Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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

4 days 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?

1,110

views

0

likes

34

all likes

20

replies

0

images

9

users

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.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

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.

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

do i need to do the test?

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

im in phangan, will go to samui

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kevin ********

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

ive got the residence certificate, just need medical insurance

Like

Reply

Kevin ********

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

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kevin ********

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

John **********

Reply

NT ********

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

Like

Reply

John **********

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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

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

Like

Reply

Wesley ********

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

Like

Reply

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 🤞🏼

Like

Reply

David ********

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

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

David ********

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thanks

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

Can a DTV holder apply for a Thai driving license?

39 comments

16 days ago

Will my IDP be sufficient for driving in Thailand, and am I covered by the car owner's insurance?

14 comments

16 days ago

Can a holder of a DTV obtain a Thai driving license?

17 comments

2 months ago

Do I need a Thai Driving License if I have a valid UK license and IDP for my retirement visa?

126 comments

3 months ago

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a temporary driver's license?

26 comments

4 months ago

Can I obtain a Thai Driving License or Pink ID with a Digital Work Visa (DTV)?

4 comments

4 months ago

How long can I drive in Thailand on my international driver's permit with an O retirement visa?

42 comments

5 months ago

Can I get a 5-year driver's license extension on a DTV visa in Thailand?

44 comments

5 months ago

Can I renew my driving license in Thailand with a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa)?

11 comments

6 months ago

What are the rules for using an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand, particularly regarding the 90-day validity?

175 comments

7 months ago

How can I obtain an International Driving License in Thailand with DTV?

40 comments

7 months ago

Can expats apply for a driving license in Thailand on a DTV visa?

19 comments

9 months ago

How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?

22 comments

a year ago

What should I know about driving permits when living long-term in Thailand and visiting my home country?

43 comments

2 years ago

How long can I drive in Thailand with an International Driving Permit before obtaining a Thai driving license, and what is the validity of the Thai license once obtained?

7 comments

2 years ago

Can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driver's license?

25 comments

2 years ago

Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?

59 comments

3 years ago

Can I drive in Thailand with a full UK driving licence?

107 comments

3 years ago

Are International Driver Licenses accepted in Thailand and for how long?

151 comments

4 years ago

How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?

66 comments

4 years ago

How long is an International Driving Permit from the UK valid for in Thailand?

123 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements and process for temporarily driving in Thailand?

66 comments

4 years ago

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Visa?

54 comments

5 years ago

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

32 comments

7 years ago

Do I need a Thai driving license to legally ride a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand if I have a UK driving license and an international driving permit?

97 comments

8 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.