health certificate and cert of residence to the local DLT office and got my Thai car and bike licences without having to take the test. I'm on a non O visa
Easily done and only cost a few hundred baht
Easily done and only cost a few hundred baht
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
is the health thing easy to get. Thanks ... Excellent info.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERi suppose you need to get the visa first ? license second ?
Bjorn ********
@Nelly *****
the health thing is super easy and cheap. Just go to any of the clinics along Soi Buakhao (or elsewhere in Pattaya.). Itβs literally a five minute conversation and I doubt the cost will be more than ΰΈΏ100-150.Brian ********
@Nelly *****
YesIt took me about 15 minutes in the local hospital. I took my passport on to the reception desk they copied the details on to a form, stamped it and carved me B500
Robert ********
@Brian *******
do you just ask for a health cert??Brian ********
Robert ********
@Brian *******
πThank youNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
thanks. Love price benchmarks. Excellent. To the hospital I go.James *********
@Nelly *****
only 100-200 baht at most clinics you see on the roadsBrian ********
@Nelly *****
If you are getting car and bike you need 2 copies. I photoshopped the health cert, but got 2 copies of cert of residence from immigrant
Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Allan **************
No you don't need one till you're involved in a accident then you may wish you had one.
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Allan *************
I can see that angle completely. Are you questioning my evasive driving technique ππππ€ͺπ€ͺNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Allan *************
try Saudi Arabia.... Ive driven in 100 counties for long periods and golly it's bad. Then again Brazil, Uganda are up there....and Kenya. UK is getting worse. After 6 years away going back was an eye opener. Standards are down and some new rules are crazy and just ignored by everyone! π±Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI guess pretty much all rules are ignored here. ππ
Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Stuart ***********
Would you drive without a valid license in the UK?
The IDP is only valid for 3 months, so if you plan to drive a car more than 3 months and be insured, you need to get a Thai license.
It takes about an hour, it's easy and only costs a few quid, so why wouldn't you?
The IDP is only valid for 3 months, so if you plan to drive a car more than 3 months and be insured, you need to get a Thai license.
It takes about an hour, it's easy and only costs a few quid, so why wouldn't you?
John *******
@Stuart **********
I was told about 6000 baht is that correct?Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
the por ror bor I believe doesn't limit.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
that's not true. The licence is valid. Both of them. The insurance on some companies limits their cover to 3 months if using a foreign license or IDP.Stuart ***********
@Nelly *****
if you are so certain, why are you asking?The idp is valid for a longer period than 3 months (I can't remember how long 12 month's?), but it is only valid in Thailand for 3 months at a time, so if you are planning to retire here, it becomes invalid after 3 months, as everyone is stating.
Up to you if you want to risk it, as long as you don't crash into me!
David ***********
@Stuart **********
If you leave the country and come back, your IDP is good for another 90 days. Also, the IDP expires in one year. This should give you time to get a Thai drivers license, which is simpler with an IDP.Jan ******************
@Stuart **********
youβre correct the conventions approved by the Thai government allows two IDP, one for one and one for three years, but youβre only allowed to drive for up to 90 consecutive days on both.Jim ********
@Jan *****************
There's no 90-day limit stated in Thai law. The law refers to temporary visitor. Insurance companies might impose their own limits for coverJan ******************
@Jim *******
U are probably right, as I understand thereβs two international conventions by the UN also approved by Thailand, one called the Geneva-convention from 1949 and the other Paris-convention from 1969 stating that IDP valid for one and three years allows driving for up to 90 consecutive days together with the national licence.Jim ********
@Jan *****************
The conventions don't specify a time limit. They leave that up to the individual countries to apply their own maximum. Whilst most countries do state 90 days, for some reason Thailand doesn't, which effectively means any "temporary visitor" is ok. I think many will say 90 days as that used to be the maximum for any tourist, but now with the DTV that will have changedLuit *****************
@Jim *******
A lot of countries do not specify a limit for tourists, but as soon as you register as a citizen having an address, most countries have a limit.Jim ********
@Luit ****************
That may well be so, the point I make is there is nothing in Thai law which stipulates a time limit, only "temporary visitor"Luit *****************
@Jim *******
Netherlands the same, tourist have no limit, but as soon as you register at municipality, you only have 185 days, because you are no visitor anymore. I think the idea behind this is you cannot ask from visitors to get a drivers license. But of course car rental companies and insurance companies can have their own limits.Stuart ***********
@Jan *****************
I am beginning to think Nelly is a Troll. Time for me to block them.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Andy **********
Following , just been asking same question to thai friends..ππ
David *********
Do you have a uk motorcycle licence (cat A)with the IDP
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI have A on IDP and restricted A on the UK license. I'm hoping its not strict.....only going and trying to get it will give me an answer i guess. I do obviously have AM and was riding a moped for years as a lad. I've ridden scooter all over the world inc thailand.
