Do UK holders need an International Driving Permit when entering Thailand on an Elite Visa?

Jul 16, 2018
6 years ago
Lynne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do we need international driving permits ( we are UK holders) if coming in on an Elite Visa Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) for UK holders entering Thailand on an Elite Visa is debated. Some users state that, while an IDP is not strictly required due to a treaty between the UK and Thailand, it is advisable to obtain one to avoid complications when stopped by the police. Additionally, if you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 90 days, you will need to convert your UK driving license to a Thai driving license. The process for acquiring a Thai driving license involves specific requirements and tests.
Tod *********
This is pretty far off the beaten path considering this is a thai VISA advice group.

I think we're done here
Keith ******
Strange it says driving licence ......
Carl *********
Its an amazing document for 5.50 every time i get stopped and pull out my international licence. The police just wave me on with disappointment in there eyes they cant fine me. Best 5.50 i ever spent. Prior i was getting 500 baht fines regularly. Get one just to flash at police its great.
Tony *********
Tod *********
you can ONLY get the thai international driving permit IF you have a 5 year thai driver's license.
Tony *********
and just a note to what Robert said; It is an International Driving Permit (not a license). It looks almost exactly like that b/s tri-fold cardboard one you get from the US from AAA.
Tony *********
Okay this is FAR off the visa advice topic of the group but this is how getting a thai drivers license works,

There is nothing in the rules that stop people from getting a 2 year temporary thai drivers license (the first one you get) on a 30 day visa exempt entry or a 60 day tourist visa.

IF you have a valid license from your country (and it's written in english) you can take it, your passport, your drivers license from your country, a proof of residence certificate (gotten from the immigration office or from your consulate) and a medical certificate to a Department of Land Transport office. In Bangkok the main one is out by Chatuchak Park.

You usually take 4 aptitude tests (peripheral vision, reaction time, color blindness and depth perception), watch an hour long movie and then you get your 2 year temporary thai drivers license(s) <- that's plural because there's one for a car and one for a motorcycle.

IF you don't have a valid drivers license from your country you need to do the above tests I mentioned, watch the move, sit the computerized multiple choice test and do the practical driving test on their little track.

NOTE: in bangkok you cannot get a certificate of residence from the immigration office unless you are on an extension of stay that does 90 day reporting.
Keith ******
Just to add only had my uk card licence and passport with basic 100 Baht medical.
Michael ********
@Keith *****
Yes I am about to do mine after 2 years. I will only get another 2 years though. So sad :( ...LOL.
Keith ******
ok. I’ll worry about it in 2 years Peace. 🤞
Michael ********
That is not correct. If you don't have a long term visa you will get 2 years again when you renew. You only get 5 years with a year long visa.
Keith ******
No. When you are issued with your first 2 year licences they are actually marked as “temporary “ then when they expire if your conduct has been acceptable you will get the normal 5 year licence Seems pretty reasonable to me. K 🙏
Michael ********
If you have a long term visa then 5 years for renewal, yes.
Keith ******
No. I got both my full Thai car and bike licences Valid for 2 years first , When I renew valid for 5 years. K
Lynne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Keith *****
so you got an IDP in Thailand with your uk licence and passport?
Keith ******
Got both my Thai car and bike licenses in under 5 hours last week Simple colour blind test followed by an easy perception test. Was back in my condo by 1 pm. K
Keith ******
👍🙏
Nik *****
thanks mate 🙏🏽
Keith ******
Pattaya Chonburi
Nik *****
Where was this Keith?
Steve *******
It's not required due to a treaty between the UK and Thailand, however for the sake of the £5.50 it costs it may be worth covering all your bases.
Michael ********
@Steve ******
Agreed and also good to check insurance which usually requires IDP.
Steve *******
@Michael *******
Like I said in my OP, for the sake of £5.50 probably worth getting one anyway.
Michael ********
You will be fined eventually. Some cop will want his tip. With IDP it never happens.
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Richard ****
Ive been stopped twice, never been fined, just shown my UK photo license.
Michael ********
You should tell the cops about this 'treaty'...LOL
Richard *****
Maybe there’s a treaty but the police will still fine you if there’s no IDP.
Robert *******
You need your UK license and IDP for each category. If you stay longer than 90 days inside Thailand you need to change to Thai driving license.
Liam *****
@Lynne ******
you need to get an IDP in your home country (if in the UK, you get them from the post office)
Lynne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
can we get them in Thailand or do we have to get them before arrival - again differing advice :-(
Robert ********
Yes you do need your international driving permits....the Elite Visa is a not a driving license.
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