thailand
Ask question

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
10 months 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 😃
6,294
views
8
likes
144
all likes
53
replies
0
images
32
users
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)
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Rikki ********
An international driving licences All you need
10 months ago
Like
Reply
John *********
Just because you drive in Australia doesn’t mean you are prepared for the outrageous antics involved in driving in Thailand.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
International DL 100%
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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).
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Ross ************
@Steve ******
 yes
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
logic prevails - one would hope.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
might be able to rent one but try and get covered for an accident......
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Ross ***********
 logic.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Steve *******
@Ross ***********
 for the $35.00 (in Canada at the BCAA office) - takes 2 days you have it - i'll bring both.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Geoffrey ******
It lasts 12 months post office get a photo passport size think it cost all $50
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Geoffrey ******
I’ve has a international license can get from we’re you renew your license
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Bart **************
International (+ your Australian which is part of it)
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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. 🙏
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Bent *************
International
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Duncan *******
You need an IDP from the RACV. If here longer than 3 months, you need to apply for a Thai license.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Durrant ********
With international permit foreigners cannot drive heavy vehicles ( trucks) in Thailand.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian *********
@Andy *********
 things must have changed because my last IDP was only valid for 12 months.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
@Ian ********
 They changed from.the 1940s convention to 1968 version in last 12 months
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian *********
@Andy *********
 ok thanks. We left the UK in November 2021, so that explains it.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ian *********
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *******
Reply
Richard ********
No such thing as an international driving license.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Kim *********
@Richard *******
 that's what some countries call it - Denmark is one of them
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kim *********
Reply
Simon ******
I’m Aussie go to NRMA with photo and $40 and get international license for a year
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris ***********
Or just use Grab
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian *******
International driving permit. Carry both (intl & Aust) with you when driving.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Hugh **********
@Stuart **********
 you may need some residence papers ,
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Hugh *********
 that's the immigration letter.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Kim *********
@David ********
 well some countries actually call it international driving license eg Denmark - I know because I have one
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Kim *********
@Christopher ************
 yes I will do that
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Kim *********
@Christopher ************
. thank you 😊
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kim *********
Reply
Brandon ************
International drivers permit
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Duncanc **********
@Brandon ***********
 which year?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Mia ********
@Graham *****
 did you need the IDP or is the UK license enough? And you didnt need to do the video test?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Mia *******
 as stated above DL & IDL and no video or test
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Mia *******
 As stated above 1949 IDP and no test or video (Sa Kaeo)
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?
138 comments
2 months ago
What are the requirements to obtain a Thai driver's license if I have a German driver's license and an International Driving Permit?
18 comments
2 months ago
Can I transfer my US driver's license and international driving permit to obtain a Thai driver's license without full training?
40 comments
5 months ago
Is it possible to get a Thai driver's license as a tourist? What is the process and requirements?
48 comments
8 months ago
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Thailand with a Malaysian driving license?
18 comments
9 months ago
Can I transfer my American driver’s license to a Thai driver’s license?
57 comments
9 months ago
Are Thai police still strict about enforcing the need for international driver's licenses for foreigners?
25 comments
9 months ago
How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?
22 comments
9 months ago
Can I drive a motorcycle in Thailand with a UK driver's license and get insurance?
13 comments
10 months ago
What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?
98 comments
a year ago
What should I know about driving permits when living long-term in Thailand and visiting my home country?
43 comments
a year ago
Is a Spanish driving license enough to drive in Thailand, or do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
128 comments
a year ago
What do I need to know about driving a motorbike in Thailand without an international driver's license?
57 comments
a year ago
Can you use a US driver's license in Thailand without obtaining a Thai driver's license?
56 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
Do you need residency status to get a driver’s license in Thailand?
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
How can a Thai citizen obtain an International Driver's Permit for temporary use outside Thailand?
15 comments
4 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
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
4 years ago
How can I convert my UK driving licence to a Thai licence, and what are the requirements?
9 comments
6 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
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund 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.