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Do I need an International Driving Permit to get a Thai driver's license with an O visa?
Thai driver's licenseInternational Driving PermitO visaresidency certificatemedical certificateThai driving testexpat driving regulationsThailand immigration
Apr 16, 2026
15 days ago
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all
To get my Thai licence will i need an international permit or will they accept my home licence ? got my O visa now so if anyone has done this please advise ,Cheers .
To get my Thai licence will i need an international permit or will they accept my home licence ? got my O visa now so if anyone has done this please advise ,Cheers .
TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain a Thai driver's license, you will generally need to present both your passport and your home country driver's license. Although some expats have successfully received a Thai license without an International Driving Permit (IDP), it is advisable to have one, especially if your home license is not in English. Additionally, you will need to provide a residency certificate and a medical certificate, complete an online questionnaire, and pass some basic tests at the Department of Land Transport (DLT). Experiences shared by others suggest that the specific requirements can vary by DLT office.
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Nigel *******
There are separate licenses for cars, and motorcycles. But you can do both at the same time.
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERNigel Mills Yes i have a riders licence and will want to do that ,thanks
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Alan *******
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John **********
An IDP certainly helps and if your licence isn't in English is essential. If it is in English it may just be accepted but will depend on the DLT office
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Thanks JohnReply to
Alan *******
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James *********
CA driver's license, certificate of residence and doctor's certification (received just outside the Chatuchack office). As I remember - I submitted the document's and had to return for appointment for the basic tests (vision, reaction time...). The license I received is good only for one year.
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERJames Mancusi Thankyou James
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Alan *******
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Dave *******
I went to the Local DLT with my Canadian Dl and passport . I hold a LTR visa Need a residency certificate and medical certificate completed by clinic or hospital
You will need to complete and pass an online driving questionnaire. Once completed,take to the DLT office and complete a pass three basic tests, one for color blindness, one for braking reaction time and one for depth perception. Once all passed , pay the fee and get the license.
You will need to complete and pass an online driving questionnaire. Once completed,take to the DLT office and complete a pass three basic tests, one for color blindness, one for braking reaction time and one for depth perception. Once all passed , pay the fee and get the license.
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERDave Allen Thanks Dave for that great info.
Dan *******
Dave Allen thank you for the excellent information. Good On you
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Dan *******
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Alan *****
I forgot my driving licence. I took a Thai driving test & got a Thai licence just showing my passport
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAlan Bow Thankyou Alan
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Alan *******
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Michael *******
You need start with downloading smart app! Get on the Q!👍 pick your local transport office. And pick a date!👍. Will need residency certificate. And doctors cert. nearer the time of your appointment. All very simple.
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
Thankyou MichaelMichael *******
And copies of your home driving license!
Michael *******
Passport. 👍
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Michael *******
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Tim ********
Passport and test
PeacefulSe**********
Home permit does not count, you can start from nothing if you don’t have international licence.
Peter **********
PeacefulSeahorse9792 RUBBISH.
Who issues this International Licence?
Who issues this International Licence?
Will *****
Post office for UK.
Ginger ******
Will Den not since 2024. Paypoint outlets now in UK.
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Ginger ******
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PeacefulSe**********
Your hometown city
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PeacefulSe**********
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Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPeacefulSeahorse9792 Much obliged Peaceful.
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Alan *******
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Kool *******
At most dlt offices you need both.
Graham ******
Kool Breez Having both meant that I did not have to do the video test for my first 2 year DL (Sa Kaeo province)
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERKool Breez I'll give it a go Kool ,dont think i can apply for an Australian international within Thailand i'll see what they say.
Easy*****
Kool Breez if you don’t have IDP then you maybe required to have a letter from your embassy.
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Easy*****
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Marty *********
Here in Bangkok I used my California license to get my Thai drivers license. I’ve never had an international driver license
Peter **********
Marty Pollard Never heard of anyone having an International Driving License. Is it issued by United Nations?
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPeter H Bates Peter last year when i came over i brought a IDL issued in australia and when pulled up at a traffic stop was asked for it ,didnt bother bringing one this time with my O visa as my gf has a licence for us to get around but i will go for mine when i get the extension .
PeacefulSe**********
In Europe we have a European driver licence, only for Europe, when we go outside Europe we need a international driver license.
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PeacefulSe**********
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Easy*****
Marty Pollard did you need to get your license translated to English
Marty *********
Easyflher A California license is in English. So is a Thai license.
Easy*****
Marty Pollard it was a joke :) my Italian license was in English too but they wanted a translation:) until I produced the IDP
John **********
Easyflher The IDP is the translation, in fact that's all it is,it is of no use without the actual license. I suspect it depends on how easy it is to see what categories you are licensed to drive as well.
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John **********
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