Permanent Expat - How Do I Get a Motorbike License in Udon Thani

[sometimewoodworker]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

Some countries, France is one, issue an IDP for 3 years.

However the Thai law states that after 3 months in Thailand you must get a Thai licence and that the IDP (even if still valid) is illegal. Some Thai insurance companies also have the same rules. So if you do not get a Thai licence after 3 months your insurance is void.

LOL, that is the possible theory, but in practice, nobody checks how long you inside the country after an accident.

It is not a theory, it is the law. As you know law is not always enforced.

As I said, lucky, most times you are, sometimes not.

I was hit by a thai driver in Udon minor damage (his fault the police and insurance said) the police and insurance did check both how long I had been in thailand and that my IDP and Japanese licence were in date

Now, even though I haven't been in thailand for more than 85 days at a time for the last 20 years, I have a 5 year licence. Its easy and fast to get.

Also not the insurance Company I had to do with,

they happy with a National EU and International Drivers license, they know well also,

that who has such licenses has really be tested in his home country, completely contrary to people who have only a Thai license.

I don't think insurance companies care where you got your licence, they care about you NOT having to claim so they do not have to payout.

Some insurance companies do have a clause that invalidates the insurance if you have been in thailand more than 3 months and do not have a legal (Thai) licence. Some may not check, so far you have been lucky. I hope you stay lucky, or get legal.

I am most times not more than 3 - 4 month in TH, sometimes after a extension of stay for having children in TH it was max. 5 month.

Never, in 18 years a problem.

[recom273]

I couldn't be bothered to read all these posts .. Just, why wouldn't you get a Thai driving license ? Same as the guys who register their vehicles in the wives name - why ?

The scenario is its ok, in your Thai town or village, and you go to Pattaya or Hua Hin and at the roadblock instead of showing your Thai license and being waved on, you don't have your IDP, anyway it's only valid for a year, they want to see your passport - which is at the hotel, they want 300b - 500b. The missus is gong off at you to take the test.

You have a small bump, you want some money from the other party to pay for the damage, neither of you have insurance - the first thing the police ask for is your license, the other party shows theirs, you stand there like an idiot and the police tell the other party to drive on.

I know, I did it for 10 years myself, then decided it's just easier to get spend a day taking the test.

[sometimewoodworker]

I was at that Driving school in Udon Thani with my GF's sister in end of 2013.

Her husband hoped she can get than more easy a Driving license in his home land - with a valid Thai license only a driving ability test involved, to get a new EU license in our country.

After a week she got the license,

still could not drive and her husband never tried to apply for a EU driving license in our country,

as he does absolutely, not believe she can make that test OK! lol

I was offered that 4.000 Baht possibility to change my homeland and Int. Drivers license to a Thai one.

BUT =

The Thai driving license will not improve my driving skills,

So I skip that at all.

For the possible big problems of the legal aspects -

I drive since 1998, since I stay nearly whole year in TH,

with my home country license and a International license in TH.

The normally limited validity of the Int. License I extend since years, with a black pen, now to 2018.

Had in that time, since 1999,

4 bigger accidents, with car 2 and motorbike, 2, in all of them, police, insurance (also with car - Number 1 insurance = Fully comprehensive insurance) and 2 time hospital, on my side, involved. (Now 32 % disabled)

Was countless times stopped for speeding or just controlled.

Stay sometimes 5 month in the country, (limit for having a Thai license is for stays of over >+3 month in the country.)

No problems with my way.

If you have a valid IDP and licence the cost to get a Thai licence is about 100 Baht so someone was trying to scam you.

If you have been driving without a Thai licence having been in Thailand for more than 3 months you have been breaking the law. We all know that enforcement of the law is flexible in Thailand.

You have been lucky that no one bothered to check or enforce the law.

If they ever do you your insurance is void, and if you're in an accident involving death (not unusually here), you will probably have to pay millions of Bhat yourself.

So if that ever happens (I hope it never does) "No problems with my way. " will have been a terrible idea

The driving school in Udon Thani offers you that 4.000 Baht way and you do not have to go to the Thai Government office and apply yourself. You pay and pick up some day later.

I only seldom stay more than 3 month in TH anyway.

So you think the Insurance companies check strictly only when a death is involved?

