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

"Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence."

@Phill *****

"The licence needs to have been issued by a country that has a treaty with the Thai government allowing the mutual acceptance of driving licences. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand".

David Broadfoot , see above , 6 months . thats pretty close to what my lawyer told me too . and it all came down to my visa type , non b .

David Broadfoot Usually, a temporary resident is a person who live less than 180 days/year in a country.

@Bobby *******

, im the same , 10 years here driving on my australian licence.

Frédéric Umar Letellier. As I previously stated, officially you cannot obtain a Thai licence if you are on a tourist visa. So if you're a tourist who has been in Thailand what do you do? I've been here almost 12 years and still drive legally on my Australian licence without an IDP. Never had a problem, but I do not own a car here, and only drive rental or leased cars, so the situation might be different.

@Garrett **********

It's in French and Canadian laws as well.

David Broadfoot As per international acceptance, if you stay in a country more than 90 days, you are no more a tourist. If you are not a tourist, you're not supposed to drive with a foreign driving license. Of course, some countries are more lenient than others in that regard.

David I've actually seen it somewhere in the Thai law, not sure if it's the road traffic act or not though.

"An international driving permit (IDP), often (incorrectly) referred to as an international driving licence (IDL), is translation of a domestic driver licence that allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country or jurisdiction that recognises the document.

To be valid, the IDP must be accompanied by a valid driving licence issued in the applicant's country of residence."

Frédéric Umar Letellier. You don't have to apologise. Most countries do not even issue an international driver's licence. An International Driver's Permit is only required if your national licence is not printed in English. By Thai law a tourist cannot officially get a Thai licence. So you're out on three counts. Good luck!

@Bobby *******

Sorry, I issued those licenses in one of my past jobs.

Frédéric Umar Letellier. Completely wrong, but never mind! 🤣

@Michael ******

thank you for explaining me what I wrote above.

@Martin *********

To drive or lease a car in Thailand as a tourist or visitor it is necessary to have either a Thai driving licence or a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph. The foreign licence must either be in English, or be accompanied by an official translation into English or Thai. The licence needs to have been issued by a country that has a treaty with the Thai government allowing the mutual acceptance of driving licences. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Those in doubt should contact their embassy for advice: Click here

An International Driver's License/Permit (IDL/IDP) is also valid in Thailand, and available from a government department or authorized auto club at a small expense. A foreign driving licence valid under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions qualifies the licence holder to apply for the IDL/IDP, and its holders may find that it is more often recognised and accepted by police and civil service officials. Beware of the many IDP/IDL websites that are not legitimate.

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence.

Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid.

H

For information about treaties recognised by the Department of Land Transport: Click

@Martin *********

rubbish

@Bobby *******

Germany is in many ways different. One of the reasons I prefer it here...

And I actually remember the IDL I had once was only valid 6 months.

Martin Kehrwald. Germany is different because it is not a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention.

Update there had been changes, at least for Germans

If I get this right it means Germans soon going to need an IDL.

@Bobby *******

maybe the Google doc martin gave a little lesson...😉

I knew it long too but that's the basic fact about it. Quite simple plus nothing more to add.

Martin Kehrwald. EXACTLY correct! I've been trying to tell people this for ages and get abused for it at times!

@Bobby *******

ok if you own a car and are a resident you have to have a Thai license

Michael Boele. In the time I've been here I've had four accidents, one resulting in a motorcyclist being hospitalised, never had a problem. It might be a condition of insurance for someone who owns a car here, but I only ever rent or lease, I'm not a permanent resident so I'm protected by the 1949 Geneva Convention of which both Australia and Thailand are signatories and therefore bound to accept reciprocal visiting rights. Being on a retirement visa I'm only a temporary visitor so do not require a Thai licence nor an IDP, as they are not required as my licence is written in English.

@Bobby *******

you might have when you have an accident not having a Thai license my friend had to pay for the damage he had in an accident himself because the insurance insisted that he has to have a Thai license icing longer in Thailand then 6 month.

