@Dany *******

i have my temp resident certificate now and have an appointment booked in for a couple of weeks time with the DLT to get my car and bike licence.

While my driving licence only covers me up to a 50cc on a bike I do have my CBT with me which is still valid in the UK so hoping this might be accepted so I don’t have to mess around riding a bike. Should be interesting to see what happens and a learning experience none the less.

@Kevin *******

I did this last Friday and received it the next day. It wasn’t free though it was 400baht if I remember correctly, but I was applying for car and bike.

On the forms I filled in I had two options to select why I was applying ( conversion of licence / buying selling car/bike )

In terms of documents I needed a TM30, Contract for Condo, Passport and copy of my DTV

@Dany *******

from what I can tell the 1968 IDP lasts for 3 years from issue, but how long you can use it for in each visit depends on the country, long term visas they want you on their own licence but Thailand gives you 1 year from entry.

I also have my 1949 which is only valid for 1 year for some of the other Asian countries here, and I believe this is the one Thailand use to use until 2021 when the DTL adopted the 1968

@Luit ****************

the 1968 was adopted in 2021 by the DLT which has a 3 year expiration on it and gives you 1 year from entry.

Before that I believe the 1949 was used and that comes with just a 1 year expiration on it.

On the UK Gov website it tells me to use the 1968.

I got both as I plan to visit at least one other country this year when my 180 days is up, and need to bounce for a few days.

@Kevin *******

i believe they adopted this change well over a decade ago. ( correction 2021 via 1968 IDP )

Saying that one of the first things I did when I got here was apply for my temp resident certificate and then book an appointment to have my licence converted which is in a couple of weeks, along with my bike test since my licence only allows 50cc and pretty much all bikes here are higher.

No need to be in the country for 90 days.

You can get a temp resident certificate for this purpose which lasts 30 days, for that you need to visit immigration office and present your TM30, IDP and a Rental Contract etc.

@Luit ****************

the International Driving Permit (IDP) for Thailand used to be valid for 90 days in the past. However, this was based on older regulations and agreements.

Now, the IDP issued under the 1968 Geneva Convention is generally valid for one year in Thailand

@Dany *******

this is not true! Your first visit has to be in person or by mail, after that you have the option to do online.

@Paul ******

I got mixed up with something else. I have the 1968 IDP which is normally 3 years,

But mine is only valid for 2 years as my DL expires before the 3 year mark.

For reference mine was issued at the Post Office, the expiry is written on it along with the DL no

It's a IDP and you get it from your home country. If from the U.K. you get it from the post office. It has a max of 5 years or less dependent on when you DL expires.

For example if your DL has 3 years left, your IDP will only be for 3 years as they are linked.