Otherwise not care from smaller pay outs?

I do not believe that. Anyway, please bring me such a terrible scenario where a insurance company did not pay, because the Falang had a valid National license and valid Int. License and was more than 3 month in the country, but had no Thai driving license.

I believe that that is a misdemeanou,, punishable by a small fine, not more and if you have valid licenses for driving in Thailand less 3 month long, there is no insurance problem at all.

You are just a holier than the pope gloomster.

I'm just telling you the law. You are deciding that you will ignore it. Your risk, your licence, your money, your choice.

You are the one who is boasting about breaking the law and getting away with it. You are the one who has no legal IDP and is boasting about using the same one for 19 years.

I never said that insurance companies only check strictly if there is a death, but if the payout is large don't you think they will be more careful?

In Thailand many people make small claims every year to get minor scratches and dents made good. Do I think that the insurance companies do not check every small claim carefully? No I do think so, I know that they do not check.

All you need to do is read the fine print of your insurance. If it says you need a Thai licence after 3 months you do. If not then you are OK.

You now know the risks (if you did not before) you make you own decisions.

[starky]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

Exactly why anyone who has lived here that long, doesn't have a Thai license is a real mystery - not only does it contravene Thai law but it's massively inconvenient, hence I'm going to call BS on your post, sorry!

Ok mate you can call whatever you want but obviously reading comprehension isn't your forte. It has never been a drama so I never bothered getting one. If I don't need it why get it.....Oh and p.s I work offshore so I am back in Oz every 5 weeks so renewing my international drivers permit has never been a problem. Just what TV needs another judgemental smart arse. Kudos to you clown

[starky]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

Exactly why anyone who has lived here that long, doesn't have a Thai license is a real mystery - not only does it contravene Thai law but it's massively inconvenient, hence I'm going to call BS on your post, sorry!

Ok mate you can call whatever you want but obviously reading comprehension isn't your forte. It has never been a drama so I never bothered getting one. If I don't need it why get it.....Oh and p.s I work offshore so I am back in Oz every 5 weeks so renewing my international drivers permit has never been a problem. Just what TV needs another judgemental smart arse. Kudos to you clown

[starky]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

Exactly why anyone who has lived here that long, doesn't have a Thai license is a real mystery - not only does it contravene Thai law but it's massively inconvenient, hence I'm going to call BS on your post, sorry!

Ok mate you can call whatever you want but obviously reading comprehension isn't your forte. It has never been a drama so I never bothered getting one. If I don't need it why get it.....Oh and p.s I work offshore so I am back in Oz every 5 weeks so renewing my international drivers permit has never been a problem. Just what TV needs another judgemental smart arse. Kudos to you clown

[dptommy]

Hi ,I will be back in udon Tuesday night I don't post much but read a lot if you like to meet I can give you some tips that will make it easy ,just trying to help

[starky]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

Oh an p.p.s I am never in the country for more than 3 months at a time so I am not breaking any law. I get an automatic reset every time I come back in.

[chiang mai]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

Oh an p.p.s I am never in the country for more than 3 months at a time so I am not breaking any law. I get an automatic reset every time I come back in.

You wrote:

"Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance". (Sadly you forgot to mention the things that you added in your subsequent posts about working offshore and being in your home country every three months but never mind!)

Soooo, you're suggesting the OP can do the same as you, fly to his own country to get an International Drivers Permit, return to Thailand but leave every three months thereafter in order to "reset" his residency and remain legal and then, repeat that process every year. The alternative being to spend 106 baht and two hours of his time and get a Thai license. Hmm, that's a tricky one, I'll need some time to decide which is the more sensible approach! OK I've decided, call me old fashioned if you like but I vote for the 106 baht approach.

[ALFREDO]

I couldn't be bothered to read all these posts .. Just, why wouldn't you get a Thai driving license ? Same as the guys who register their vehicles in the wives name - why ?

The scenario is its ok, in your Thai town or village, and you go to Pattaya or Hua Hin and at the roadblock instead of showing your Thai license and being waved on, you don't have your IDP, anyway it's only valid for a year, they want to see your passport - which is at the hotel, they want 300b - 500b. The missus is gong off at you to take the test.