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ********
I have a cat A IDP (nudge nudge ππ) and a UK licence cat AM and restricted A. Are they strict ???David *********
@Nelly *****
so that is restricted to a 3 wheeler, did they stamp your IDP on the A category ?Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ********
I suppose the proof will come when I apply though.David *********
@Nelly *****
apply for what?Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ********
Thai bike licence. I have A on idpNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ********
yes ! I made sure of it.Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Michael ********
We have just got our Thai driving licences. A bit of paperwork needed. Copies of Passport and Visa page plus front and back of your driving licence, Certificate of residency and Medical certificate.
Watch the online video and answer the four questions. They will send you QR Code, so print that page off as we just couldn't show it at the DLT centre.
We went to Rayong, but be aware they are using a booking system now
Watch the online video and answer the four questions. They will send you QR Code, so print that page off as we just couldn't show it at the DLT centre.
We went to Rayong, but be aware they are using a booking system now
Steve ****************
I bought a car in my wifes name and got my Thai license asap.had concerns that car insurance would not pay with my American license and IDP if there was an accident.
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ***************
I understand that. All UK people think that typically. We think about things like that in the UK as we have a really terrible insurance industry. I doubt it's a thing here but it's one less worry in any case. I'm also not sure about IDP validity. There's no limit in the Vienna convention on it but domestic legislation might limit non IDP licence use. In any case the rule sounds sensible and doing it sounds sensible. πPaul ***********
@Nelly *****
once you become "resident" the expectation is you get a Thai licence..It's the same everywhere in the world once you become "resident" after X time you need a local license.
It's so easy to convert to Thailand licence.. Anyone who doesn't is either very lazy or a cheap Charlie trying to save less than THB 1000
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul **********
I agree. Do you think doing it myself is easy enough or just get the agent doing the visa to do it this time.Paul ***********
@Nelly *****
it's easy enough to do yourself, but an agent also works to do the paper work for you.. You still have to go to the transport department yourself... Don't fall for the scammers on FB adverts who say you don't.... You do πNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul **********
thanks. πππReply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Nigel **************
The biggest problem is that if you have an accident you are not insured after 3 months. You need a Thai licence for driving here long term
Garrett ***********
@Nigel *************
Who doesn't insure you?Nigel **************
@Garrett **********
your insurance Co.Garrett ***********
@Nigel *************
Who's my insurance company?Nigel **************
@Garrett **********
oh FFS!Garrett ***********
@Nigel *************
And how would you know what my insurance policy says?Nigel **************
@Garrett **********
I don't. But my broker says it's the law .... which of course on reflection doesn't mean anything in Thailand. π«‘π«‘Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nigel *************
it's not the law at all. I've checked.....I posted it in this thread.Nigel **************
@Nelly *****
so are you telling me that it is up to each individual insurance company then? I am only here 5 months a year but if I change my insurance Co it might be okay to drive for 5 months with my Irish licence and an IDP?Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nigel *************
yes. Some insurance do not limit you.Garrett ***********
@Nigel ***
Most travel insurances have some type of time limit on trips. "Your covered for trips up to 90 days" or something like that. Again, every company and policy is different. As for thai law, there is no law that limits the validity of an IDP or restricts its use based on your visa.Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
lots of experts repeating the same information about 3 months with nothing to back it up. You are 100% correct that Not all Thai insurance specifies the 3 months thing. And it is a thing ....it's not law. I posted that the other day. However at the moment I can't even get a visa as they've stopped tourists opening bank accounts. π€¦Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Luebbener ********
Your IDP becomes invalid in Thailand 90 days after entering Thailand. Itβs easy to get the Thai license.
