@Rob *********

Where does it say that in the Road Traffic Act I just posted? Likewise, I just checked my policy regarding the requirement to have a licence, and the only reference is to driving without any qualification to drive (i.e. you don't even have a valid licence for your home country). This is in accordance with international standards regarding insurance law.

@John ******

Many people get IDL photo ID cards which can work at check-points, but are not legally valid if it comes to it. They are often also issued for e.g. 5 year periods, when IDPs are issued according to very specific requirements including the specification that they cannot be issued for a period of validity more than a year.

@Michael ******

As a technicality, there is no such thing as an "International Driving Licence" so it's best to avoid using the terminology. Also, the information about voiding your policy if you don't have one is wrong both as a matter of general law and as a matter of insurance law. It is not even voidable. If you drive e.g. a motorcycle without a licence from any country, and have an accident, the insurance company may be able to refuse to pay out depending on the circumstances, or may still be liable for any damages, but would be entitled to pursue you in full for the payment made. The policy would only be void if e.g. you gave false information on the insurance policy which was legally significant (e.g. failed to mention that your 1.5L Toyota Corolla now has a 3.0L turbo-charged engine)

@Robert *******

Very technically, a UK licence is valid even without an IDP

@Rob *********

That's simply not correct

An IDL is not a valid document as it is not issued in accordance with any International Treaty. From what country was your 'IDL' issued (I suspect a private company, and not a national motoring organisation)? How long is its validity (I suspect over a year, which automatically invalidates it as IDPs can only be valid for up to a year)? You don't know what you are talking about, yet try to belittle me with your ad hominem 'newbies' comment. The internet in a nutshell. For the record, I am professionally legally qualified and I have lived in Thailand nearly a decade.

@Antoine ********

An IDL isn't a valid legal document 🤭

A UK car licence (even with an IDP) doesn't permit you to ride a scooter/motorcycle unless you've an actual motorcycle endorsement.

@Antoine ********

Not correct. The main purpose of IDP is to have a standardised format which is in only a few languages. Thai DLs are in English and Thai. IDP isn't in Thai unless you get one from Thailand