Can I Legally Borrow My Relatives Car On A Uk Licence

[slippery when wet]

Hello All.

I will be visiting Thailand with my wife soon and we hope to use my sister in laws car but I am concerned if I will be legal to drive.

I have a standard UK licence and I think she has grade 3 insurance.

My concerns are because I have often heard that insurance in Thailand doesent seem to cover everything if the worst were to happen....just in case I would like to know.

My wife says that I am a good driver and dont worry!!but that is not enough. I need to know if I an legal.

Could you please advise.

Thank you very much

Slippery

[GuestHouse]

To drive in Thailand using your UK license you must have an international driver's permit (available from your local post office).

With regards to driver's insurance: I would suggest you consider paying for a class 1 insurance for your SiL to reduce your risks - However, depending on the age of the car this might not be available.

Also check your travel insurance, it may not include risks from you driving.

[distortedlink]

You can legally drive on a UK driving license for a period of your first 3 months in Thailand.

Or a UK International license can be bought from any AA or RAC shop in the Uk to last a period of 1 year. The AA or RAC will no longer forward International licenses abroad and can only be collected directly by the applicant from the UK.

After 3 months in Thailand if legally on a non-immigrant visa the resident must apply for a Thai driving licence or if all ready holds a UK International license, a Thai driving license must be applied for after 1 year.

If after 3 months the resident still holds a current UK driving license or International license, no driving test need be taken to apply for a Thai driving license.

A Thai driving license is valid for driving in the UK for 1 year on entry to the UK.

Commercial vehicle insurance is not compulsary in Thailand. There is a very limited government insurance coverage and for what it`s worth is hardly worth mentioning.

If the vehicle has no proper fully comp insurance, than you drive at your own risk.

If the OP has concerns about insurance, than he would be wise to rent a vehicle from a reputable car hire establishment, which will offer full insurance coverage and new vehicles in good condition.

Edited June 8, 2008 by distortedlink