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Will my IDP be sufficient for driving in Thailand, and am I covered by the car owner's insurance?

IDP (International Driving Permit)Driving in Thailand Car Insurance in Thailand DTV Visa Thai Driving Test Expatriate Advice

Apr 28, 2025

a year ago

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

IDP international driving license / insurance question.

I'm a regular visitor to Sakon Nakhon and have a couple of people who kindly let me use their cars when I visit. I have an IDP with my full British driving license but am unsure if the owners insurance will cover me for the odd days that I borrow a car.

Later this year I'm moving to Thailand under a DTV visa an I'll probably take the Thai driving test as well to be sure.

Any advice or info appreciated.

Thanks :)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the validity of their International Driving Permit (IDP) while borrowing cars in Thailand and whether the owner's insurance would cover them. Comments suggest that the IDP is valid for a limited duration and emphasize the importance of understanding the car owner's insurance policy—particularly distinguishing between compulsory and voluntary coverage. It is also mentioned that while taking the Thai driving test is generally not mandatory, specific requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. Additionally, potential issues regarding accident liability and communication barriers in insurance claims are highlighted.

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Ingvar *******

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a year ago

Phil ******

@Tom ********

its fine for 90 days but if you have an accident only one person speaks English (or you speak thai) so you will lose even of its not your fault. I'm really sorry to tell you this but that's how it works.

a year ago

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Phil... I've lived in Thailand before and know the 'farang never wins' rule... luckily I do speak Thai though 🙂

a year ago

Reply to

Tom *********

เดแคลน ***********

It depends on if they have voluntary insurance or just compulsory insurance and if they have voluntary insurance what the policies are in that insurance.

a year ago

Peter **********

better to as insurace co

not us

a year ago

David *********

Just take note the insurance they likely have is not like back in the uk, if it’s just the basic compulsory ( por ror bor) insurance it only covers medical for upto I think it’s 80,000 per person, no cover for vehicle damages

Then there’s a few variations of private insurance

a year ago

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks folks...

a year ago

Ian **********

You don't need to take a Thai driving test, just a reaction and eye test. Most DLT offices insist on an IDP for some reason. They wouldn't let me get a licence until I had completed my extension based on marriage, so I'm not sure you can do it with a DTV

a year ago

John **********

It depends on the insurance. With some policies it's the car that is insured so good for any licensed driver, others are only for named drivers. Also most, if not all, insurance companies require you have a Thai licence once you've been inside Thailand for 3 months

a year ago

Ian **********

@John *********

My insurer offered me only, named 2 drivers, any driver over 30 or any age driver. I opted for any driver over 30

a year ago

John **********

@Ian *********

I have any driver on mine, but they must also licensed properly

a year ago

Reply to

John **********

@Ian *********