Jo **********
@Luebbener *******
easy need to get a medical examination? blaReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTERAs for getting a scooter ... Rent initially or just buy second hand? I'm guessing renting is easier at the moment. Anybody recommend anywhere who aren't scam artists? Edit: Pattaya
Brian ********
@Nelly *****
I bought 2 Honda scooters new a couple of years back. I chose to buy new because all the second hand bikes I saw had unbelievable milage. Other factors were, seeing how the local kids thrash their bikes and how infrequently they go in for service. If you know the seller I'd say ok for second hand bit of you don't, IMO, your safer with new
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
thanks. Good advice. Don't want anything fancy either. Who do you use for insurance. I was hoping to get one that covers medical as my travel insurance doesn't.Brian ********
@Nelly *****
I got 125 Honda clicks.I got my insurance online - it very much depends on where you are and your age, it's not a one size fits all.
Get class 1, that covers everything. You also need class 3 to register with DLT but that only costs a couple of hundred, I got mine in the DLT office
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
thanks very much. Did you negotiate on the bike or was it pretty much sticker price?Brian ********
@Nelly *****
I bought from a Honda dealer, one was the latest model and one was year before, so I got a deal on the older oneNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
thanks.Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Nelly *****
You don't say where you will be at so cannot make recommendations. But it's high season so stock might be hard findNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
true that. PattayaReply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Charlie ***********
It better you do Thai license and it is easy to do but you need some paperwork so before you go get all the information you need to do it
Alex *********
In theory you will need to get a Thai license after 3 months.
But in practice the most important thing is 500b in cash for when the police want lunch.
But in practice the most important thing is 500b in cash for when the police want lunch.
Dave **********
@Alex ********
or when you try to collect on your insurance.Alex *********
@Dave *********
well I managed to claim successfully on mine, without a Thai license. I guess I just got lucky as it was with included with Toyota when I Bligh the car. Can see how thatβs an issue though, good point.
Mark **********
@Alex ********
also you said CAR. motorcyclist will face much more scrutinyIf that happens to be the case. So always good to stay licensed just in case no matter where.
Reply to
Mark **********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Alex ********
The cops are not the concern. The concern is that insurance might not pay out if there is an accident.Brett *****
@Brandon ***********
concern is stupid tourist riding like idiots living here I hate tourist seasonFrank ******
@Brandon ***********
good advice as always mateNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
it seems a high proportion of Thai insurance limit you to 3 months not the road traffic legislation as far as I can tell. It's hassle not worth the risk.Alex *********
@Brandon ***********
good pointReply to
Alex *********
Reply
Nelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alex ********
yeah. We've been lucky so far. Many visits no stops.Alex *********
@Nelly *****
in 15 years Iβve only had a few. Usually Thais given paperwork and sent to the police station. Foreigners asked if they want a receipt, nope, drop the cash and on your way.Brett *****
@Alex ********
tickets by majority for tourists are issued on the spot then need go police station and payJonnie *******
@Brett ****
I donβt much deny them their lunch, usually I save 100 baht and a trip to the police station for the courtesy. πFrank ******
@Brett ****
yes happened to me in February out at Sisaket roadside no IDP off to station 1000 baht and a free coffee later carry your receipt and you show to next police you okay for a few weeks but get your IDP for next timeNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brett ****
I guess that's real tickets though. Lunch tickets for made up offences I guess are rather like Africa.....I spent a decade driving round Africa.Brett *****
@Nelly *****
if you have go police station and pay what do you thinkNelly ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brett ****
I've been to the station for made up tickets a lot in Africa. The scams they run are unbelievable. Thanks for your replies.nBrett *****
@Nelly *****
it's not AfricaAlex *********
@Brett ****
in Thailand, once on Sukhumvit and the other on Rachatewi, the kind policeman has allowed me to pay directly and avoid all that pesky paperwork.Alex *********
@Brett ****
good to knowReply to
Alex *********
Reply
Wayne *********
Eventually yes
Brandon ************
You can drive on a foreign license and IDP for 3 months. After that you're not considered a tourist anymore and you're expected to get a local license.
Jo **********
@Brandon ***********
first sensible answer in a long timePatrick ********
@Brandon ***********
correctSteve *********
@Brandon ***********
exactly thatReply to
Steve *********
Reply
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