Michael Boele. I've been driving in Thailand for nearly 12 years on my Aussie licence. Never had a problem! 🤣

@Ronald ********

I drive just like you. I was told by the insurance company that as long as the person driving the vehicle has a valid driver's license and according to the rules there is no problem at all, he is insured. I suggest you check this with your insurance company.

@Oren *****

In my case I drive the car when in Thailand, but it is registered in my Thai partner's name.

How would this affect an insurance claim, to be honest I never give it a thought.

She is a non driver, the car more or less stands until I go to Thailand.

Oren Levy. Provided it's in the insurance terms and conditions, otherwise it reverts to the law, which for English language licences does not require an IDP or a Thai licence. I've been driving for twelve years on my Aussie licence, had four crashes, one resulting in hospitalisation of a motorcyclist, and never had a problem. That to me says it all. Some dummies are happy to palm banknotes to bullshitting police officers, and if they're happy to do that, good on them! 🤣

@Bobby *******

It all depends in the end how far the insurance company is willing to go ...

From experience, when they have to pay (and certainly when it comes to a significant amount) they check to the last detail.

Oren Levy. So you check the conditions of your insurance. Not required for rental cars, but might be for your own car. But the law allows all signatory countries reciprocal rights, provided the licence is printed in English

Soeren Ehrhardt. I've never had a problem so it's all good! If you can show me the law I'll be forever indebted to you!

@Bobby *******

that's what the law says. you think it's ok to be indifferent to thai law😢

Remember this when a foreigner pisses on the law of your home country🤔🤔🤔

Soeren Ehrhardt. I'm in my tenth year here. Still don't have a Thai licence! 🤣🤣🤣

the Intl license I got here in Michigan are good for one year from the date that they have it signed out for, it is Grey in Color and much much larger than a normal license. I was stopped in Kachanaburi, and he was not interested in my real license, only the Intl License.

@Sammy ******

Thanks Sammy. If course you speak correctly, and I now have both car and scooter license and insurance. I read somewhere there a certain percentage of people do not understand subtle jokes. This was one. If he heeds my advice, unfortunate for him no, perhaps some day, but it worked twice for me, all with chuckles and handshakes.

@James ***************

well, this is just wishful thinking-- to take a single instance and extrapolate across all Thai police in all provinces. Most officers most certainly, from training and experience seeing them, completely understand the difference between a home country license and an IDP. You may have had a luck experience but that doesn't mean that everyone will, and that you shouldn't obey license regulations. In case of an accident, and not properly licensed, insurance will not cover you, and u will find yourself personally financially liable for injuries and damages.

@Franjo *********

Thailand does not make the rules for length of IDP.

@Christopher **********

yes I’ve been given that advice before by others .

@Lurcho *******

Letting your Thai wife drive is the best advice on this thread! Remember the police decide who is liable in the event of an accident. Blame doesn't come into it. As a foreigner you will be held responsible. If an injured person needs brain surgery and care for the rest of their lives the cost could wipe you out. That's where insurance comes in but can you be sure they would pay out?

@Bobby *******

you are correct. Pulled out my Thai driving licence when stopped in Bali. One slightly disappointed police officer.

Kuan Kuan. You most certainly do not need a Thai licence. Both Singapore and Thailand are signatories to the ASEAN licence agreement

@Kuan *****

the problem with your theory of your Singapore Lic which is I assume on a par with my Australian licence is even though your probably right it’s up to the interpretion of the police officer your dealing with . You can argue the point and end up back at the police station or pay a road side fine of 400 Bht ( that was the fine I was given away )

Remember to some your a cash cow .

Let your wife drive when you can is the advice I give myself .

It is super easy to get a Thai license though 🙂

@Bob *********

took two minutes ??

Even behind locked doors at home, keep 200 baht in pocket anticipating anything.

@Steve *********

yes when I've been up there they get me leaving old town and two minutes later outside again

@Bob *********

CM had 2 scheduled checkpoints at Tha phae conveniently set up at an ATM. w/ min of 8 officers at each.

Havent seen one since Covid but they are making tea money other ways.

@Adrian *****

they might but your picture should be on your IDP

@Steve *********

haven't seen a checkpoint in pattaya since last March

@Bob *********

but with little revenue avail to them now, they want PP in hopes of finding ANYTHING to generate a fine.

