Valid International Driver’S License To Rent Car Or Motorbike?

[NomadJoe]

Here is the video version of the report from The Phuket News on the tourism ministers comments which started this thread. Now they are saying that all tourists must have an "international drivers license" (not the correct term, as there is no such thing) in order to rent a car or motorbike, even showing a photo of an IDP. This is only going to cause more confusion. It's not an IDP people need to be safer and stay within the law. If they are renting motorcycle, then they need a motorcycle license from their home country. If they rent a car then they need a car license. Even Chinese licenses are in English,with a photo, and have the classes plainly printed on them. They really need to clarify this. I posted the law above. It clearly says a foreigner can drive on their home licenses.

"IDL" but starts at 1:43

Edited May 7, 2013 by NomadJoe

[Jimi007]

I'm sure most of us read what else the brilliant new minister had to say at his press conference. He seems as clueless as they come about anything that's going on here. He just knows what he's been fed by his lackeys, IMO. See article and thread here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/637375-minister-addresses-phuket-tourism-problems/

[Kopitiam]

The issue here is not whether you have your home country license or a IDP. The problem lies with the the mom and pop car/motorcycle rental shops which do not ask to see such document. Another problem is enforcement of the law. Any one caught driving/riding without a valid license should be made to spend a night in a police cell. Regardless whether its a Thai or foreigner. Its really a joke when a person is caught without a driving/riding license at police check points, pays the fine and then continue to use the vehicle.

[NomadJoe]

The issue here is not whether you have your home country license or a IDP. The problem lies with the the mom and pop car/motorcycle rental shops which do not ask to see such document. Another problem is enforcement of the law. Any one caught driving/riding without a valid license should be made to spend a night in a police cell. Regardless whether its a Thai or foreigner. Its really a joke when a person is caught without a driving/riding license at police check points, pays the fine and then continue to use the vehicle.

I think a night in jail is a bit OTT. No way you could house everyone anyway. Even back home it's just a ticket, but you aren't going to be driving the car home. Back home the cops can hand the keys over to a licensed driver if one is available or else impound it.

Edited May 7, 2013 by NomadJoe

[Jimi007]

The issue here is not whether you have your home country license or a IDP. The problem lies with the the mom and pop car/motorcycle rental shops which do not ask to see such document. Another problem is enforcement of the law. Any one caught driving/riding without a valid license should be made to spend a night in a police cell. Regardless whether its a Thai or foreigner. Its really a joke when a person is caught without a driving/riding license at police check points, pays the fine and then continue to use the vehicle.

Obviously you haven't been here very long to make a very ridiculous statement like that...

[phuketrichard]

how many times have we all seen thai's never stopped for any offenses, especially older thai's.

i was told once when I was stopped and the guy in front of me was stopped for the same offense why i had to get a ticket and he didn't, ( driving without seat belt)

the police informed me i have money an he didn't.

<deleted>!!!!

[NomadJoe]

how many times have we all seen thai's never stopped for any offenses, especially older thai's.

i was told once when I was stopped and the guy in front of me was stopped for the same offense why i had to get a ticket and he didn't, ( driving without seat belt)

the police informed me i have money an he didn't.

<deleted>!!!!

I see usually Thai's stopped more than farangs. And if the guy doesn't have money, then fair enough. I wouldn't want to be the dick cop that cited him either. This isn't your home country, and things are not fair, but even back home police have a certain amount of discretion and the police here know people have to make a living somehow. Thai police make hardship concessions all the time, sometimes publicly:

“We don’t have a policy to stop motorcycles with sidecars, because people use them to earn a living. What we do is to compromise; we ask that owners attach a light to the front of the sidecar so that other vehicles can see them at night.”

Pol Capt Chao Pomna, Deputy Inspector for Traffic, Phuket Town Police Station.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/issuesanswers/details.asp?id=168

Edited May 9, 2013 by NomadJoe

[niceandfriendly]

Has anybody recently obtained a Thai motorbike driving license here in Phuket? Was told by one of the coppers to go to Phuket and get one... a bit vague.

