Driving My Fiances Car In Thailand On Full Uk License , On Her Insurance .

[matsky13]

Hi all I wonder if anyone has got information relating to driving in thailand on UK full license ?

I will be driving my girlfriends car in thailand , she tells me its the car that is insured and not the person driving it , Its not the case in the uk , is this legal ?? , and will we have full cover for accident's etc. also will i require the international driving license that i apply to the AA in the uk for ??

I would apreciate any informed input ,thanks in advance ..

[macksview]

hi,get an international drivers permit from the AA,and if the cars comprehensivly insured you are covered for everything.

Edited November 13, 2012 by macksview

[Mosha]

Sounds like she has 1st class insurance. UK equivalent of fully comp any driver. As said just get an international permit.

[AyG]

hi,get an international drivers permit from the AA,and if the cars comprehensivly insured you are covered for everything.

Conversely, if you don't get an IDP you will be driving illegally and not be insured.

[cooked]

I have always showed my Swiss license, although I got an International one also. Neither are written it Thai so of little use here. The last time I was stopped the guy said I should learn Lao, not Thai and give it back to me. I will be getting a Thai license soon though.

[CharlieH]

hi,get an international drivers permit from the AA,and if the cars comprehensivly insured you are covered for everything.

Conversely, if you don't get an IDP you will be driving illegally and not be insured.

what a load of rubbish !

[williewolf]

I obtained an IDP from the AA and must admit I felt robbed as nothing is in Thai and thought my normal UK licence would have sufficed

[ThaidDown]

The need for an IDP to accompany the UK license has been discussed on here before and I believe more people think an IDP is not required. However you can only drive on the UK license for a period of 6 months (again some people disagree and say up to 3 months) then a Thai license is required.

It is normal here for the car to be insured, not the driver, either for any valid driver or named drivers, when a discount is given, but please read the small print on the policy as some insurance companies state that a Thai driving license is required to be covered.

Not a problem for day to day driving but if you are unlucky enough to have a major accident insurance companies have been known to use any loophole to avoid paying out.

[macksview]

hi,get an international drivers permit from the AA,and if the cars comprehensivly insured you are covered for everything.

Conversely, if you don't get an IDP you will be driving illegally and not be insured.

what a load of rubbish !

oops sorry then,i must have been misled,please inform me of the correct protocol,or i have been believing i have been covered for driving the car when in thailand.

sorry if i was wrong

[Pib]

It is normal here for the car to be insured, not the driver, either for any valid driver or named drivers, when a discount is given, but please read the small print on the policy as some insurance companies state that a Thai driving license is required to be covered.

As mentioned above, it's also the norm for Thai's to get as many discounts as possible when signing up for 1st class insurance and one of those methods is listing and limiting the authorized/covered drivers of the vehicle. Usually if you list more than 2 drivers the discount is very little and not really worth getting. Personally I'm not sure about how long you can drive in Thailand without a Thai licence...3 months, 6 months, not at all, etc. Here's one website that says it's 3 months if the insurance fine print covers allow such. Before the wife and I moved to Thailand we got some IDPs (super easy to get for about $10)...and although there is no Thai language in the IDP that just because IDPs only contain certain, major foreign languages (that' just the way IDPs are) but still fully accepted in Thailand assuming the Thai traffic policeman knows there is such a thing or just isn't after money.

Link

Once you have been in Thailand for a period extending 3 months, you will need an Thai driving licence, even though international drivers licenses are legally accepted. Several insurance companies have a fine print stating that the driver should hold a valid Thai driving licence to be fully covered. Besides that: You'll offer the local law enforcement great opportunities by continuing to drive with an international license.

[MYKTHEMIN]

If you drive for longer than 90 days you need a Thai licence. if not you are NOT insured.

[Theboy]

Not true

[transam]

Get an IDP and get the lass to phone her insurance company to confirm you can drive with her cover, best safe than sorry eh,

[FritsSikkink]

Not true

http://thailand.angloinfo.com/transport/driving-licences/

[MYKTHEMIN]

Not true

You have an accident and then see, NOT COVERED!!!

[PattayaPhom]

You should be able to drive on your UK licence for a period upto 90 days...in reality, you will at some point get stopped and if the police demand 2,000 Baht or more for incorrect licence....what are you going to do???....for the sake of a fiver, get an IDP and feel safe.

Edited November 14, 2012 by PattayaPhom

[PattayaPhom]

It is normal here for the car to be insured, not the driver, either for any valid driver or named drivers, when a discount is given, but please read the small print on the policy as some insurance companies state that a Thai driving license is required to be covered.

As mentioned above, it's also the norm for Thai's to get as many discounts as possible when signing up for 1st class insurance and one of those methods is listing and limiting the authorized/covered drivers of the vehicle. Usually if you list more than 2 drivers the discount is very little and not really worth getting. Personally I'm not sure about how long you can drive in Thailand without a Thai licence...3 months, 6 months, not at all, etc. Here's one website that says it's 3 months if the insurance fine print covers allow such. Before the wife and I moved to Thailand we got some IDPs (super easy to get for about $10)...and although there is no Thai language in the IDP that just because IDPs only contain certain, major foreign languages (that' just the way IDPs are) but still fully accepted in Thailand assuming the Thai traffic policeman knows there is such a thing or just isn't after money.

Link

Once you have been in Thailand for a period extending 3 months, you will need an Thai driving licence, even though international drivers licenses are legally accepted. Several insurance companies have a fine print stating that the driver should hold a valid Thai driving licence to be fully covered. Besides that: You'll offer the local law enforcement great opportunities by continuing to drive with an international license.

I just renewed mine, the car came with group 1 at 23,000 Baht, was quoted this at renewel, to include, flooding etc......then was asked who drove the car, as its only me and the wifey, premium was reduced to 19,500....big discount, so yes, the OP should check if the insurance covers all drivers or just named drivers.