No sai sin, dirty sandals etc.

@Bob *********

& if you have accident they will probably want your passport as IDENTIFICATION

@Steve *********

don't tell them you've been here that long the only way they would know is to see your visa or stamp in your passport

Ekkehard Uthke. And this is the 1968 Vienna Convention which includes Germany

Ekkehard Uthke. This is the 1949 Geneva Convention. As you will see it does not include Germany

Ekkehard Uthke. Germany may be different because it was not a signatory to the 1949 convention, and is the 1968 version. The 1949 edition is issued by motoring clubs. So yes, Germany is different. Plus of course in Thailand it is a legal requirement as a German licence is not printed in English. However, the OP is from the UK.

@Bobby *******

No, it is not issued by motoring clubs, but at the motor vehicle registration office. You have to bring your own pass photo and after the application, it will be produced for you to take with you the same day. It is like this in Germany.

Chris Finn. There's actually no such legal document as an International Driver's Licence. There is an IDP which is issued by motoring clubs. IDCs are fake documents sold to dummies on the internet

@Chris *****

but not recognized here after 90 days.

Duncan Riley. Twelve years driving in Thailand on my Aussie licence! No problem!! 🤣🤣🤣

1 year - not sure for a car

David Bromage .As I've said only drive rented or leased vehicles and they are happy with home country licence! If you own a car here it may well be different.

Adrian Hide. Because it's a genuine one. I said the fake scammers charge up to $50 for a worthless piece of cardboard

@Bobby *******

it was about £5 no where near $50

Bob D'Andrea. Aussie IDP has no seal, and stamps are very easy to fake using any half-decent Photoshop software!

@Bobby *******

as long as you have the official stamps to stamp on your cardboard oh yea and the seal

Chris Good. Here's one. Useless piece of junk

David Bromage. That sounds genuine!

@Bobby *******

I have to look at mine at home what the English title says. In German, it is called "Internationaler Führerschein" which translates to International driving license (Google Translate). And yes, of course it is a translation of the local driving licence detailing which classes of cars and motorbikes can be driven.

George Farmer. That may be the case for your own car. I've only ever leased or rented. Home licence (provided it's in English) pulls it up

@Chris *****

Especially as IDPs have been around long before the internet

Chris Good. Plenty of companies advertising IDCs on the internet. Pay $50 for a worthless piece of cardboard

A Thai insurance company can get out of their responsibility if one uses an international permit for more than 3 months consecutively. A Thai DL is easy to obtain if one has an international permit and they do not confiscate your home country license.

@Bobby *******

“it’s an internet scam” what do you mean

@Ekkehard ******

. That's an International Driving Permit which is nothing more than a translation of your home licence. There is no legal document International Driving Licence. It's an internet scam.

@Bobby *******

The International Driving License is a small booklet with grey cover front and back and your passport photo affixed. It cannot easily be printed out on a home printer. At least in my home country it is like this.

@Ted *******

At your local DLT (Department of Land Transport).

David Bromage. An IDP is nothing more than an English translation of a foreign passport. As Thailand, UK and Australia are all signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention and UK licences are actually printed in English, an IDP is not required. There will be an avalanche of people telling you that you need one by law, you actually don't. I've driven in Thailand for nine years in my Australian licence. Never needed an IDP or a Thai Licence. I've had half a dozen accidents in that time, one resulting in a motorcycle rider landing in hospital. I've never been booked, fined, arrested or deported. Much of the fear is that people pay "unofficial" fines to police officers instead of standing their ground. The 1949 convention has been adopted into Thai law so it's all good.

@Ted *******

look on the website

Phil Jones where can you get the Thai license? I am in Surin province

It's valid for 12 months but can only use for 3months

@Bobby *******

the actual international dl will have an expiry date, usually a year or longer. However in Thailand if you drive you ‘have’ to get a Thai DL within 3 months.

@Paul ******

Oh ok . Thanks

@James *********

Your International Driving Permit is valid for 12 m,nths. By Thai law. you can only use it for three months after you arrive in the Kingdom. By Thai law, after you have been here for three months, you need a valis Thai licence.

@James *********

you can drive 3 months with that