Read an old thread on here about it but nothing up tp date.

Can anyone shed any light?

Thanks

[stevenl]

Every day many people do that.

What exactly would you like to know?

Edited September 17, 2013 by stevenl

[niceandfriendly]

Ok thanks. The location of the office or website/phone number. Also do you need to have a resident visa/work permit to obtain one, or can it be done on any visa?

[niceandfriendly]

Ok I guess it's this website http://phuketdir.com/pkttransport/

Yeah, and there is the info I need!!

So it can't be done on a tourist visa... that's all I'm going to have for the foreseeable. Balls. Will have to try to avoid these police checks on the corner at Sai Yuan.

Edited September 17, 2013 by niceandfriendly

[stevenl]

Yes, it can be done on a tourist visa. You don't need the photos though, these will be made on the spot.

Edited September 17, 2013 by stevenl

[niceandfriendly]

It can? It says on that site that you need a non-immigrant visa.

Also, a doctors certificate. Dont have one of those. Can be done cheaply anywhere?

[stevenl]

All information here. But yes, can be done on tourist visa (sometimes even visa exempt will be accepted), and yes, doctors certificate from anywhere.

[LivinginKata]

It can? It says on that site that you need a non-immigrant visa.

Also, a doctors certificate. Dont have one of those. Can be done cheaply anywhere?

You need to make application at Phuket Immigration (not far from the transport dept) for a Certificate of Residence. You should supply a home rental contract, copy of house paper (proof of address) and copy of Thai house master ID. This paper is free but the officers ask at least 300 baht.

Doctor certificate at any local doctor's office, cost 100 baht. So long as you can walk in, are breathing, then certificate is given.

[niceandfriendly]

It can? It says on that site that you need a non-immigrant visa.

Also, a doctors certificate. Dont have one of those. Can be done cheaply anywhere?

You need to make application at Phuket Immigration (not far from the transport dept) for a Certificate of Residence. You should supply a home rental contract, copy of house paper (proof of address) and copy of Thai house master ID. This paper is free but the officers ask at least 300 baht.

Doctor certificate at any local doctor's office, cost 100 baht. So long as you can walk in, are breathing, then certificate is given.

Very useful information, thanks. Can I apply for a certificate of residence even though I'm currently on a toursit visa? (I can provide rental contract and ID etc)

Oh, and do I need to haggle the price or it's a case of whatever they ask I must pay?

Edited September 17, 2013 by niceandfriendly

[LivinginKata]

You need to make application at Phuket Immigration (not far from the transport dept) for a Certificate of Residence. You should supply a home rental contract, copy of house paper (proof of address) and copy of Thai house master ID. This paper is free but the officers ask at least 300 baht.

Doctor certificate at any local doctor's office, cost 100 baht. So long as you can walk in, are breathing, then certificate is given.

Very useful information, thanks. Can I apply for a certificate of residence even though I'm currently on a toursit visa? (I can provide rental contract and ID etc)

Oh, and do I need to haggle the price or it's a case of whatever they ask I must pay?

Should be Ok with a tourist visa. You could haggle by declaring the paper is free, but given your lack of non-immigration status then just be happy to pay the 300 baht. If 500 baht asked then it's worth haggling down to 300 baht

[phuketjock]

Serious car rental companies will definitely ask for an international drivers license, not sure about bikes. I remember years ago I just rented a car in Bangkok went on the Toll-way and the cops stopped me. I showed my Aussie license, but they insisted on an international license which luckily I had at the time

I rented a Hertz in OZ and a Britz Camper in NZ with my California DL without any problem. Never a problem here in Thailand either.

These days an IDP is no longer needed. I haven't heard of any verifiable reports where one was asked for. Before I got my Thai DL, I used my California DL at all the checkpoints with no problem. Everyone I know has said the same thing. My dad, while visiting, even hit a Thai on a motorbike with his rental car with no IDP and it was no problem for the rental car company or insurance.

I thought the rules were that:

1. a tourist can supply his own country's licence, but

2. an expat - i.e. someone staying here longer than 90 days - must have an international licence (which is only valid for a year) and then must get a Thai license.

