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Does my International Drivers Permit and UK License allow me to drive in Thailand for 1 year with a DTV?

International Driving Permit Thai Driving License DTV Visa Visa Rules Thailand Driving in Thailand Expat Tips Thailand

May 10, 2025

7 months ago

Ronnie ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Google told me that my International Drivers Permit and UK License can cover me for 1 year driving in Thailand.

I have the DTV, so does that 1 year cover renew every time I re-enter Thailand after the 180 days of the DTV?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An International Driving Permit (IDP) and a UK driving license may allow you to drive in Thailand, but the IDP is typically valid for only 90 days from the date of your entry. After that period, you are required to obtain a Thai driving license. Therefore, re-entering Thailand after 180 days on a DTV does not extend the validity of the IDP to a full year. Obtaining a Thai license is straightforward as long as you have your IDP.

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Kevin ********

It may be valid but in Thailand it’s 3months from entry. Then it’s not worth anything.

Get the Thai licence while still able to use the IDP as proof of licence then at least it’s easier to get.

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Ronnie ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

do i need to do the test?

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Kevin ********

@Ronnie **********

I’m guessing depending on where you are there are going to be different requirements.

I know a wait list in Phuket just for an appointment in samui it’s walk in at 8am or 1pm

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Ronnie ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

im in phangan, will go to samui

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Kevin ********

@Ronnie **********

then it’s a relatively simple process.

How old is the residence certificate? As much be no more than 30 days when applying for license.

Driving licence copy of both sides, BUT on side side of paper when printed. Same for IDP.

ALL pages of passport used.

I also took contract of rent for address confirmation.

And medical which you can get same day but is valid 30 days same as RC

My advice is always go 12:30pm they reopen at 1pm and always been in and out within 90 minutes whenever I’ve been with anyone. Including my 79 year old mother who did hers recently.

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Kevin ********

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Kevin ********

@Ronnie **********

get the residence certificate straight away, it takes 7 days in samui, unless you pay an agent but free to do yourself.

Once you have that, then it’s an easy process that is medical, print papers and goto DLT

If you DM me I can give you a list of what you need to scan for the license

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Ronnie ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

ive got the residence certificate, just need medical insurance

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Kevin ********

@Ronnie **********

why do you need medical insurance? You just have a medical for 100baht

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Kevin ********

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John **********

@Ronnie **********

not the full test, only reaction, colour test etc. Takes 2 minutes. Some offices make you watch a video and some want you to do a multiple option test. I've never had to do either

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Ronnie ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

that's good. I really dont want to invest the time to study the theory. Thats what was putting me off

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John **********

@Ronnie **********

the theory test is the multiple option test I mentioned. Requires a very high mark to pass, but I've never had to do it at my dlt

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John **********

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NT ********

I would think a DVT you could get 5 year license. Maybe 2 years first time but 5 years next time.

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John **********

the DTV is a glorified tourist visa so should only ever get a 2 year licence.

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Anonymous ******************

not maybe; first 2 years and no international driver license, and then for X years and international.

Can be shorter than 2 years but this would be an exception

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Anonymous ******************

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Anonymous ******************

IDP is valid for 3 years but you can only use for 90 days then you need a Thai one

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Wesley ********

Best to start planning for a Thai one if you plan on more times

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Sarah *************

Super easy to obtain a thai drivers licence with both your home license and IDP! Handy to have something with your thai address on and saves you carrying your passport... I've even done internal flights and checked into hotels (tm30) just using my thai drivers license as well as helping me verify for things like Binance TH (as its government issued ID). Above comment is correct from my understanding also, you're only entitled to 90 days on an IDP (as after this you're expected to get a thai one)

You may choose to get a lawyer to help you but the only documentation required (in addition to passport/home license/IDP) is a certificate from a doctor (cost me about 200B) and a letter from immigration (residency certificate)- again about 200B..

I know for Krabi I had to book an appointment through the "DLT" app 🤞🏼

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David ********

@Sarah ************

good advise Thai licence is not difficult and cheap was like 150 bht for 2 years

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David ********

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John **********

Don't trust what Google tells you. Even though your IDP might be valid for a year, or even 3 years, it is only good for driving inside Thailand for 3 months after which time you must have a Thai driving licence. The good news is a Thai licence is easy to get if you have an IDP, at many DLT offices they just issue a Thai licence based on it although a few require you to have a Non-immigrant visa.

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Ronnie ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thanks

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Ronnie ***********

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