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What changes are being proposed regarding the use of an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand?
Thai driver's licenseInternational Driving Permit (IDP)Visa regulationsExpatriate life in ThailandDriving regulationsRoad safety in Thailand
Jun 20, 2025
10 months ago
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThailand looking to make changes with IDP to 2 year license. Will have to take written test if this passed and cant use IDP to bypass it anymore
TLDR : Answer Summary
Thailand is considering changes regarding the International Driving Permit (IDP) that would mandate all foreigners with an IDP to take a written test to obtain a Thai driver's license, eliminating the current ability to bypass this requirement. This proposal has sparked a heated discussion among expats, with many commenting on its potential impact on tourism and road safety. Although not yet law, the change signifies a stricter approach to driving regulations in Thailand, which some believe could deter tourists and expatriates from staying long-term.
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Chris *****
Another restriction against farang...Thaïlande turn raciste at high level .
Who want invest or make any plans in a instable country ?
Bank account deleted , visas harder , driving licence out ...
RUP
Who want invest or make any plans in a instable country ?
Bank account deleted , visas harder , driving licence out ...
RUP
Jo **********
just use your foreign license it works fine never had a problem
Terary **********
Who uses licenses ?
Chuck **********
They keep making it harder for foreigners to stay in Thailand! Why when tourism and expats spend so much money?
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chuck *********
if you are staying in thaialnd yiur IDP isnt honored past 90 days, the written test is easy and cheap. If you want to stay here for long period of time do it the right way or risk fines up to 2000 baht and or 1 month in jail. Thats what you faceChuck **********
@Andrew *******
retirement, renew in March 1stChuck **********
@Andrew *******
I have a Thai drivers license! But after the 2 years are up does one have to do a written test to get the 10 year one? Got my 2 year in February.Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnd what your visa is how long you can be here
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chuck *********
I do not think so if you already have the license its the same thing just longer timeReply to
Andrew ********
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Pete *******
@Andrew *******
nonsense, there is no 90 day limit to the IDP, that’s an urban myth. Under Thai law the IDP must just be valid.Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
yes and if read in your booklet it also says to be aware and follow local guidelines of the country you are in, thai law accepts the IDP under tourism 90 days, past that they dont go get a license. Im in thailand and this was made very clear to me by the DLT when i asked :) im here with a student visa i got my license here in first month... i have and IDP :) First hand knowledge I Asked cause wahat inside the book said. If you read the international agreement they all signed it was established for TOURISM ... staying past 30 days in any country is more than enough "tourism" thailalnd only accepts it under tourism not a 5 year visa :) even with a paid 1 year visa for tourism its till only good 90 days at a time with extension then you have to leave
Pete *******
@Andrew *******
the 90 day limit is an urban myth. There is nothing in Thai law limiting the usage to 90 days. Under Thai law in order to exercise your treaty rights you must be an alien who does not hold a Non Immigrant visa and has a valid IDP along with a valid home country license. You can drive using an IDP until it’s validity date, or the validity date of your home license, without any other limitation.Reply to
Pete *******
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Samuel ********
Well guess this doesn’t apply to me as I already hold two Thai licences (permanent five year forms) along with a Thai IDP 😆
Just do the extra steps they want from you bro, in your home country I guarantee it takes so much longer.
Just do the extra steps they want from you bro, in your home country I guarantee it takes so much longer.
Mike ******
Thailand continues to shoot itself in the foot then bemoans the low tourist numbers. Is there anyone with a brain in charge? 40+ road users die EVERY DAY thro having no police force; no driving test/licence yet they single out foreigners who have had to EARN their licences.
Sue **********
@Mike *****
The majority of the tourists don‘t even stay that long in Thailand to have to change their DL into TH DL.Mike ******
I live in Thailand; there are so many car/motor bike hire companies it is hard to imagine they are only for domestic use. In Pattaya, there are gangs of Arab youths who continually battle the police for street control - they stay for long periods.
Reply to
Mike ******
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Christian **********
@Mike *****
I suspect there's not a single potential visitor to Thailand who will be dissuaded from visiting because of a written driver's license test.Mike ******
It's an accumulation of things that finally break the camel's back. A written driving test is just another hoop put in the way of potential tourists. Every day in Thailand 40+ people are killed on the roads; primarily because the general population have no licences; are useless drivers; there's no police force. Foreigners here, are among the few who have had to earn the right to drive by being tested on the roads AND in theory. To single them out is a racist policy (like the fee to enter National Parks which is TEN times the local fee). Thailand professes to want tourists - just not foreign ones.
Reply to
Mike ******
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Sean **********
Yes, same here
Steve *******
What is the law currently, about obtaining an IDP with your thai license, for driving abroad?