[stevenl]

hi,get an international drivers permit from the AA,and if the cars comprehensivly insured you are covered for everything.

Conversely, if you don't get an IDP you will be driving illegally and not be insured.

Not correct.

You are insured because the car is insured, and in Thailand a IDP is not required. All that is required is a home DL in English. From the UK I presume your license is in English, so you are fine with her insurance and your home DL.

[stevenl]

Not true

You have an accident and then see, NOT COVERED!!!

Not true, urban myth.

[stevenl]

The need for an IDP to accompany the UK license has been discussed on here before and I believe more people think an IDP is not required. However you can only drive on the UK license for a period of 6 months (again some people disagree and say up to 3 months) then a Thai license is required.

It is normal here for the car to be insured, not the driver, either for any valid driver or named drivers, when a discount is given, but please read the small print on the policy as some insurance companies state that a Thai driving license is required to be covered.

Not a problem for day to day driving but if you are unlucky enough to have a major accident insurance companies have been known to use any loophole to avoid paying out.

Looking forward to the fine print in which an insurance company states a Thai driving license is required.

[CharlieH]

Steven L above is correct.

Been in Thailand 6 years, been stopped for checks etc 5 times or more in different provinces in that period NEVER EVER had an issue with my UK licence in ANY Province.

Had to claim on insurance NO ISSUE again with valid UK Licence. NOWHERE does it state THAI Licence only, NOWHERE have I or the Wife EVER been asked who is driving the car. We have class 1 insurance, period.

[FritsSikkink]

Steven L above is correct.

Been in Thailand 6 years, been stopped for checks etc 5 times or more in different provinces in that period NEVER EVER had an issue with my UK licence in ANY Province.

Had to claim on insurance NO ISSUE again with valid UK Licence. NOWHERE does it state THAI Licence only, NOWHERE have I or the Wife EVER been asked who is driving the car. We have class 1 insurance, period.

your insurance can be ok but not all:

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence.

http://thailand.angloinfo.com/transport/driving-licences/

[TommoPhysicist]

hi,get an international drivers permit from the AA,and if the cars comprehensivly insured you are covered for everything.

Conversely, if you don't get an IDP you will be driving illegally and not be insured.

Any DL in English is valid in Thailand (if on a visa for 60 days or less).

IDP is just a scam to take more money from you.

If on a visa for 90 days or more it is absolutely required that you have a Thai driving license.

Police in CM (and Hua Hin) are doing a big stop and check for this with foreigners.

Edited November 14, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[MichaelJohn]

My recomendaton is get an IDP - it's £5 or £6 from the PO. They issue it within 5 mins if you take you DL and a photo so it's no hardship is it?

You can see from all the comments here that there's many a different view - is anyone 100% certain. Are all the police knowledgable enough to know which is eally required.

If you have IDP, then you're more likely to be covered.

[transam]

The need for an IDP to accompany the UK license has been discussed on here before and I believe more people think an IDP is not required. However you can only drive on the UK license for a period of 6 months (again some people disagree and say up to 3 months) then a Thai license is required.

It is normal here for the car to be insured, not the driver, either for any valid driver or named drivers, when a discount is given, but please read the small print on the policy as some insurance companies state that a Thai driving license is required to be covered.

Not a problem for day to day driving but if you are unlucky enough to have a major accident insurance companies have been known to use any loophole to avoid paying out.

Looking forward to the fine print in which an insurance company states a Thai driving license is required.

DO NOT assume anything in LOS. OP, contact insurance company.

[jimyoung]

Just get a Thai driving license, it's easy enough to do. The theory test is just common sense and the pratical test couldn't get any easier.

It takes a few hours to do and only costs few hundred baht.

Will give you peace of mind as far as insurance concerned.

[TommyTucker]

To drive or lease a car in Thailand as a tourist or visitor it is necessary to have either a Thai driving licence or a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph. The foreign licence must either be in English, or be accompanied by an official translation into English or Thai. The licence needs to have been issued by a country that has a treaty with the Thai government allowing the mutual acceptance of driving licences. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Those in doubt should contact their embassy for advice: Click here

An International Driver's License/Permit (IDL/IDP) is also valid in Thailand, and available from a government department or authorized auto club at a small expense. A foreign driving licence valid under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions qualifies the licence holder to apply for the IDL/IDP, and its holders may find that it is more often recognised and accepted by police and civil service officials. Beware of the many IDP/IDL websites that are not legitimate.

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence.

Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid.

• For information about treaties recognised by the Department of Land Transport: Click here (in Thai)
  

[Pib]

Not true

http://thailand.angl...iving-licences/

OK, this is a tough one for me....believe Theboy's post with supporting data or FritsSikkink's post with supporting data. I'm going to flip a coin...after the coin bounced on the floor a few times FritsSikkink's post wins.

[RabC]

Just get a Thai driving license, it's easy enough to do. The theory test is just common sense and the pratical test couldn't get any easier.

It takes a few hours to do and only costs few hundred baht.

Will give you peace of mind as far as insurance concerned.

I held a UK and International license and because of the International License did not have to sit any theory or practical tests apart from colour perception and reaction to get my Thai license, where as guys applying with me who only had their home countries license had to sit all the tests.

[TommoPhysicist]

Just get a Thai driving license, it's easy enough to do. The theory test is just common sense and the pratical test couldn't get any easier.

It takes a few hours to do and only costs few hundred baht.

Will give you peace of mind as far as insurance concerned.

I held a UK and International license and because of the International License did not have to sit any theory or practical tests apart from colour perception and reaction to get my Thai license, where as guys applying with me who only had their home countries license had to sit all the tests.

I had a UK license, I didn't sit any tests.