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What do you need to legally ride a 125cc scooter in Thailand?
Sep 6, 2022
4 years ago
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes anyone know what you need to be able to legally ride a 125cc scooter in Thailand? Does a full UK drivers licence, international drivers licence and CBT training do the job?
TLDR : Answer Summary
To legally ride a 125cc scooter in Thailand, you generally need a motorcycle license from your home country or a Thai motorcycle license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement can also be valid for 90 days. However, after that period, or if you're planning to stay longer, you will need to obtain a Thai driver's license. The process can involve passing a quick test and possibly completing a course, which costs around 2000 baht. Be aware that requirements may vary by province and police enforcement can differ, so it's advisable to ensure you're compliant to avoid fines.
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Terry ********
Folks. Please remember it is up to the police officer that pulls you over. If you just arrived then you can probably use for 2 months. However, after 2 months you will need a Thai license. Again, every province has different rules or interpret the law differently. I have Canadian bike with IDP and have been charged in CNX. 500 bahts if they actually write you a ticket. 1000 if they strong arm you. Fact is when they take your keys you are at their mercy. I would suggest to anyone just go get a Thai one. Very easy. But like I said every province seems to make up their own rules. And for 200 Bahts it costs the keys stay me and I ride away.
Ken ********
Licence to ride at home so your UK Bike Licence and and international driving permit. The permit costs about the same as your first fine and your travel insurances will cover you
Tom ********
Balls
John ********
You need a motorcycle endorsement in your home country and a international drivers license and your good to go
Gregg *************
You need a thai drivers lic
K**
@Rai ****
she can help you about thai license 💯John ********
Please define CBT...
Nick ****************
@John *******
compulsory basic training. They have for UK where motorcycle accidents are 2% of total. They don’t have in Thailand where motorcycle accidents are 80% of total!!!Reply to
Nick ****************
Reply
Patrick ********
International license or Thai license.. UK license no good.
Paul *******
@Patrick *******
Actually, because the UK licence is in English it meets the international convention and therefore is good.Kerrie ******************
we used uk licence ,,, had no problem
Patrick ********
@Kerrie ***************
if you got stopped by police you would be fined so don't send stupid messageKerrie ******************
@Patrick *******
been to thailand a good few times so i know what i am on about ,we were stopped and as we had licence with us photo licence we were ok and NOT fined , if your moving over there you will have to sit a test like our friend ron did . @Colin *****
can you help a little more incase i am mistaken ,Colin ******
@Kerrie ***************
...The law is you must have an International Driver's Licence..Fines have now been increased to 4000 baht and double for each offence thereafter..Reply to
Colin ******
Reply
Darren ******
@Patrick *******
i got both my thai car and bike licence by producing my UK licence ... Ok I had to do an hour online question / video then do a simple test and was given both 500b plus 200b to the doctorJames ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Darren *****
thanks for this - did you have to supply a residency permit for this?Darren ******
@James *******
docs test cert. Res cert.Then off to do test ... I went for my car test and my gf said Darren passed his car test can he have his bike licence too , they said yes.
I have never had a bike licence previously in any country.
Reply to
Darren ******
Reply
Patrick ********
@Darren *****
Same me in Chiang Rai easy but Thai love photcopiesReply to
Patrick ********
Reply
K**
if you need thai license just message
@Rai ****
she can help you 💯 😊Chris *********************
OMG
Carl ***********
I have both in the UK, so I went to the DLT with all the forms now have two driving licences for each one which is handy as I keep each one with each car/bike
Zed ********
All the info is here, James:
*********************************************
Paul *******
@Zed *******
Good information as a guide but it not a (Thai Government) authoritive document.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Zed *******
so helpful, thank youZed ********
@James *******
good luck :)Reply to
Zed ********
Reply
Doug ********
Gotta love these new questions on this page. Amazing that no one has asked that before. If only there was a way to search the topics in this group. 🤔
Alexis **********
Go to the postoffice in the UK and get a international driving permit. It's good for a year. £10
John **********
@Alexis *********
the permit is good for a year, but it's only valid for 3 months in ThailandAngelik *******
@John *********
my friend has been using it for over 5 years here, but he lives in a small town :)Reply to
Angelik *******
Reply
Steve *******
You need a UK or Thai motorbike license. A full UK driving license wont cut it.
Bonnie *********
International motorcycle license. That, or 500 baht every time you get caught.
