arkom Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 I have read that the UK does not require an International Permit if the license is written in English, which mine is. However when I asked the rental company I was told that Thai licenses is not valid and a IDP is needed. Can anyone help confirm? Not sure if this would be the best section to post, if not please move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brit_Doggie Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 My friend who has thai licence in english has np with hire in uk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkom Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share Posted March 23, 2015 (edited) My friend who has thai licence in english has np with hire in uk.Thanks, I have feeling I should be fine then. Edited March 23, 2015 by arkom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve187 Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 same subject here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794210-drivng-in-uk-with-thai-licence/ link to Thai IDP here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792718-international-drivers-licence/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkom Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share Posted March 23, 2015 (edited) same subject here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794210-drivng-in-uk-with-thai-licence/ link to Thai IDP here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792718-international-drivers-licence/ Thanks for the link, will take a look. Edited March 23, 2015 by arkom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornishcarlos Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 As long as it's a 5 year licence, no problem. I have rented several times with mine. 1 year licence is only a provisional and not valid to rent cars with, I believe ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 5 year license is legal to drive with, but of course a rental company can set it'd own requirements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkom Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share Posted March 23, 2015 Thanks all, most people say no need for it, and some say it's needed. I contacted the rental company and been getting different answers. One person sad permit not need and other says needed. Only renting for one day didn't want to waste time getting a permit from DLT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve187 Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 why not try and prebook a dummy booking and see if it takes licence details Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanLaew Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 The 5-year Thai qualifies for car rental in the UK. My personal experience is it easier to rent a car in the UK as visitor from overseas with your 5-year Thai licence than it is with your UK license. Rental agencies have slightly differing policies but in my experience, showing your UK license and using a UK address requires 2 additional items confirming your identity. One which is the passport but the other is invariably a utility bill or tax receipt in the same name/address as the UK DL and credit card. All good if you have that but a bugger if you are truly an international gypsy. This may vary with individual car rental agencies when booking direct but definitely applies if using a broker 'cartrawler' type car rental search engine like the one that this forum recommends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casualbiker Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 (edited) I rented from Kendall car hire. I asked the same question as you, and got told as long as it's a permanent license (not provisional ) and written in English..no problem. I actually got an INTERNATIONAL permit anyway. But it was not required! http://www.kendallcars.com/ One thing though. I believe that to drive on the Thai licence, you should not be a current UK licence holder! I'm not as mine has expired! Edited March 24, 2015 by casualbiker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostinisaan Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 Dear OP, Why don't you go to your transport department and get yourself an IDP? Wasn't possible in all provinces a few years ago. Now no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkom Posted March 24, 2015 Author Share Posted March 24, 2015 Dear OP, Why don't you go to your transport department and get yourself an IDP? Wasn't possible in all provinces a few years ago. Now no problems. Like I mentioned above, I don't want to the hassle of getting an IDP for a one day rental, I had to get one for my last trip and ended spending a half day there. I did however get a reply from the rental company and they confirmed an IDP isn't required as long as name and date of birth on the license is in English. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 I rented from Kendall car hire. I asked the same question as you, and got told as long as it's a permanent license (not provisional ) and written in English..no problem. I actually got an INTERNATIONAL permit anyway. But it was not required! http://www.kendallcars.com/ One thing though. I believe that to drive on the Thai licence, you should not be a current UK licence holder! I'm not as mine has expired! If your current UK license is valid ypou can drive on either Thai or UK license. Now if your UK license has been revoked you can legally drive on neither. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now