Driving A Car On A Uk Licence

[Lite Beer]

Hi.

While I am getting the paperwork and applying for my driving license is it a good idea to drive a car in Khon Kaen for a couple of months with only a UK Licence.

I have been living in Samui and had no need for a car. When I move to Khon Kaen I will be getting one.

Has any one been stopped with only their national licence and what was the result.

Thanks.

[buriramboy]

i could be wrong, but i've always been under the impression that you could only use a UK liscence for 30 days after entering the country, then you either need an international or Thai liscence. I've been using an international liscence for over 5 years, been stopped loads of times and never had a problem with it, just too lazy to get a Thai liscence.

[Petesear]

I would be more concerned about insurance. An insurance company I was once with was ok with my UK license, but 4 yrs ago I changed company and when a guy on a bike tried to ride through my car whilst it was stationary I discovered that I needed an International license, so I got one.

[Totster]

To use a UK license in Thailand it will need to be accompanied but an International Driving Permit. This can be obtained at the Post Office in UK for a small fee. Very easy to do, no excuse not to get it.

If you are already in Thailand (like the OP) then it won't take a couple of months to get the paperwork together to apply for a Thai license. You should be able to do it quite quickly, and the process is painless, however without the IDP you will have to take the written and practical tests before a license is issued. (with the IDP no tests need to be taken)

totster

[corkscrew]

I would be more concerned about insurance. An insurance company I was once with was ok with my UK license, but 4 yrs ago I changed company and when a guy on a bike tried to ride through my car whilst it was stationary I discovered that I needed an International license, so I got one.

My Thai car insurance company told me that I would not be covered unless I had a Thai driver's license. It only took a few hours to get one.

[Crossy]

Yep, sorry but a UK licence is NOT VALID for any period in Thailand, not 30 days, not one minute.

You need an IDP with it, you can get them online via the AA or RAC website, costs a fiver or so (and you can pay by credit card) but they'll only send to the address on your UK licence.

There's certainly no problem with the police, they're happy with anything that looks official so long as it is accompanied by a picture of The King

As noted, insurance is likely to be the sticking point, particularly if it's your own car (as opposed to a renter).

It shouldn't take a million years to get the docs for a Thai DL, longest is likely to be the address confirmation from the embassy or immigration (not needed if you have a work permit).

[Lite Beer]

Thanks for the replies

[bkkmick]

I'm sure that you're all correct, but, I've been driving for 5 years just using my old (tattered) UK driving licence. Been stopped many times over the years and the BiB have never queried it.

[Thaddeus]

I'm sure that you're all correct, but, I've been driving for 5 years just using my old (tattered) UK driving licence. Been stopped many times over the years and the BiB have never queried it.

The old pink fold out one?

Not quite so many years but I was doing the same thing for a while. I used to get stopped by the police very frequently and seldom had a problem and I know one chap here that uses his UK Fishing Licence.

However, after reading in TV that it would probably cause insurance problems, I applied for a Thai one. I didn't have an IDP, the old UK one was accepted and the only photographs required were of me No test was taken apart from the reaction/colour blindsness bit.

That was three months ago and the most frustrating thing is that since I have had the Thai one, I haven't been stopped once

[Lite Beer]

OK I have the old green fold out one. Will make an attempt on getting a Thai one in a couple of weeks when I get back to Samui. Am in Khon Kaen at the moment.

Should have brought my fishing licence.

[Crossy]

I'm sure that you're all correct, but, I've been driving for 5 years just using my old (tattered) UK driving licence. Been stopped many times over the years and the BiB have never queried it.

Just be aware that when you shunt the red-plated Benz, your insurance company will be only too happy to use your lack of any form of legal driving document to permit you to pick up the tab

[SWW]

To use a UK license in Thailand it will need to be accompanied but an International Driving Permit. This can be obtained at the Post Office in UK for a small fee. Very easy to do, no excuse not to get it.

If you are already in Thailand (like the OP) then it won't take a couple of months to get the paperwork together to apply for a Thai license. You should be able to do it quite quickly, and the process is painless, however without the IDP you will have to take the written and practical tests before a license is issued. (with the IDP no tests need to be taken)

totster

If you have a work permit, you can get a temporary (1 year) Thai driving licence within a couple of hours, and the only tests you will have to take are the colour-blindness (scary!) and reaction time tests. You will also need a certificate from a hospital, to say you're not dead or something. The licence application plus photos plus photocopies of your passport/work permit plus having the licence laminated should come in at about 200 THB.

After a year and a day or so, you take the now-expired temporary licence to the DLT and for the princely sum of 555 THB (they're having a laugh!) they will replace it with a 'real' licence, good for 5 years. You can't renew the licence until *after* it has expired. Don't ask how I know.

Scott

[bikerlou47]

Hi.

While I am getting the paperwork and applying for my driving license is it a good idea to drive a car in Khon Kaen for a couple of months with only a UK Licence.

I have been living in Samui and had no need for a car. When I move to Khon Kaen I will be getting one.

Has any one been stopped with only their national licence and what was the result.

Thanks.

Not to Worry, I have had a Thai license for two years but I never show it to the BIB. I tell them I forgot it at home pay my money and go on my way.

Insurance issues much more important your coverage is 0 if you do not have one.

Thai park fee is reduced to the Thai citizen rate if you have a Thai license.

No need for an international.

[Lite Beer]

From the insurance issue it appears to be a priority to get a Thai licence. When applying for the resident certificate from immigration do I have to take any photos with me? Best to be prepared.

[Lite Beer]

Ah just found the download application form on the immigration web site. No photos needed.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

I know one chap here that uses his UK Fishing Licence.

I know a guy that uses a 1985 Nottingham taxi permit.

[LivinLOS]

Its quite common for the cheeky lot I know to see how far they can push thier luck..

The common one is playing around with a DIVERS LICENCE.. One of my buddies used a UK video card rental membership that had his picture on it.. Khop Khun Krap..

[The Dan Sai Kid]

Everything is fine til they get in a big accident.

[Lite Beer]

Got my car and motorbike licences today in Samui. Showed them my UK green driving licence and didnt have to take any tests. Wonder why it took me this long to do it.

[Simbo]

Hi.

While I am getting the paperwork and applying for my driving license is it a good idea to drive a car in Khon Kaen for a couple of months with only a UK Licence.

I have been living in Samui and had no need for a car. When I move to Khon Kaen I will be getting one.

Has any one been stopped with only their national licence and what was the result.

Thanks.

Not to Worry, I have had a Thai license for two years but I never show it to the BIB. I tell them I forgot it at home pay my money and go on my way.

Insurance issues much more important your coverage is 0 if you do not have one.

Thai park fee is reduced to the Thai citizen rate if you have a Thai license.

No need for an international.

Doesn't always work. I had one tell me in as many words. He didn't give a shit about my Thai license or how long I had been here, I was still a farang.