Not quite. Point 1 is correct, but an expat, (one who has established residency by obtaining a visa other than a tourist visa, or enrolling kids in school, etc) must have a valid Thai license.

The topic of IDP's has been covered at great length on this forum. Here is the result of some digging I did.

Firstly, what is an IDP? Wiki: An International Driving Permit is a document recognized by many countries which allows the permit-holder to drive a private motor vehicle in that country. To be valid the IDP must be accompanied by a valid license from the home country. The document is slightly larger than a standard passport and is essentially a multiple language translation of the permit-holder's normal driver's license, (although none of those languages are in Thai) complete with photograph and vital statistics. In most countries however, short term visitors do not need to possess an IDP since the licence of the home country is recognized and permits one to drive in the host country.

When I first came to Thailand I looked into whether an IDP was required here and was concerned I might have to scramble to get one. When I researched, there was much confusion on the issue, and still is. In my haste I nearly threw down 100USD to one of those internet scam IDP's which claim to be legitimate IDP sellers. But luckily I did more research. I think there are a lot of people that don't know better and follow the outdated and outright inaccurate information available online. The advice from the people selling both the legal (auto clubs) and illegal IDP's (like www.international-license.com) was of course that they were required by law, yet that seemed to contradict the experience of people living in country I was glad I didn't get one after moving here and learning by experience that I in fact didn't need it. Turns out the law does not require it, which explains why police, car rental and insurance companies don't usually ask for them. Of course this is only if you are a tourist/visitor. If you are a resident (on anything other than a tourist visa or visa exempt stamp) then you need a Thai DL. Getting an IDP doesn't hurt, but it's not required. Just don't fall for the internet scam ones. They are as legal as a Khao San Rd. diploma.

-----

CHAPTER V

DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC

Article 24

1. Each Contracting State* shall allow any driver admitted to its territory who fulfills the conditions which are set out in Annex 8** and who holds a valid driving permit issued to him, after he has given proof of his competence, by the competent authority of another Contracting State or subdivision thereof, or by an Association duly empowered by such authority, to drive on its roads without further examination motor vehicles of the category or categories defined in Annexes 9 and 10 for which the permit has been issued.

2. A Contracting State may however require that any driver admitted to its territory shall carry an international driving permit conforming to the model contained in Annex 10, especially in the case of a driver coming from a country where a domestic driving permit is not required or where the domestic permit issued to him does not conform to the model contained in Annex 9***.

* Thailand is a contracting state, as they became a party via accession on 15 Aug, 1962.

** Annex 8 references required age of drivers.

*** Annex 9 describes the size of domestic driving permit (driver’s license) colour, size, English language, photo size, etc.

Notice in paragraph 2 the word "may" in bold. I added the *'s so people don't have to look them up. It's crystal clear that the treaty does not require contracting states to require an IDP.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1955/2.html

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/legalinst_07_RTRSS_RT1949.html

Below is the relevant section of the Motoring Act of 1979, Title 3 Section 42. It clearly states that if there is mutual acceptance of licenses through treaty (i.e. the treaty above) then "an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license issued by such a foreign government". Note that your home country and Thailand must have a treaty on mutual licenses. Most do.

Motoring Act of 1979

Title 3: Driver's License

Section 42

Anyone who wishes to drive a motor vehicle on public roads must possess an appropriate driver's license. The driver must carry the driver's license and a photocopy of the registration book and show them to competent officers upon request. This does not apply for those who are learning to drive a motor vehicle according to the provision of Section 57.

If the driver is an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa, he may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license specified in the Section 42-2. In such a case, he must carry documents specified by the treaty between the Thai government and the government which issued such driver's license, and show them to competent officers upon request.

Section 42-2

In case there's a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver's license, an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license issued by such a foreign government, or an automobile association authorized by such a foreign government.

Unofficial English Translation: http://www.bkkriders.com/law/motorvehicle.html

---

As further evidence, the following are email responses and stated policy form the websites of several car rental companies and insurance companies whom I asked for their policy on this issue. Not a single one came back saying I needed an IDP if a tourist in Thailand. .