Paul *******
@Bonnie ********
There is no such thing as an international licence. There is an International Drivers Permit.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Nick ******
I showed a full uk license when I got stopped this year, I still got a fine and was told I needed an IDP which I’ve just got from the post office for £5:50 so hopefully no further fines 🤔
John **********
@Nick *****
bear in mind that an IDP is only good for 3 months in Thailand even though it's valid for a year. After 3 months you need a Thai licenseRicky ******
@John *********
3 months after you first use it? If so, how would they know? I have one issued in March that I'm yet to use.Paul *******
@Ricky *****
They know easily because as a foreigner you are required to carry your passport. And if you are not a tourist (again see your visa or stamp in your passport), you are required to have a Thai licence. Eg, Long term Visa or Retirement/ Marriage visa or extension then you are not a tourist.John **********
@Ricky *****
nope. Three months from the point you enter Thailand within the years validity.Ricky ******
@John *********
OK, that's quite a surprise, but thank you and maybe saved me from a future problem.Reply to
Ricky ******
Reply
Nick ******
@John *********
thanks for the heads up 👌Reply to
Nick ******
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John ********
Need a Motorcycle license in your home country, or expect a ticket or you can offer to pay it in cash to the officer without wasting the officers pen ink😬
John **********
If your IDP shows you are entitled to drive a motorbike your good to go for 3 months then you need to obtain a Thai license. If it doesn't you have to take a test in Thailand
Terry ********
@John *********
False. Sorry but every cop sets his own rules.John **********
@Terry *******
they may try but if you accept that then that's your problemBe legal and you've little to worry about
Terry ********
@John *********
Until they take your keys. I am legal. Watched the 6 hours of videos. Passed my 3 cone test. Dang. Was a wasted day but I am fully legal. Remember everyone. Every district is different. What happens in your district might not be the same in another. With license and plates gives you 25,000 bahts hospital care. Well worth the 900-1000 yearly tag.Reply to
Terry ********
Reply
Wyn **********
Just get the Thai bike licence through agent 1500 bht roughly all in. They take you get it for you all you do is press a pedal on red then you pass your test. They take you home job done.
Winston ********
@Wyn *********
where is this done? im in Pathum ThaniWyn **********
@Winston *******
Pattaya.Winston ********
agent contact please
Reply to
Winston ********
Reply
Rosfield ********
@Wyn *********
I've seen pricing from 3-4k baht..your quote is cheapest! Have a contact for?Wyn **********
@Rosfield *******
I used Tik Tok in Pattaya.Rosfield ********
@Wyn *********
Ha..ok. I don't use tiktok but makes sense Pattaya would be significantly cheaperReply to
Rosfield ********
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Hamid *******
In Thailand only one driver license for all the bike 50cc or 1800cc all the same. As a tourist is okay but if you are in Thailand for more than 3 months you’ll need a thai driver license.
Russell *******
You need a full UK motorcycle license
Russell *******
@Aaron ***************
it's very different here ,or at the closest office koh samui. They require a letter translation from your embassy,then some tests and videos to watch.Aaron ****************
@Russell ******
incorrectRussell *******
@Aaron ***************
really ? I understood that you need a full motorcycle license and a international driving permit and that will allow 90 days .Aaron ****************
@Russell ******
an international driving permit, yes. If you have a full UK car license the RAC usually endorse the bike stamp on the IDP. As far as Thai authorities are concerned, the average UK car license appears to have bikes also, it's how I got my Thai bike license.Russell *******
@Aaron ***************
I thought most people in the UK get the international driving permit. Why would they agree to something you don't have. I have heard very different about achieving a Thai licenseAaron ****************
@Russell ******
yes, get the IDP, and if the back of your license looks the same as mine, they stamp the bike endorsement.The land transport office in Chiang Mai were also convinced I had a bike license back home, and gave me a Thai license accordingly.
Russell *******
@Aaron ***************
sounds like you were just luckyAaron ****************
@Russell ******
with regards to the Thai license, every British guy I know with a license like mine didn't have to do a test at the land transport officeReply to
Aaron ****************
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Steve ********
As long as the UK licence includes motorcycle, no problem. No such thing as an international licence. There's an IDP which simply confirms which classes of vehicle you can drive/ride. No idea where CBT comes into it
Kool *******
For any insurance to cover you, accident insurance, or any health insurance, you must have a valid motorcycle license if you are driving. That is pretty standard everywhere in the world in countries requiring a motorcycle license. Basically if you get in an accident, and end up in the hospital, it will be you paying cash to get out of the hospital, as insurance isn't covering anything because you didn't have a valid license from anywhere. Places will rent you motorbikes, but none of them sell insurance to go with the rental.
Aaron ****************
IDP is easy and cheap to obtain in the UK. RAC always stamp the motorcycle endorsement on the IDP, and the UK license appears to have motorbikes due to the confusing moped and motortrike endorsements on the back.
