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What are the requirements for driving legally in Thailand with an Australian driver's license?

Driving in ThailandInternational Driving PermitThai Driving LicenseVisa RegulationsExpat Advice
Feb 2, 2024
a year ago
Brett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all,

Seeking advice on driving in Thailand. I have a full Victorian (Australian) drivers license and want to drive in Thailand legally.

What license do I need ?. A Thai license or International license or something else.?

Will any conditions on my Victorian license transfer to my Thai license?

Thanks in advance 😃
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To drive legally in Thailand with a Victorian (Australian) driver's license, you need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan on staying for less than three months. For stays longer than three months, it is recommended to apply for a Thai driver's license in addition to having your IDP. The process to obtain a Thai license is straightforward, requiring a letter from immigration, a medical certificate, a short video, and some simple tests. It's important to carry both your home license and the IDP while driving.
Sue **********
International driving permit (IDP)
a year ago
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Why****
A word of advice from an old timer...

Sounds like you're unfamiliar with the Thai road rules (none)... unless you know the traffic system expectations from local drivers your chances of a sure collision are grossly enhanced and likely. Even if you are familiar with the local system it is not unheard for a local driver to target a farlang driver with a purpose of colliding in effort to gain a financial winfall by means of compesation. It's your choice... my suggestion, grab a taxi.
a year ago
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Faro *****
Have your international driving licence from Australia and original licence. As a tourist you can apply for a Thai driving licence, take the test and once passed you get a Thai driving licence valid for 2 years. If you have a non immigrant visa or retirement visa your Thai driving lucence will be valid for 5 years. Make sure that it is mentioned in your Australian international driving licence that it is valid for Thailand. There are many agencies that charge you a few thousand Bhat and help you with the classes and test and you will have both your motorcycle and car licence after a few days. Good luck
a year ago
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Rikki ********
An international driving licences All you need
a year ago
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John *********
Just because you drive in Australia doesn’t mean you are prepared for the outrageous antics involved in driving in Thailand.
a year ago
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Steve *******
International DL 100%
a year ago
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Ross ************
This is from Australian Embassy in Thailand

See also: Australian Electoral Commission

International Driving Permits

If you do not hold a Thai driver's licence and wish to drive in Thailand, you need an international driving permit (IDP), as well as your Australian licence. If you drive without the correct licence, you could be arrested or jailed.

An IDP is a document sanctioned by the United Nations. It lets you drive or ride a motorbike when travelling overseas. An IDP:

works in more than 150 countries

is printed in nine languages, so that local authorities can read it

is valid for 12 months from the date they're issued

includes photo ID and key personal information about the driver.

Many rental companies won’t let you hire a vehicle without a valid IDP. Some insurance policies won’t cover you for an accident if you're driving a vehicle without an authorised licence.

We strongly recommend you get a valid IDP before leaving Australia. You can apply for an IDP online (Australian Automobile Association, AAA). Or, through your state or territory motoring club.

Learn more about International Driving Permits and how to get one (Australian Automobile Association, AAA).
a year ago
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Ross ************
Further to my post above, I have been coming to Thailand for 12 years, got an IDP twice. Then I was informed of an international treaty re driving licences and that countries party to that treaty recognised and accepted drivers using their national licences in the countries party to said treaty. Conditional to photoid on licence. I have been pulled over with IDP and police only wanted my licence. I have been pulled over with no IDP and no issues. I found the following which has some contradiction with info from Australian Embassy. I have not researched currency with the laws today. To be 100%, if that's possible with the law, a person would need to check up-to-date versions of relevant documents: According to the UN Traffic Act of 1949 and the Thai Traffic Act of 1979, an IDP is not required if you are a tourist/visitor in Thailand as long as your license is in English, has a photo, and your country is a contracting state of the 1949 treaty, which most are. (See motoring law below) If you are a resident, however, you require a Thai drivers license. As a tourist, rental car companies, insurance companies and police will all accept your home license. Still, it not a bad idea to obtain a legitimately issued INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP) before you leave your home country.
a year ago
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Steve *******
not sure about renting a motorcycle - might need to have a motorcycle license in your home country to be covered by thai insurance. yes/no?
a year ago
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Ross ************
@Steve ******
 yes
a year ago
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Steve *******
logic prevails - one would hope.
a year ago
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Steve *******
might be able to rent one but try and get covered for an accident......
a year ago
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Ross ************
@Steve ******
 think about it : riding a motorcycle without a licence is illegal - even in Thailand. Now think of any circumstance when you can get insurance cover for illegal activity?
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Ross ***********
 logic.
a year ago
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Steve *******
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Steve *******
@Ross ***********
 for the $35.00 (in Canada at the BCAA office) - takes 2 days you have it - i'll bring both.
a year ago
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Steve *******
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Geoffrey ******
It lasts 12 months post office get a photo passport size think it cost all $50
a year ago
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Geoffrey ******
I’ve has a international license can get from we’re you renew your license
a year ago
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Henrik *****
Remember you can only get International Driving License for the same catagories as you have in you home country.

