for how long i can drive with IDP in thailand?

[Peterw42]

8 minutes ago, kham9 said:

90 days driving on an IDP then have to get thai driving licence.

Could someone please provide a link to an official or reputable website that confirms this really is a law in thailand.

Several expat websites state this requirement, but is that information accurate?

A reputable site that could be more accurate would be a thai government site, an international car hire company or a car insurance company

 

Forget the term " Driving on an IDP", you are driving on your home license, an IDP is simply a translation document if home license isnt in english. 

 

http://driving-in-thailand.com/motor-vehicle-act/#03

 

The Act states once you get a long Visa you need a Thai License., by default 90 days is the most you can get from a short Visa.

 

People who are residents in Thailand (on a non-immigrant visa) are required to obtain a Thai driving license in order to legally drive a car or a motorbike.

 

[giddyup]

21 minutes ago, brianbbbb said:

I recently got my new  thai driving licence for car for two years is that the normal .

Yes. The first Thai licence used to be 1 year, now it's two, followed by a 5 year.

[overherebc]

22 minutes ago, brianbbbb said:

I recently got my new  thai driving licence for car for two years is that the normal .

Yep, 2 years first time then 5 years for the next ones.

One basic difference is that you can't use the two year outside Thailand to rent a car, UK anyway, as it's looked at as being a 'provisional' licence.

[Peterw42]

3 minutes ago, overherebc said:

Yep, 2 years first time then 5 years for the next ones.

One basic difference is that you can't use the two year outside Thailand to rent a car, UK anyway, as it's looked at as being a 'provisional' licence.

That can be the case in some countries but most countries are signatories to the international motoring treaties and a valid license in one country is a valid license in another country.

I have made enquiries in Australia (2 year license) with both the police and motor registries (and on all the gov websites) and they all say "if its a valid license in Thailand, its a valid license in Australia". You could probably argue the point with an insurance company but they can accept what they like.

[overherebc]

23 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

That can be the case in some countries but most countries are signatories to the international motoring treaties and a valid license in one country is a valid license in another country.

I have made enquiries in Australia (2 year license) with both the police and motor registries (and on all the gov websites) and they all say "if its a valid license in Thailand, its a valid license in Australia". You could probably argue the point with an insurance company but they can accept what they like.

I can't honestly remember because it's so long since I had one but I think the two year licence has 'temporary' or maybe 'provisional' on it, that's why it's not accepted in uk.

[stevenl]

8 hours ago, overherebc said:

Yep, 2 years first time then 5 years for the next ones.

One basic difference is that you can't use the two year outside Thailand to rent a car, UK anyway, as it's looked at as being a 'provisional' licence.

Only 5 years if you're on non immigrant visa or extension of stay. Otherwise only 2 years.

[alphabravo]

Contrary to what someone posted further up on the thread, just to say I've hired Hertz and Avis cars from Heathrow, UK six times these past two years using only my initial/provisional two-year Thai licence. No problem.

And incidentally, to give credit where credit's due: I got my first five-year licence at Pranburi last week. The staff were friendly and helpful and I was out of there in just over an hour with a shiny new licence, which won't expire until end of August 2023. Excellent service.

 

[Kwasaki]

9 hours ago, alphabravo said:

Contrary to what someone posted further up on the thread, just to say I've hired Hertz and Avis cars from Heathrow, UK six times these past two years using only my initial/provisional two-year Thai licence. No problem.

And incidentally, to give credit where credit's due: I got my first five-year licence at Pranburi last week. The staff were friendly and helpful and I was out of there in just over an hour with a shiny new licence, which won't expire until end of August 2023. Excellent service.

 

The problem I have with your post regarding hiring motors with a 2 year Thai license would be it's your responsibility to inform them what your driving licence is because the law on driving licences in Thailand is IMO is not considered a serious offence as it is in England.

I would of enquired  :-....." l would like to know if l am properly insured,  so is a 2 year Thai licence acceptable for hiring your cars".

[alphabravo]

I hear what you're saying and of course your advice is spot on. It should go without saying that it's of paramount importance to be properly insured to avoid mega expensive shock of finding out too late that you don't actually have cover, but in my case Hertz and Avis staff, who I've found can be a bit officious and go-by-the-book compared to other rental companies I've used, confirmed that my previous licence, on file with them, was okay each hire. (For what it's worth, I'd always had my UK and Hong Kong licences with me as well, in case I needed to use either one of them instead, and I'm sorted now I've got the five-year one.) 

So, as you say, a reminder to everyone to make sure you definitely have appropriate docs/cover when hiring!

[Lokie]

Phuket told me when I got both my car & motor bike two year Temps last year (had both  on UK licence + my IDP) I was on a SETV, done both reaction & perception tests did not have to watch any video as I was just transferring entitlements over to Thai licences (in/out around an hour) lady said when I renew if on short term visa (SETV) then will get another two year temporary if on Long term visa then 5 year

 

(as Stevenl's post 36 above - correct info)