Jordee ******
Honestly, I personally don't care what they do. I have no intention of driving in this country. I don't enjoy it at all. You're constantly worried.
Peter **********
In fact many Land Transport departments don’t know anything about IDPs. Appendix 7 of the Vienna treaty states that the frontpage of the IDP must be in the language of the issuing country.
But my IDP was refused because the validity on the frontpage was stamped with “maart” which is Dutch for March.
I showed the supervisor the appendix of the treaty but he refused. “Thailand IDPs have English and your country must do the same.”
(Which is incorrect)
I had to fly to Bangkok and ask for an English translation at the Dutch embassy (with their official stamps). 🙄
But my IDP was refused because the validity on the frontpage was stamped with “maart” which is Dutch for March.
I showed the supervisor the appendix of the treaty but he refused. “Thailand IDPs have English and your country must do the same.”
(Which is incorrect)
I had to fly to Bangkok and ask for an English translation at the Dutch embassy (with their official stamps). 🙄
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter *********
all the IDP i have seen front page is englishPeter **********
@Andrew *******
Well… It’s not forbidden to translate the first page. But it’s not mandatory. If you look well at those translated IDP, and you seem to have seen hundreds or so, then of course you have noticed that the non-native language is in Italic print. As mandated by the treaty.The treaty specifically states that the first page must be in (one of) the native language of the issuing country. Additional translations (e.g. Thailand provides an *ADDED* English translation) must be in Italic print.
Go find the treaty text if you think you know better.
PS You may have seen an American or a British IDP. These countries are (sort of) native English.
Reply to
Peter **********
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Morris *****
Great. Now Phuket will be safer from all the ignorant farang especially the Russians and Ukrainians.
Stephan ***********
@Morris ****
Well... the most Thais have a license... and look what is going on in the streets... so... 😁Morris *****
@Stephan **********
You also have to take into consideration that it’s Thailand so obviously there are more Thai people than farang. The sample size is much larger with Thai people operating motor vehicles than farang so of course per capita there will be more accidents with Thai people. But on a smaller scale with farang, I’m willing to bet the rate of accidents is much higher than Thai people.
Reply to
Morris *****
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Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Morris ****
having a license doesn't change ones driving habits 😒if jusit says at some point they knew better and paid the fee to have the cardEryk ************
@Morris ****
Sorry to disappoint you but this won't change because Russians don't care about any licences at all.Morris *****
@Eryk ***********
You’re right. They need to be deported.Reply to
Morris *****
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Steve ********
It seemed to me that they should start testing all those gazillions of scooter riders….I don’t think many would pass any kind of a test…!!! They are worse than mosquitos!!!…
Scott ******
Is there an English language written test available?
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Scott *****
yes there is i did it in my first month here. First day I sat and did practice test then practice road test .. second day i was there watched more videos ... road test then written test it really is easy just took all day as per requirement for hours at class for license.Christian **********
@Scott *****
Frankly it's a pretty easy test. A couple of ringers but I'm guessing there's a Reddit thread or two that have it sussed.Stephan ***********
@Scott *****
It is... well... kind of english / tinglish... and some questions you have to answer wrong to get it counted as "correct", but hey... you need only 90% (*****
) correct answers to pass... 🙄🤔😁Brandon ************
@Scott *****
yes but many say the wording doesn't make senseReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Pete *******
I think this is badly written. You have never been able to just use an IDP to obtain a temporary license it has always required physically presenting your home country license.
Dwayne ********
So still just a fine if driving with an expired license.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dwayne *******
yes a fine not to exceed 2000 baht and or 1 month in jail. That is what the law says, fact you just get a 500 baht fine is the discretion of the cop at the timeDwayne ********
@Andrew *******
never jail time for a respectful well groomed foreigner. Jail is only for millennials.Reply to
Dwayne ********
Reply
Adrian ********
Eryk ************
Sure, because nothing screams "international standards" like daily near-misses and chaotic intersections in Thailand 🤦♂️. Maybe start by testing local drivers first - many of them wouldn't pass a proper driving test in a country with civilized traffic.
Peter ****************
For my second 5 year drivers license, I had to do an online test already (Korat/Chokchai DLT). look 4 movies, 2 Thai with subtitles and 2 in English. When one movie is finished, they ask a question about it. So 4 questions in total. Many are 'kick in an open door' for us.
Ellen **********
More people will stop going toThailand and go to Vietnam or elsewhere. Why is Thailand not accepting an international driving licence. Its INTERNATIONAL. What is so special about Thailand?? That 10 year old local kids drive bikes without helmet? Crossing with red lights?? Making U turns on double lines?? And then they cry because there are less tourist coming.
Andy ****
@Ellen *********
the IDP is I believe still valid when carried with your home foreign licence for 3 months, so would be okay for most tourists. Should you wish to stay in Thailand longer and drive it's then you need to get a Thai driving licence and of course have an appropriate visa.Craig *******
Less tourists can only be a good thing IMHO.