Pure Car Rent:

"Thank you for your email. Intenational drivers license is no need to translate because when it says International it should already in English and it is permited to use internationally. About insurance coverage, for Pure Car Rent‘s insurance, Thai, overseas or international driver’s license is acceptable for our insurance companies. So if you drive Pure Car Rent‘s car with driver’s license issued by your country, you and the car are covered by insurance.”

HertzThailand.com:

"Rental Qualification :

Minimum renter age is 21 years. Must hold a valid Thai driving license or a driving license from a renter’s country of residence (with an English translation), or an international driving license."

Budget.co.th:

"All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of residence (with an English translation) or an international drivers permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving."

Thai Rent A Car

In order to rent THAI RENT A CAR vehicle, a valid driver’s license from the customer’s country of residence

is required and must be presented at time of rental. International renters must present a valid license from

their country of residence, if the license is in a language rather than English, an International Driver’s

permit is required in conjunction with the country of residence driver’s license

http://www.thairentacar.com/RentalGuides/

AA Insurance Thailand:

"Your 'home' license is legal in Thailand - as long as it is legal in your own country i.e. not suspended !"

Viriyah Insurance:

“Regarding to your question, please be

inform that your legal drivers license issued by The United States of America (date of license valid) is acceptable to use and drive the car in Thailand and The Viriyah car insurance will be cover while have an accident (Just in Thailand). Thank you for your kind interested.”

Bupa Insurance:

"For the international IDP is not a problem sir. As I have check with Bangkok. It’s not a problem for Bupa. No problem with that and the insurance will be covered you for all.

-Prayurapong Pisanaka, Prayurapong Pisanaka, Executive Health & Financial Manager - Head Office American International Assurance Company, Limited

----

In addition to my personal experiences, here is a short collection of first hand accounts from various sources of the seemingly infinite reports of interactions between foreigners driving with no IDP and the Thai police. This reflects the actual reality of the situation on the ground in Thailand and should be the best measuring stick to the legality of diving on your home license with no IDP. It strikes me as very odd that the police who are so fond of finding any little thing to make some tea money seem to be ignoring this if an IDP is required.

Lonely Planet entry:

"I've rented cars in Thailand many times. All the rental companies ask for is a driver's license (US state) and credit card -- just like everywhere else. I've been stopped by the police several times and the driver's license was fine."

Thaivisa member bob4you

I've been driving here for 5 years, stopped a couple of dozen times. Hawaii drivers license was accepted (never questioned once) each time.

ThaiVisa member bubba:

I have never had an International Driving License and I have driven in Thailand using both hired cars and my own car for about ten years now. I do have a valid licence from home. My insurance policy has a clause that states that only a "valid drivers license" is required for the class of vehicle insured. After inquiring, I got it in writing that this includes foreign licenses. I have been involved in three minor property damage accidents, two in a hire car and one in my own car. Whilst driving on a foreign license, my car was smashed by an uninsured pickup with my repair bill being 24,000 baht. My insurance company sent their adjuster out, he made out a report, and I was compensated fully. None of the police asked for a Thai or international licence, nor did the insurance companies and my own insurance company explicitly allows for coverage of drivers using a foreign licence, so long as that licence is valid for the class of vehicle driven. I have been stopped at police checkpoints and police invented traffic infractions dozens of times, and sometimes they ask for my licence. No problem. The police just want the money, not a big hassle. I have hired cars in Thailand dozens of times and no Thai or international licence is required by those companies either, including the majors such as Avis and Budget.

Here are the car rental companies in Thailand that I have used and none require an IDP or Thai licence so long as I had a recognisable and valid foreign licence:

Hertz

Avis

Budget

Master Car Rental

North Wheels (Chiang Mai)

ThaiVisa member tropa:

“I went through one of these road blocks on 3rd Road yesterday. I showed them my Australian drivers licence and they waved me through.”

landofsmiles from another forum:

"Your [home] licence is fine. Chances are in a few days you won't even go through any police checks and if you do it will still be ok. I don't have a bike endorsement on mine and I've been through dozens of checks. All they want to see is the word LICENCE and your photo."

