Answered2 years ago
How long can I drive in Thailand on my international driver's permit with an O retirement visa?
I have just received my O retirement visa. I am driving my wife's car. how long can I drive on my international drivers permit?
Answer summary
The general consensus is that an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be used for up to 90 days after each entry into Thailand. However, there is often uncertainty regarding the enforcement of this rule and its implications for insurance coverage in case of an accident. While some users emphasize the importance of transitioning to a Thai driving license after obtaining a one-year extension of stay based on a Non-Immigrant O visa, others note that the IDP is generally accepted without a strict legal time limit. It is also advisable to consult local authorities or embassies for the most accurate guidance.
42 repliesnewest first
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Michael *******
Check with your embassy or local tourist police office, don’t listen to keyboard warriors, they won’t be around if you have insurance issues or problems with police. Better still get a Thai license as soon as you can, then no debate.
Mark ******
What would seem to resolve this debate is ACTUAL experiences of people on their IDP/IDL and accident insurance coverage. Also, has anyone been ticketed by police for driving over 90 days on a valid IDL/IDP? Jim Howard stated that he was hospitalized after an accident and was covered (Thai or foreign insurance not stated). Was anyone denied a claim for accident insurance while using only an IDL/IDP after 90 days? Anyone else who was covered by accident insurance after 90 days using an IDP/IDL? Jim Howard has shown the Roads Act and the approval of use of an IDP/IPL, with no time limit mentioned. Others have linked insurance websites with a different 90-day interpretation. How about if you have overseas insurance without this requirement? Anyway, actual tickets/claim experiences would tell us how it really works here.
Steve ****************
OP@Mark *****
yes I'm concerned about having an accident as i almost get killed every time I drive! 😅Mark ******
Yes, can be scary. Would be nice if the DLT posted actual Thai regulations concerning this issue, duration of IDL/IDP use, otherwise open to debate/interpretation, misinformation, which could impact someone severely. I don't know anyone specifically ticketed for not having a Thai driver's license while having a valid IDL but don't know about insurance coverage, which would be the greater concern.
Nongnuch ********
@Steve ***************
after been issued the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit based on retirement from out of a 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O Visa, as soon as the one year extension starts, you will be regarded a "temporary resident" in Thailand. And as such, you need a Thai driving license
Ian **********
@Nongnuch *******
Correct. My local DLT would not issue a licence for me until I had been granted my first one year extension.
Ekkehard *******
@Ian *********
Strange. My local DLT extended my Thai Driving Licence having either a Tourist Visa or Non-Immigrant O Visa (NOT the extension based on that) each time without problems.Ian **********
@Ekkehard ******
I got my original licence with only a visa-exempt stamp but covid meant I was away too long and it ran out. When I returned with a Non O they told me I cannot renew my licence as it was more than a year out of date and I cannot get a new licence until I get my first extension.
Brian *********
Usually 3 years
Richard ********
Usually an International driver license is available for 3 years for stays of less than 3 months perhaps it is different depending on the country - check your IDL - in any case you will not have a problem with the police but perhaps in the event of accident with your insurance
Paul ***********
Suppose to be 90 days
Andy ******
Driving licence here has no connection to different visas
Jim ********
@Andy *****
Actually it does!Andy ******
@Jim *******
how is that ?Jim ********
@Graham *****
Geneva convention
Graham ******
@Jim *******
The bilateral driving agreements are between South East Asian countriesAndy ******
@Jim *******
ok thanksJim ********
@Andy *****
Don't need to be a lawyer to read simple English (I'm actually a retired solicitor!)Andy ******
@Jim *******
oh thanks Mr Facebook lawyer ,now I know all about it !!!Jim ********
@Andy *****
Another gullible mug. Stop listening to the bs and read the Thai Vehicle LawAndy ******
@Jim *******
but the licence has no connection to the visa ,it's time in the country that counts , 3 months on IDP then have to get a Thai drivers licence.Jim ********
@Andy *****
Anyone on a tourist visa (irrespective of length) doesn't need a Thai driver's licence
Steve ********
3 months. Easy to transfer over to a Thai licence.
Terry **********
@Jim *******
on an IDP? Yes there is, 3 months. Best to get a driving license.Jim ********
@Terry *********
Wrong. No 90-day specified under THAI law, only under FACEBOOK law! 😂😂😂Terry **********
@Jim *******
I never actually stated VISA requirements because there isn't. I merely said about my situation. The IDP is actually valid for a year, however can only be used for 90 days during a visit. Go and check with DLT or local police.If you are convinced that there's no requirement that's upto you. However, becareful because if you have an accident and require to use your insurance, the insurance company may refuse you're claim if you don't have have correct licenses etc. Google Roojai insurance and check with them.
Jim ********
@Terry *********
"MAY be limited" 😂😂😂. Is this a Thailand government source? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Keep tryingTerry **********
@Jim *******
***********************************************************************************************************
%20is%20important%20to%20note,often%20up%20to%2090%20days.Jim ********
@Terry *********
I believe the LAW, you believe Facebook. That's a cackle! 😂😂😂Terry **********
@Jim *******
negative bud. Just laughing at you because you actually believe what you're saying. Good luck and stay safe. End of conversation now.Jim ********
@Terry *********
Sign of "lost debate" 😂😂😂Jim ********
@Terry *********
"People that don't do correct checks" Yep! You've just described yourself to a tee! Happy for you to make a strategic retreat! 😂😂😂Terry **********
@Jim *******
I'm not going to argue the toss about this. My post is not misleading at all. If you believe what you are doing is correct then that's up to you. And this is not a cop out on my part, I just can't be bothered with people that don't do correct checks. Ride/drive safe and Happy New year.Jim ********
@Terry *********
Just send me the link to a Thai government reference that this imaginary 90-day limit actually exists. Otherwise stop with your misleading posts! 👍👍👍Terry **********
@Jim *******
Look at @Steve *******
reply to this thread.Terry **********
@Jim *******
do you go back to Aus and renew you're IDP on an annual basis?Jim ********
@Terry *********
The usual "insurance" rubbish! I've lived in Thailand for 16 years, still on my Aussie licence with IDP. Zero insurance issues even though I've had a few accidents with motorcycles (one even ended up in hospital). The whole 90-day thing is internet myth. Many countries have this on law, Thailand doesn't, and as usual the gullible people believe everything they read on Facebook. I've actually produced the LAW, which states "temporarily permitted". You're choosing to believe Facebook posts over the ACTUAL law. Freedom of choice is great, even if in many cases it's delusional! 👍✅Jim ********
There's actually no time limit set by law.
Jo **********
@Jim *******
finally a correct answerGraham ******
A Thai licence is easy to get to cover beyond that
Graham ******
3 months after every entry stamp
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