Driver's License Requirements for Tourists re: 3 questions

[TheVagabond]

Hello all,

Context:

As per this archived post linked to below, I don't need a Thai Driver's License if I am on a Tourist Visa, and I can use my USA driver's license (which has motorcycle endorsement in US) for up to 3 months after each entry. (I am on a triple entry Tourist Visa, so will not remain in Thailand more than 90 days at a time).

Archived Post

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/448406-does-a-tourist-need-a-thai-drivers-license/

Questions (I drive a car & a motorcycle here in Thailand):

1. Is this correct, that TR visa holders can legally use home country USA driver's license?

2. Is there official written Thai language rules that state this? (I want to print and carry with me)

3. Has anyone using their USA driver's license on a TR visa had trouble when stopped? (or do the police generally accept this)

Kop khun maak krub! Thank you very much!

[nputman]

Get a International license in the States.

And make sure the vehicle you are driving has insurance.

[chiang mai]

1 - No, I do not believe this is correct, not unless it is supported by an international drivers license.

[ubonjoe]

Not visa related. Moved to motoring forum

[TheVagabond]

Not visa related. Moved to motoring forum

Thank you, Sorry! My eyes missed the motoring forum, I did look for one though!

[stevenl]

You can not drive a motorbike here legally without a motorbike license. You don't have that, only an endorsement which is not valid.

But yes, you can drive a car with your US DL for up to 9- days. However, it does not state after each entry, so no, I don't think you can do that either. This is a grey area though.

[chiang mai]

You can not drive a motorbike here legally without a motorbike license. You don't have that, only an endorsement which is not valid.

But yes, you can drive a car with your US DL for up to 9- days. However, it does not state after each entry, so no, I don't think you can do that either. This is a grey area though.

So, to summarize, you don't know!

[Wong!]

You can not drive a motorbike here legally without a motorbike license. You don't have that, only an endorsement which is not valid.

But yes, you can drive a car with your US DL for up to 9- days. However, it does not state after each entry, so no, I don't think you can do that either. This is a grey area though.

And yet they will give to a Thai bike license based on having a motorcycle endorsement (UK license in my case).

[nputman]

Get a International license in the States.

And make sure the vehicle you are driving has insurance.

OP this should explain what is needed.

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

I drove on a USA drivers license with International license for 4 years without any problems. Cars and MC's.

Was not legal after a set amount of time and now have a Thai license.

As far as a paper to carry around ? as it would have to be in Thai.

[stevenl]

You can not drive a motorbike here legally without a motorbike license. You don't have that, only an endorsement which is not valid.

But yes, you can drive a car with your US DL for up to 9- days. However, it does not state after each entry, so no, I don't think you can do that either. This is a grey area though.

So, to summarize, you don't know!

No, that is not what I said. If only because I said his motorbike endorsement has no official validity here.

[stevenl]

You can not drive a motorbike here legally without a motorbike license. You don't have that, only an endorsement which is not valid.

But yes, you can drive a car with your US DL for up to 9- days. However, it does not state after each entry, so no, I don't think you can do that either. This is a grey area though.

And yet they will give to a Thai bike license based on having a motorcycle endorsement (UK license in my case).

Yes, they sometimes will, but the Thai motorbike license is a full license, valid for all motorbikes. The endorsements are limited, only for certain bikes, so anybody driving on an endorsement does not possess a valid motorbike license.