ThaiVisa member fiddlehead:

"I always just used my state drivers licence from USA ... used the above for about 3 years ... Never got a fine for it. Except once because it had expired."

ThaiVisa member phuketrex:

"5 years in Thailand. Through 100's of police checks. Never a problem showing my British licence."

Commenter Robb at Pattaya One:

" I’ve been driving here for years only on my home country licence and never had a problem. Seem the police like the fact I have all my other documentation for my bike, nicely color photocopied and in a ziplok bag under the seat, they never question the fact I don’t have an international licence"

ThaiVisa member Deaw:

"Cruising down 2nd road in Pattaya on my rented 'cycle, not far from the Central Mall; must've been about 30 cops there, with the orange cones and some barricades, flashing red lights, etc.....pulling over EVERY motorcycle, farang and Thai alike. I got waved over by 2 guys. One says "license, please", and I hand him my N.Y. state drivers license. While he is looking it over, I say "I am a tourist here, I don't live in Thailand". Then I point to the "M.C." next to the Operator code and tell them "M.C., that means motorcycle". The older of the 2 says "OK" and they stand aside and let me pass. Total time wasted; 30 seconds.

ThaiVisa member collectsskulls:

"I have an international drivers permit but have never been asked for it only my Canadian one"

ThaiVisa member Kwasaki:

"I have never needed an IDP in Thailand having a UK valid driving license"

Wiki Answers

"All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary licence either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an international driving licence."

Wiki Answers

"I drove in Thailand for the first 12 months on a west Australian licence and was often checked but never a problem. Each time I was stopped at a police check point, the policeman seemed more intent on proving that he could read my name.

After that 12 months I got an International liicence whch was a waste of money as I still only showed my Australian licence.

So ,, short answer No you dont need one"

Wiki Answers

"International or US Driver's License and Passport is all you need."

Wiki Answers

"You don't have to have an international driver's license to rent a car, the rental agencies will rent you a car with a valid license from your home country. If you get stopped by the police make sure you show them your passport and the tourist visa stamp"

Wiki Answers

"If you are a farang and possess your home drivers license, that is enough. If a policeman (especially in Udon Thani) stops you, you simply show him your drivers license"

So bottom line, if a BIB does try one on and attempt to do you for no IDP as a tourist, all you need to do is point to your English license with a photo and repeat "International already." Show them your passport/copy with your tourist visa/visa exempt stamp. Speaking Thai to him will only work against you. If he decides that you are a resident and not a tourist/visitor, he may try to cite you for not having a Thai DL, but that has nothing to do with IDP's.

Do the above and I guarantee the BIB will not cite you for diving on just your home license if:

1) You are a tourist/visitor.

2) It is in English.

3) It has a photo.

4) It is current

5) It is for the class of vehicle you are diving.

6) Your home country and Thailand have a mutual agreement on licenses. (See here to determine if they are: http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/legalinst_07_RTRSS_RT1949.html

More info: http://bangkok.angloinfo.com/information/transport/driving-licences

That is all very well Joe but you try explaining all of the above to a Thai policeman on the roadside when he demands to see an

IDP. I don't think your guarantee will mean much when he is determined to get his "teamoney", but good luck with trying.

[NomadJoe]

^Cops in Thailand are corrupt. This is well known. He may also cite you for no shoes, no shirt, headlight on during the day, headlight off during the day, riding in the wrong lane when you weren't or had a valid reason too, or any great number of imagined offenses. When you show your license, and if they then they ask for "international" you say "international already" and keep repeating until they realize you actually know the law. This is exactly what happened to a guy in Pattaya. I would never let a cop cite me for this regardless, because I know the law. (Unless he gets threatening). But I have a Thai DL so unless I forgot my Thai DL and only had my home DL it's not going to ever come up. Anyway, I'm not giving advice. I am explaining the law. Things in Thailand don't always work they way they do back home. There is no black and white here even if the law spells it out in black and white. Everything is gray.

