International Driving Permit / Thai Driver's License

[jeebusjones]

Hi,

I'm sorry if this has been covered before, but I couldn't find all the information I'm after just using the search function.

I went to the US embassy today to try to get an International Driving Permit. I was told that in order to get it, I would first need to have a Thai Driver's license. This comes as a suprise to me. So, I just have a few questions about it.

1. Is a Thai Driver's License always required before getting an International Driver's Permit? Isn't the International Driver's License simply issued from one's home country, to be used internationally? Seems like a bit of a catch 22 for me to be required to get the Thai license first.

2. What is necessary to get the Thai Driver's license? I do NOT work here and only have a tourist visa. Will it be possible to get any sort of license that is acceptable for driving in Thailand?

3. What is the consequence of driving without a Thai/International license in Thailand? Just for informational purposes, what would happen if I was stopped by the police while driving and I didn't have a Thai/International license, only an American driver's license? What is the penalty? Would I be able to pay my way out of it?

(BTW, I'm an American and I've lived in Thailand for the last two years on a combination of tourist visas and visa exemption stamps. I do not work here.)

Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[jeebusjones]

Hi,

I'm sorry if this has been covered before, but I couldn't find all the information I'm after just using the search function.

I went to the US embassy today to try to get an International Driving Permit. I was told that in order to get it, I would first need to have a Thai Driver's license. This comes as a suprise to me. So, I just have a few questions about it.

1. Is a Thai Driver's License always required before getting an International Driver's Permit? Isn't the International Driver's License simply issued from one's home country, to be used internationally? Seems like a bit of a catch 22 for me to be required to get the Thai license first.

2. What is necessary to get the Thai Driver's license? I do NOT work here and only have a tourist visa. Will it be possible to get any sort of license that is acceptable for driving in Thailand?

3. What is the consequence of driving without a Thai/International license in Thailand? Just for informational purposes, what would happen if I was stopped by the police while driving and I didn't have a Thai/International license, only an American driver's license? What is the penalty? Would I be able to pay my way out of it?

(BTW, I'm an American and I've lived in Thailand for the last two years on a combination of tourist visas and visa exemption stamps. I do not work here.)

Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[Moonfruit]

I dont have a Thai driving license, but i do have an international driving permit issued from UK. Technically, you need the international permit, however on the many occasions where i have been pulled over, (including today for speeding!) the police have no idea what the international permit is, and are only interested in my UK drivers license.

Ive been meening to get a Thai license, but just havent got around to it over the last 4 years! Your international permit needs to be issued in your home country. I am not aware that you can get them issued at your embassy. You certainly cannot at the UK embassy.

Regarding the Thai driving license, check out the pinned thread at the top of this forum.

Regards

[thaihome]

Hi,

I'm sorry if this has been covered before, but I couldn't find all the information I'm after just using the search function.

I went to the US embassy today to try to get an International Driving Permit. I was told that in order to get it, I would first need to have a Thai Driver's license. This comes as a suprise to me. So, I just have a few questions about it.

1. Is a Thai Driver's License always required before getting an International Driver's Permit? Isn't the International Driver's License simply issued from one's home country, to be used internationally? Seems like a bit of a catch 22 for me to be required to get the Thai license first.

2. What is necessary to get the Thai Driver's license? I do NOT work here and only have a tourist visa. Will it be possible to get any sort of license that is acceptable for driving in Thailand?

3. What is the consequence of driving without a Thai/International license in Thailand? Just for informational purposes, what would happen if I was stopped by the police while driving and I didn't have a Thai/International license, only an American driver's license? What is the penalty? Would I be able to pay my way out of it?

(BTW, I'm an American and I've lived in Thailand for the last two years on a combination of tourist visas and visa exemption stamps. I do not work here.)

Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

1. For Americans, IDL's are issued by AAA. The intent is you get one before you leave. They do it by mail, try contacting them (read 3 first)

2. You need a Non-Imm visa to get Thai license. You are not eligable

3. No consequence in my experience (4 years). You can rent a car with your US state license. Police will not care as IDL are merely translations of your license and Thai is not one of the languages. Get one if you feel better, I got one, haven't bothered since.

