Godders Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I am a British guy ordinarily resident in Thailand. My UK driving licence ran out some time ago and I did not renew it. I have a five year Thai driving licence, which I understood would be recognised by the police, etc if I hired a car in the UK for my upcoming holiday there. However, a rental firm I contacted says they would need an international driving licence. I wondered whether I could obtain one here on the strength of my Thai driving licence? Another blow: the rental company I spoke to charges an extra 12 pounds a day for drivers over 65 (that's me!). Is this standard practice now in the UK now or should I shop around? If it is , we wrinklies should start campaigning, because all the research I have seen cites very YOUNG drivers as the most accident prone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotlost Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 IDP is issued in Thailand only if you have a five year Thai DL. Go to your LTD and they well assist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boater Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 yes you can use the Thai Licence in the UK with an IDP, and also the best thing is you cannot get points on your UK licence ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soutpeel Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 IDP is issued in Thailand only if you have a five year Thai DL. Go to your LTD and they well assist. 15 minutes....copy of PP + copy of 5 year Thai DL and THB 505 if memory serves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonobo Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Technically, you don't need the IDP to drive in the UK; your Thai license will do. But many rental firms in various countries will not rent a car to you unless you have one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astral Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 How old are you? The Counterpart Driving Licence is valid until you are 70. It is only the Photocard that expires every 10 years. If you know the number renewal is very straight forward, but you do need a UK address. For use in other countries you can apply for a UK IDP by post. http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundman Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I did it. Topic here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbeam1 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 (edited) Technically, you don't need the IDP to drive in the UK; your Thai license will do. But many rental firms in various countries will not rent a car to you unless you have one. OMG so that means that Thais can go to the UK and start driving?Sorry. jb1 Edited February 21, 2011 by jimbeam1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve187 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 yes you can use the Thai Licence in the UK with an IDP, and also the best thing is you cannot get points on your UK licence ! If driving on a foreign licence, any breaking of uk driving laws will result in a court appearance and not dealt with by fixed penalty, if the court knows you have a uk driving record, that will have points added. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
true blue Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 How old are you? The Counterpart Driving Licence is valid until you are 70. It is only the Photocard that expires every 10 years. If you know the number renewal is very straight forward, but you do need a UK address. For use in other countries you can apply for a UK IDP by post. http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/ and after 70 yrs of age your licence is renewed in 5 year incriments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digitalbanana Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 (edited) If you know the number renewal is very straight forward, but you do need a UK address. 1. I assume for those no longer having a UK address, but still holding a UK DL valid until 70yo, the UK lic is invalidated and the only option is to get a Thai 5 yr DL with an IDP? 2. Does using a car rental from Heathrow introduce any additional costs/ support docs when using Thai DL/IDP Vs UK DL? When I was at Thrifty the queues seemed to be never ending of people asked to show multiplr utility bills, whereas I was asked for none with the UK DL. Edited February 22, 2011 by Digitalbanana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thongkorn Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 So is it OK for me to hire a Motor bike on an International license and not get stopped for being a foreigner. In Thailand. and not having a Thai licence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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