[phuketjock]

^Cops in Thailand are corrupt. This is well known. He may also cite you for no shoes, no shirt, headlight on during the day, headlight off during the day, riding in the wrong lane when you weren't or had a valid reason too, or any great number of imagined offenses. When you show your license, and if they then they ask for "international" you say "international already" and keep repeating until they realize you actually know the law. This is exactly what happened to a guy in Pattaya. I would never let a cop cite me for this regardless, because I know the law. (Unless he gets threatening). But I have a Thai DL so unless I forgot my Thai DL and only had my home DL it's not going to ever come up. Anyway, I'm not giving advice. I am explaining the law. Things in Thailand don't always work they way they do back home. There is no black and white here even if the law spells it out in black and white. Everything is gray.

Which in effect negates everything you have said about the law in Thailand. It has been my experience that the police in Thailand will get what they want

or make things very uncomfortable for you if they don't so negotiate with them to make what they want minimal and under no circumstances, as a foreigner,

argue with them or try to tell them what Thai law is, or worse what you think it is. I am not saying you are wrong but being right and in the jail does not

appeal to me at all.

[falkan]

yellow tabien baan works to if you have that, otherwize proof of proof of residence, dont forget passport copys and photos and 300bath

then you need more copys of you passport and visa at land and transport, you can make copys there

.

show up 08.30 with everything then they will proceed you papers then off to see if you can brake and see red,yellow and green colors hahah

10.00 movie starts finish 11.00 then computer test you need to have atleast 23 of 30, dont fail hahah!

13.00 driving test hahah you cant fail!

[paz]

It can? It says on that site that you need a non-immigrant visa.

Also, a doctors certificate. Dont have one of those. Can be done cheaply anywhere?

You need to make application at Phuket Immigration (not far from the transport dept) for a Certificate of Residence. You should supply a home rental contract, copy of house paper (proof of address) and copy of Thai house master ID. This paper is free but the officers ask at least 300 baht.

I've been trying to get a DL in Phuket for a long time, but never succeded.

First of all, immigration got much more than 300 Bt from me, can't remember, I even tought it was an official fee! Hoever, thye were happy with no more thta a guesthoust receipt.

Doctor certificate at any local doctor's office, cost 100 baht. So long as you can walk in, are breathing, then certificate is given.

Cheapest certficate I could find was at at Patong Hospital, I think 150 Bath. I had to wait quite a while. The fancy hospitals wanted 4-500 Bt easily.

Then I went to Phuket town DL office at the right time (not all the times are good). I was on a 30-day visa exemption, anda was not a problem.

I show first my home country DL (car/bike) with accompaning IDP, lady said not good, expires too soon (like three months). Then I show my USA DL, also with valid IDP. Lady said again, 'no good, does not show bike'. When back home I saw that indeed ALL the documents show the bike license in English..

Smiling and being there with a Thai person was of no help. Motor office lady indicated "be patient - takes time". Exactly at that point I lost my patience and gave up. I'm not in Thailand all the time, when I am I happily drive with the licenses mentioned above.

Once in BKK I got pulled over for an illegal U-turn, cop asked that I went to the hotel to get the IDP. That was pure added hassle, as he got bribed anyway to not write a ticket.

To me, all TiT.

Edited September 21, 2013 by paz

[stevenl]

Do you have a bike license or bike as an addition to the car up to a certain cc?

If the latter the lady was correct, you can not exchange that one since it is not a bike license.

[NamKangMan]

It can? It says on that site that you need a non-immigrant visa.

Also, a doctors certificate. Dont have one of those. Can be done cheaply anywhere?

You need to make application at Phuket Immigration (not far from the transport dept) for a Certificate of Residence. You should supply a home rental contract, copy of house paper (proof of address) and copy of Thai house master ID. This paper is free but the officers ask at least 300 baht.

I've been trying to get a DL in Phuket for a long time, but never succeded.

