Unanswered5 months ago
What do I need to know about obtaining an IDP and motorcycle license in Thailand?
Has anyone received any update or approval today at HCMC? Thank you all.
Summary so far
The post discusses the nuances of obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) and the requirements for riding motorbikes in Thailand, particularly for expats. Key points include the necessity of having a full motorcycle license for it to be valid in Thailand, concerns about insurance when riding without proper documentation, and the dangers associated with riding in both rural and urban settings. Various comments highlight experiences with IDP issues and police checks, as well as the perceived risks of riding in Thailand.
47 repliesnewest first
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Dek ******
Get international driving licence from post office £5 for 5 yrs i believe
Osian ********
A test in Thailand is around 350 all in, but its not as simple as peeps say, the multiple choice when i sat it, most the falang were failing. The riding part is stupidly simple, there's a guy there renting a motorbike for i think 100bt, it takes 2mins.
Your biggest hurdle is your visa and residential status, tourists cannot obtain a driving license
Your biggest hurdle is your visa and residential status, tourists cannot obtain a driving license
Evelyne **********************
Get your IDP from your home country. Will be easier to get Thai drivers then
Steven *********
Evelyne Agmeessens Thompson you need a full uk bike license to get the correct boxes ticked on your international license otherwise I think you are restricted to a 125cc bike.
Sam *************
When you get the IDP, they will stamp certain boxes on the form to indicate what vehicles you can drive. If they have stamped box A, that covers motorcycles. You will have to discuss with the person filling out the passport whether they are happy with your bike P
Paul **********
You will rarely get asked for a license, if you dont have one it is a small fine and away you go.
1000s rent scooters daily without having proper license and are fine, problems arise if, in you crash and require hospital treatment. Again that's the small minotiry.
1000s rent scooters daily without having proper license and are fine, problems arise if, in you crash and require hospital treatment. Again that's the small minotiry.
Jeff *******
Paul Franklin you will get asked every time you're stopped especially in tourist areas like Phuket. 3rd party damages and hospital treatments can cost you millions of baht in repairs and hospital bills because no insurance company will pay if you're not legal
Paul **********
Jeff Stein yes, there are traffic stops, but not everyday and not everywhere, and it's a fine, nothing more.
People don't need to be lectured by miserable old expats trying to scare them off.
People don't need to be lectured by miserable old expats trying to scare them off.
Jeff *******
Paul Franklin no one is trying to scare anyone off about informing them the truth about consequences (no insurance) when not riding legal. And yes most police stops are in the same place and are everyday all day.
Stevie *****
Only for car
Ant ***********
Yes - but the IDP needs to be obtained in the UK
Jeff *******
Ant W Tailor no. Thailand only recognises a full unrestricted motorcycle license.
Rory *********
Jesus the law no longer exists ,just go to the authorities who issues what you want ,don't listen to singlet unwashed people, embarrassed to be a farang, they not the law
Simon *******
You can get an IDP for a car, make sure you are given the correct one you need a 1968 idp for Vietnam and Thailand, the first time I came to Thailand I was given the wrong IDP that was incorrect for Thailand make sure its a 1968.
I you are thinking of driving in Cambodia you will need a 1949 Idp
I you are thinking of driving in Cambodia you will need a 1949 Idp
Rory *********
Maybe I can help help
Rory *********
Singlet men
Rory *********
Guys ridiculous
Rory *********
Tristan nobody knows, only the authorities, so not listen here
Andy *****
Rory Cameron but different authorities have different ideas. A police check you will probably get away with riding a motorbike on a car IDP, however an accident will move it up to a different level. Heaven forbid it is serious then as a Farang you will be in deep shite.
Rory *********
Andy Bee be safe use bolt etc...believe me and easier, also not expensive, just be safe
Rory *********
Andy Bee hmmmm
Glennstev ***********
Rory Cameron it doesn't matter if you have the correct documents or not.The police will always blame the foreigner even if Thai fault.The thinking is if farangi not here there would not be an accident..An old man with no license and no lights crashed into the back of me.I had to pay compo and his ambulance fees
Giorgio ******
let the people do the search for you ( you are one of those )
Rory *********
They not the government
Rory *********
Don't ask here
Rory *********
Simple
Rory *********
Google, or look at their terms ,don't believe old timers
Rory *********
Really are you unable to research yourself, on there site
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