If you have a full UK car license, you can get both car and bike licenses in Thailand without a test, which is also very cheap and easy (and kinda cool to have).
InsureAndGo Lite can give you and annual travel insurance for about £27 (for single trips up to 90 days), and add motorbike (up to 125cx) cover for about another £10.
If you have a full UK car license, you can get both car and bike licenses in Thailand without a test, which is also very cheap and easy (and kinda cool to have).
InsureAndGo Lite can give you and annual travel insurance for about £27 (for single trips up to 90 days), and add motorbike (up to 125cx) cover for about another £10.
Steve ********
@Aaron ***************
My point exactly. You will find many like-minded people in the GoFundMe pages, where their deluded belief that an IDP was some sort of magic document, but is nothing but a translation issued by a motoring club! 😆Steve ********
@Aaron ***************
Good luck with that one. The police and insurers here are a little smarter than most people give credit!Aaron ****************
@Steve *******
good luck with what? I showed my UK license to the transport office in Chiang Mai and they gave me full car and bike licenses. I have a full license in Thailand. But for years before I used to IDP with the bike endorsement and my UK car license, it was fine. And final thing, no, the authorities are NOT smarter than most people give credit, insurance companies are a different thing, they will find any excuse not to pay out
Reply to
Aaron ****************
Reply
Steve ********
@Aaron ***************
You need to have a UK motorcycle licence to ride in Thailand. Car licence alone won't sufficeAaron ****************
@Steve *******
please read what i just said. The RAC always stamp the bike endorsement on the IDP, the UK car license appears to the Thai authorities to allow bike riding. To the extent they will even transfer it to a Thai bike license.You do not need a UK bike license to ride in Thailand
Reply to
Aaron ****************
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Shayne **********
Make sure you have insurance that specifically mentions riding motorbikes on international licences. You also need a bike licence in your home country, if you don't and ride a motorcycle in Thailand nothing you have means anything.
Peter **********
12 pack
Terry ********
No. You need a Thai motorcycle license. Easy to get. Quick test and off you go. Or 2000 bahts for 1 day course and you get. But do you just want the license or do you want to actually learn?
Ellen *******
@Terry *******
motorcycle license yes, but doesn't have to be a Thai oneTerry ********
@Ellen ******
depends on the cop. Produce a Canadian bike license, with IDP and see how far it goes. 2000 bahts now or they take your keys.Ellen *******
@Terry *******
maybe I have been lucky until sofar 😏Reply to
Ellen *******
Reply
Shane ********
Only course I can find is Honda safety but it's so far away from south Phuket
Shane ********
@Terry *******
oh so you if you pay for the one day course, the. You don't need to take a test?Terry ********
@Shane *******
Shane. Yes. You must take the test. Why don't you just do it legal? Watch the video's. Write the test. Get your license. Buy proper insurance. Good to go. We are talking 2000 bahts. A driving course with guaranteed license will cost you the same. Do it right the first time.Shane ********
@Terry *******
ya I want to do it right, just didn't know if the 2000 was course and no test. So it's 2000 course and test?Terry ********
@Shane *******
For 2000 bahts you will pass. Guaranteed. If you want a copy of the test IM me. Not cheating, but the computer test is odd. Sometimes 2 correct answers for 1 issue. By pre screening the test you will know what answer they are looking for.Shane ********
@Terry *******
can you give me the website or line for one of these 2000 baht places? I rode an ebike in China for 3-4 years, and been driving cars my whole life, so I think the riding motorbike part isn't that hard. I just need a licensee.Terry ********
@Shane *******
I live in nowhere's ville in Northern Thailand. (Near Mai Sai) I would check online for a place close to you. Remember to bring a medical check up paper with you. 50 bahts. Can get from any clinic within 5 minutes.Richard **********
@Shane *******
can just pay pal, nap an hour in the video and walk out with 2 licensesShane ********
@Richard *********
where?Richard **********
@Terry *******
thts nonsense. Pay an agent 4000 baht watch a video for an Hour / sleep and walk out with a car and bike lisence. A driving course? 🤣 yeah like all the thai people on bikes have done the course 🤪Rosfield ********
@Richard *********
I'm looking into doing this. Do you have an agent to recommend or are they all same?Terry ********
@Richard *********
I guess what you want the paperwork. Why don't you just do it legalRichard **********
@Terry *******
any dafty can drive a 125cc scooter its twist & go 🥹Reply to
Richard **********
Reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHey
@Terry *******
. Well I have driven 125cc bikes abroad for extended periods - so am comfortable driving one but I guess in the past I've 'taken the risk' of not being fully covered etc. Now I am keen not to take the same risk and so exploring what I'd need. Sounds like taking a thai test might be a good option? Thank you.Terry ********
@James *******
Taking the test is 4 hours of watching movies. Followed by a 3 cone turning and 12 feet slow ride.1 year license followed by 5 year. If you have IDP (bike) then you can exchange no problem But remember, every license issuers runs on their rules.James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terry *******
thanks Terry! Did you need to provide a residency permit for this too?Terry ********
@James *******
yesReply to
Terry ********
Reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI understand that, which is why I am asking the question on here to get clear on what I need... 😀
Neil ********
@James *******
experience doesn't make it legal. The scooter is a motobike so requires the correct licence.Reply to
Neil ********
Reply
Gordon *******
Bike licence & IDL is needed to be legal & insured
Nick ****************
You need a motorbike licence. They are seperate from cars in Thailand.