You have a small bump, you want some money from the other party to pay for the damage, neither of you have insurance - the first thing the police ask for is your license, the other party shows theirs, you stand there like an idiot and the police tell the other party to drive on.

"Just, why wouldn't you get a Thai driving license ?"

Because I can make it also without one, I am the living proof.

"Same as the guys who register their vehicles in the wives name - why ?"

Was not possible 2003 to give fully paid car in my name, at least in my Amphoe I was living.

Same with motorbike in same year in Phuket. Had only a Tourist Visa. Will try again this year now.

"You have a small bump, you want some money from the other party to pay for the damage"

All vehicles I drive have full comprehensive insurance, even the Honda CB 650 F.

I have my National and my International Drivers License always with me, including my Passport.

"I know, I did it for 10 years myself, then decided it's just easier to get spend a day taking the test."

I have the option too, maybe I will go one day to the Udon Driving school and come back to their 4.000? Baht offer.

[lostinisaan]

Mates, dudes, etc..how do I become a permanent expat?

[elliss]

What is the medical certificate?

This is my first time hearing of that. My point about "permanent basis" is nothing grandiose. (Quote}

Medical certificate complete nonsense , quite right old chum .

Just give your name , and hand over 80 bht .

After 15 years in land of scams , still learning, kap.

P .S. Many permanent ,,farlang / foreigner on secure basis,, ha ha

can have their secure carpet, swept from under their feet , at anytime

,

Indeed , nothing grandoise .

Edited March 5, 2016 by elliss

[ALFREDO]

I'm just telling you the law. You are deciding that you will ignore it. Your risk, your licence, your money, your choice.

You are the one who is boasting about breaking the law and getting away with it. You are the one who has no legal IDP and is boasting about using the same one for 19 years.

I never said that insurance companies only check strictly if there is a death, but if the payout is large don't you think they will be more careful?

In Thailand many people make small claims every year to get minor scratches and dents made good. Do I think that the insurance companies do not check every small claim carefully? No I do think so, I know that they do not check.

All you need to do is read the fine print of your insurance. If it says you need a Thai licence after 3 months you do. If not then you are OK.

You now know the risks (if you did not before) you make you own decisions.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

The IDP is not since 19 years in personal Extension , only since about 10+ years.

Before from 1990 - 2004/2006, I did not have a Int drivers license, showed only my Homelands later with EU country names on it, in many languages and said YES! this is a International License,

worked always too.

The text of insurance papers is in Thai, I would think there is no Passus regarding Falang drivers,

the car I drive is in the name of my Gf's brother, first car scheme so got, 2012 the tax back.

The car papers are still with the car company as it is not paid completely until now.

The car company Nissan, does not even care and check if the car is still fully comprehensive insured or not.

Last time when my Gf and me made a new Full Comprehensive insurance I could not see her brother making any signings on papers. TIT This is Thailand and all claims car got new paint, left and right side had been paid without problems.

The motorbike, big bike, I bought last year second hand,

is still in the owners name, I drive with his Bangkok number plates and with his Full Comprehensive insurance.

Have to change that now, as the insurance runs out.

[starky]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

Oh an p.p.s I am never in the country for more than 3 months at a time so I am not breaking any law. I get an automatic reset every time I come back in.

You wrote:

"Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance". (Sadly you forgot to mention the things that you added in your subsequent posts about working offshore and being in your home country every three months but never mind!)

Soooo, you're suggesting the OP can do the same as you, fly to his own country to get an International Drivers Permit, return to Thailand but leave every three months thereafter in order to "reset" his residency and remain legal and then, repeat that process every year. The alternative being to spend 106 baht and two hours of his time and get a Thai license. Hmm, that's a tricky one, I'll need some time to decide which is the more sensible approach! OK I've decided, call me old fashioned if you like but I vote for the 106 baht approach.

Smarmy so and so aren't you? Again comprehension seems to be lacking. I never suggested anything simply stated the fact I have never found it to be a problem. My apologies too for not explaining my whole life story for you in fuller detail to further help you explain my post. I will be sure to do so in future every time I post.

[aronp1]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Not to mention the big fine for getting caught driving without a license.

[ALFREDO]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Not to mention the big fine for getting caught driving without a license.

100 - 200 Baht without a receive, invoice, statement, 300 Baht with one. Thai countryside.