No motorcycle driving license at home =

No International motorcycle driving license in Thailand
a year ago
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John *******
I believe that the drivers permit is only valid for the length of the visa/visa free stamp you get too no matter what the permit dates say
a year ago
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Bart **************
International (+ your Australian which is part of it)
a year ago
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James *********
Qualified to drive an auto with home license and an IDP for 3 months in Thailand, under same restrictions as noted on your home license. To operate a motorbike here you'll need to be licensed for that as well. 🙏
a year ago
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Kev **********
So few comments say you can drive on just uk license as long as you Within 3 month of arriving 🤷🏻‍♂️ conflicted info for sure but tit
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
@Kev *********
 you can drive for 3 months with a licence from your home country and an international driving permit. You are a tourist for up to 3 months. After that you need a Thai driving licence as you will no longer be viewed as a tourist.
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
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Bent *************
International
a year ago
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Duncan *******
You need an IDP from the RACV. If here longer than 3 months, you need to apply for a Thai license.
a year ago
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Durrant ********
With international permit foreigners cannot drive heavy vehicles ( trucks) in Thailand.
a year ago
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Andy **********
The IDP is basically a transcription of your driving licence. It's issued in your home country. Thailand updated to the 1968 convention which gives you a 3 year permit or to the expiry of your home licence, whichever comes first.
a year ago
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Ian *********
@Andy *********
 things must have changed because my last IDP was only valid for 12 months.
a year ago
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Andy **********
@Ian ********
 They changed from.the 1940s convention to 1968 version in last 12 months
a year ago
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Ian *********
@Andy *********
 ok thanks. We left the UK in November 2021, so that explains it.
a year ago
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Ian *********
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Jason **********
As far as I’m aware there is no need for an international licence as your licence is in English. If you stay 3 months or longer, you’ll need to apply for a Thai licence.
a year ago
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John *******
@Jason *********
 if you do not show International licence/permit when stopped by Police you will be fined, a UK Permit / licence now lasts for 3 years
a year ago
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John *******
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Richard ********
No such thing as an international driving license.
a year ago
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Kim *********
@Richard *******
 that's what some countries call it - Denmark is one of them
a year ago
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Kim *********
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Simon ******
I’m Aussie go to NRMA with photo and $40 and get international license for a year
a year ago
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Chris ***********
Or just use Grab
a year ago
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Declan **********
International driving permit if you're here short term, if you're going to be here long term then you will need a Thai licence.

Which is relatively straightforward just apply when you get here but make sure you still have an IDP. You will need a medical certificate from a doctor here and you will have to take a few very simple tests, once done you'll be given a 2 year permit.
a year ago
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Ian *******
International driving permit. Carry both (intl & Aust) with you when driving.
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
How long are you planning on staying here Brett?

If 3 months or less the International Driving Permit you can obtain in Aus is fine.

If longer than 3 months, come with the IDP, but during those 3 months apply for a Thai Driving licence. It is easy to obtain if you have the IDP and your Aus licence. You need a letter from immigration, medical certificate from a doctor here (easy), watch a video for an hour, do a few sight/reaction tests and you walk away with a 2 year licence.
a year ago
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Hugh **********
@Stuart **********
 you may need some residence papers ,
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
@Hugh *********
 that's the immigration letter.
a year ago
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Stuart ***********
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David *********
There is no such thing as an international driving licence. You can get an international driving permit from your home country. This allows you to drive in a foreign country that participates in this programme. You also have to have your license from your country with you when driving in that foreign country. This is meant to be used while visiting a country and is not meant to be long term. If you want to drive long periods of time in a foreign country then you should obtain a drivers license from that country.
a year ago
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Kim *********
@David ********
 well some countries actually call it international driving license eg Denmark - I know because I have one
a year ago
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Christopher *************
@Kim ********
 that's just a translation ,David's message is spot on , if you plan to live in thailand then get a thai licence it's not difficult
a year ago
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Kim *********
@Christopher ************
 yes I will do that
a year ago
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Christopher *************
@Kim ********
 go on the DLT website to book an appointment. Get a residence certificate from your local immigration office and a medical certificate from local hospital or clinic before appointment
a year ago
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Kim *********
@Christopher ************
. thank you 😊
a year ago
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Kim *********
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Brandon ************
International drivers permit
a year ago
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Duncanc **********
@Brandon ***********
 which year?
a year ago
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Graham ******
@Duncanc *********
 I got my Thai DL last month with my UK photo DL and my 1949 IDP. In my province (SA Kaeo) not driving test or video required. in and out in 75 minutes.
a year ago
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Mia ********
@Graham *****
 did you need the IDP or is the UK license enough? And you didnt need to do the video test?
a year ago
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Graham ******
@Mia *******
 as stated above DL & IDL and no video or test
a year ago
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Graham ******
@Mia *******
 As stated above 1949 IDP and no test or video (Sa Kaeo)
a year ago
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Graham ******
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