Rosfield ********
@Nick ***************
Is it possible to get a Thai motorbike license without one from your home country? I've read if going through an agency, all you'd need is a car driving license..and like 3000 baht?Nick ****************
@Rosfield *******
I think you can just go to the test centre and take the test which I think is free.Rosfield ********
@Nick ***************
Wow..ok. Such diverse info on the nets haha. I've read it varies tremendously from office to office tooReply to
Rosfield ********
Reply
Pelle **********
Motorbike licens and international one.. if you Crasch without its going to be expensive
Av **********
Wallet full of hundreds and a helmet
Rich *****
You need a motorbike license, not a car licence and there is no such thing as an international driving licence, it’s a permit, and to drive on a non ASEAN licence you need one of those too. As per the previous comment just pay the fine, if/ when it happens.
Steve ********
@Muz ********
Correct. It's not a legal requirement, but some police officers looking for "easy money" might try to con the gullible Farang. Plenty are hoodwinkedMuz *********
@Rich ****
not quite.Can ride / drive on australian motorbike / car license without needing a permit.
There is an agreement in place between aus & thai.
Thais can also drive / ride on thai license’s in aus for upto 3months each entry
Rich *****
@Muz ********
, Australia isn’t somewhere people from the UK get a licence from.Jason ********
@Muz ********
From the Australia Thai embassy website "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 you're Australian licence. If you drive without the correct license, you could be arrested or jailed."Muz *********
@Jason *******
agreed. There are mixed messages out there.But personally, i’ve never had an issue aside from
Single case noted, nor with any insurance held.
Reply to
Muz *********
Reply
Steve ********
@Muz ********
You are correct that due to the reciprocal agreement between Australia and Thailand, you don't strictly need an IDP, however, for the $40 it costs, it will make life easier when stopped by the police. And riding a bike you most definitely will be stopped.Muz *********
@Steve *******
been riding here since 2006. Pulled over in pattaya, udon, phuket and samui. Only had one police question it and his partner looked at it and said Australia? Handed it back and on my way.Also all insurance pds’s that ive had stipulate coverage for motorbike tiding here as long as licences to do so in Aus also under aus license
Reply to
Muz *********
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Bluda ******
@Muz ********
Interesting, where states thatReply to
Bluda ******
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Steve *******
I think you would need a full UK motorcycle along with an IDP which is stamped up for motorcycle. And as I understand it this would be valid for 90 days after which you would need a Thai licence.
Vladimir ************
@Steve ******
correctBrian *********
@Steve ******
correct but you have to carry both the IDP and uk license togetherNick *******
@Brian ********
take pictures on your phone of both . Can save you a fine if you leave the docs in the hotel .Steve *******
@Brian ********
yes that's right. Should have made that a little clearer.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Rob **********
@Steve ******
correct answer👍Reply to
Rob **********
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Ian ********
Just pay the fine 😊
Stuart **********
@Ian *******
yeah until you get involved in an accident and are bang to rights for having no valid lisence. Stupid advice!Ian ********
@Stuart *********
your bang to rights anyway your a farang welcome to Thailand 🤣🤣🤣Stuart **********
@Ian *******
oh dear god bless you!Ian ********
@Stuart *********
the logic is simple if you was not in the country the accedent would not have happened so its your fault 😁 you gotta love Thai logic ain't ya 🤣🤣🤣🤣Stuart **********
@Ian *******
mate is you have an accident and it hurts my Thai daughter the first thing I would look at was if you had a valid license, all Thais would do the same. Be very very careful about this sort of stuff, many have come unstuck before 👍🍻Reply to
Stuart **********
Reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *******
am more thinking of covering from an insurance perspective - as the policy I’m looking at suggests may also need to be ‘legal’ in country riding! Just not sure what that means for Thailand 🙏John *********
@James *******
Usually the insurance stipulates the requirements for being legal.Reply to
John *********
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