Sue **********
@Craig ******
why should torists change their DL? Most tourists don‘t stay that long in Thailand anyway?Craig *******
@Sue *********
Their country. Their rules.Reply to
Craig *******
Reply
Jim ********
@Ellen *********
they aren’t stopping accepting IDP’s it’s just you cannot get a Thai licence without a test. You can still drive/ride legally if you have an IDPBrandon ************
@Ellen *********
they're not going to stop accepting IDPs. They're going to stop letting you skip the written test to get a Thai drivers license if you have an IDPMarcel ***
@Ellen *********
Vietnam even don't accept a driver's license from any ASEAN country 👀 in Thailand you also can drive with Indonesian licensePete *******
@Ellen *********
there is no such animal as an international driving licence. It is an international driving permit that legalises your home country driving licence under the convention. Thailand accepts and will continue to accept IDPs.Ellen **********
@Pete ******
yes, you are right. Its a permit.Reply to
Ellen **********
Reply
Reed **********
What about if you have a license at home and you just want to transfer that over to whatever class you had at home
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Reed *********
for Americans you have to get the state department involved to use reciprocal agreements, taking the course and test here is faster and beneficial to understand the laws here just my opinion. Driving in thailand IS NOT driving in the statesJo **********
@Andrew *******
the laws there are none!Garrett ***********
@Andrew *******
I'm about to suspend you for spreading false information. Knock it offReed **********
I definitely agree and I'm really sick of seeing the really young tourist hop on a scooter when they have Never driven one. They are the worst drivers here. I find the locals drive very well, people say Bangkok has the worst drivers in the world but I think people here drive very pleasant maybe I'm just used to how people in Asia drive now. I think in most cases I would take the drivers of Bangkok over the drivers of some of the southern states I've lived in.
Reply to
Reed **********
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Lucas **********
Was waiting for this....
Garrett ***********
@Lucas *********
For what?Lucas **********
@Garrett **********
this.....Reply to
Lucas **********
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John ********
I’ve seen lots of driving there and I don’t think the problem lies with us TBH
Terry *******
And can you make so we can share
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terry ******
its a private group click the post to share itReply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Garrett ***********
Just to clarify, this hasn't become a law/regulation yet. And all this does is remove the ability to NOT take the written test to get a Thai drivers license if you have a IDP from your home country.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
its a heads up for people who use the border runs scheme wishing to stay here for more then 90 days as the IDP is only good here for 90 days. Personally its just a good idea to get a license here if people wish to stay longer then 90 days, meaning if they do 60 days and then run the border come back over and over again. Just smarter to get the temp 2 year license then face a fine up to 2000 baht and or 1 month in jail The written test is only 50 questions and is easy
John *********
@Andrew *******
is this applicable to motorcycle too?Keith *******
@Andrew *******
That's an internet myth the 90-day limit. IDP is valid until its expiry.Ian ******
@Andrew *******
Presumably you will not be expected to write in Thai then?Pete *******
@Andrew *******
there is no 90 limit on an IDP, it is good until the end of it’s validity date.Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
its good for a year to travel with thailand its only valid for 90 days ( tourist stamp ) if you are here for example on a DTV it will only be good for 90 daysDany ********
@Andrew *******
incorrect. there is no law that states a 3 month validity for IDP. read the official law text. it is super generalized and only states „have a valid license“. it isnt limited. fake newsPete *******
@Andrew *******
incorrect, it is valid until it expires. There is no law regarding 90 days usage. As long as you are not on a Non Immigrant visa then the IDP is valid until it or your home country license expires. I stand to be corrected if you can state the relevant law.Graham ******
@Pete ******
It is valid up to the expiry date but can only be used in Thailand for up to 90 days from your current entry stampKeith *******
@Graham *****
Incorrect. That's an old internet myth. There's nowhere in Thai law which states 90 days.Dany ********
@Graham *****
incorrectPete *******
@Graham *****
nope, it’s valid until it or your home country license expires. There is no 90 day law. As long as your not on a Non Immigrant visa and are a tourist then the IDP is good until it expires. Always stand to be corrected, can you give me a legal source for the 90 day limit?Jo **********
@Pete ******
where is written officially that if your on a non immigrant visa the IDP does not applyPete *******
@Jo *********
not only is it actually written on the permit itself (Page 2 inside front cover, second paragraph) but under Thai law only aliens without a non immigrant visa may exercise their treaty rights by driving on a home licence in conjunction with an IDP.Jo **********
@Pete ******
ok thank you. Very clear. But rarely enforcedReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Andrew *******
Bro, what are you even talking about. Stop making stuff up.Reply to
Garrett ***********
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