First of all, immigration got much more than 300 Bt from me, can't remember, I even tought it was an official fee! Hoever, thye were happy with no more thta a guesthoust receipt.

Doctor certificate at any local doctor's office, cost 100 baht. So long as you can walk in, are breathing, then certificate is given.

Cheapest certficate I could find was at at Patong Hospital, I think 150 Bath. I had to wait quite a while. The fancy hospitals wanted 4-500 Bt easily.

Then I went to Phuket town DL office at the right time (not all the times are good). I was on a 30-day visa exemption, anda was not a problem.

I show first my home country DL (car/bike) with accompaning IDP, lady said not good, expires too soon (like three months). Then I show my USA DL, also with valid IDP. Lady said again, 'no good, does not show bike'. When back home I saw that indeed ALL the documents show the bike license in English..

Smiling and being there with a Thai person was of no help. Motor office lady indicated "be patient - takes time". Exactly at that point I lost my patience and gave up. I'm not in Thailand all the time, when I am I happily drive with the licenses mentioned above.

Once in BKK I got pulled over for an illegal U-turn, cop asked that I went to the hotel to get the IDP. That was pure added hassle, as he got bribed anyway to not write a ticket.

To me, all TiT.

Just remember, if you have an accident - that is, you crash, or someone crashes into you - you will have no insurance to cover your medical costs.

Watch the video, do the computer test, ride/drive around the circuit, and get it over done with, especially if you plan on coming to Thailand a lot.

It's peace of mind and covers you legally on the road, and with your insurance company. It's also handy to carry as official ID.

[paz]

Just remember, if you have an accident - that is, you crash, or someone crashes into you - you will have no insurance to cover your medical costs.

Is not so, I'm not a resident, I have no Visa. I'm a tourist in Thailand. So as cleartly stated in this article, I need no Thai DL.

Also, that when others are at fault, that the victim is not paid due no not having a Thai DL, that is still to be proven,. Certainly my policy does not.

I think you cannot bring more than rumors to support that theory.

Edited September 21, 2013 by paz

[paz]

Do you have a bike license or bike as an addition to the car up to a certain cc?

If the latter the lady was correct, you can not exchange that one since it is not a bike license.

As stated above. both my DLs and IDPs are for car and Bike and they show that clearly. She just wanted to dismiss the idea that I would have been waived one test with them, as the law allows.

Edited September 21, 2013 by paz

[NamKangMan]

Just remember, if you have an accident - that is, you crash, or someone crashes into you - you will have no insurance to cover your medical costs.

Is not so, I'm not a resident, I have no Visa. I'm a tourist in Thailand. So as cleartly stated in this article, I need no Thai DL.

Also, that when others are at fault, that the victim is not paid due no not having a Thai DL, that is still to be proven,. Certainly my policy does not.

I think you cannot bring more than rumors to support that theory.

"Is not so, I'm not a resident, I have no Visa. I'm a tourist in Thailand. So as cleartly stated in this article, I need no Thai DL." - <deleted>????

[stevenl]

Do you have a bike license or bike as an addition to the car up to a certain cc?

If the latter the lady was correct, you can not exchange that one since it is not a bike license.

As stated above. both my DLs and IDPs are for car and Bike and they show that clearly. She just wanted to dismiss the idea that I would have been waived one test with them, as the law allows.

If the bike license is unlimited, you should have received the Thai DL for that.

I have also not heard of that not being given here on Phuket, so I'm really wondering what happened here.

[paz]

If the bike license is unlimited, you should have received the Thai DL for that.

I have also not heard of that not being given here on Phuket, so I'm really wondering what happened here.

I would have been given the license had I took all the tests, as someone without a valid IDP. The officer attitude showed that they weren't willing to follow their own regulations, that was enough for me to understand the climate, and spare further loss of time and money.

Edited September 21, 2013 by paz

[paz]

"Is not so, I'm not a resident, I have no Visa. I'm a tourist in Thailand. So as cleartly stated in this article, I need no Thai DL." - <deleted>????

Yes. Not ok with that? Abbreviating dirty talk will not make you look smarter.