TH

[jeebusjones]

1. For Americans, IDL's are issued by AAA. The intent is you get one before you leave. They do it by mail, try contacting them (read 3 first)

2. You need a Non-Imm visa to get Thai license. You are not eligable

3. No consequence in my experience (4 years). You can rent a car with your US state license. Police will not care as IDL are merely translations of your license and Thai is not one of the languages. Get one if you feel better, I got one, haven't bothered since.

TH

Thanks for the advice.

I should specify that I plan to drive a motorbike, not a car. I have a valid driver's license from the US (Oregon state), but it is for a car and not a motorcycle.

Is this a potential problem? Or is it something that would probably be overlooked?

Thanks again.

[cathyy]

The IDL is also typically only good until your US license expires. Did you let it expire already?

Dude, get the IDL by mail if your US license is still valid. You can print the application online. then take the IDL with you when you go to get your Thai driver's license. I have heard it makes a difference in terms of tests, etc, but the stories do vary a lot.

[Tony Clifton]

I was told that I can obtain the Thai Intl. licence only after holding the regular Thai licence for 2 years.

[jeebusjones]

I dont have a Thai driving license, but i do have an international driving permit issued from UK. Technically, you need the international permit, however on the many occasions where i have been pulled over, (including today for speeding!) the police have no idea what the international permit is, and are only interested in my UK drivers license.

Ive been meening to get a Thai license, but just havent got around to it over the last 4 years! Your international permit needs to be issued in your home country. I am not aware that you can get them issued at your embassy. You certainly cannot at the UK embassy.

Regarding the Thai driving license, check out the pinned thread at the top of this forum.

Regards

Thanks for the information. It seems like I should be ok using my US license for the time being.

[Jai Dee]

Duplicate topics merged.

[taxexile]

slightly off topic but....

can one rent a car in the uk using a thai drivers licence ?

[Rinrada]

I dont have a Thai driving license, but i do have an international driving permit issued from UK. Technically, you need the international permit, however on the many occasions where i have been pulled over, (including today for speeding!) the police have no idea what the international permit is, and are only interested in my UK drivers license.

Ive been meening to get a Thai license, but just havent got around to it over the last 4 years! Your international permit needs to be issued in your home country. I am not aware that you can get them issued at your embassy. You certainly cannot at the UK embassy.

Regarding the Thai driving license, check out the pinned thread at the top of this forum.

Regards

Thanks for the information. It seems like I should be ok using my US license for the time being.

pretend

When you have the BIG one and I hope you dont just watch the back of your Insurance Company rep...if you can see the dust when he finds his "Cop out" after you tell him...(Yipee in Thai ) .that you ..No have proper license... ....no need to payout insur dosh.....will be Down to YOU---whooooo.....

National and IDL are the min required to drive /rent a car /bike in LOS.....never mind wot any grubby little SOB booni policeman says.....hes only a goon on the lookout for a back h...(not all ...met some real good/gen ones)...The LAW is as they say.....

Even better get a Thai DL ...its dead easy,cheap and quick..... ....why duck and dive....play the game....

[corkscrew]

slightly off topic but....

can one rent a car in the uk using a thai drivers licence ?

That is a very good question. I'd like to know the answer to that.

[LivinLOS]

I dont think a Thai is recognised in Europe.. I know sister in law couldnt get her Thai licence made into a Euro one and needed tests and learning there.

I do think you could use a Thai international permit (thai IDL) in all countries that subscribe to the global IDP agreements.. However you will have problems using a IDP in your home country. I used to use a US license in England and they hated it.. told me I had to have a UK one but that's not exactly true.

Great way to avoid speeding points.

[Farma]

From phuket Gazette questions and answers

Q. Can I drive abroad on a Thai license?

Is a Thai driving license accepted in the UK and other European countries, when hiring a car on holiday? If not, is it possible to get an international driving license in Thailand?

Friday, May 23, 2003 John Dalley

A. “Thailand has an agreement with some countries, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US, that allows people to drive in those countries using Thai driving licenses.

Another option is to exchange your Thai driving license for one issued in the country where you want to drive. For full details of what options are available, you should contact the relevant embassy in Thailand.

Finally, many people who want to drive in a foreign country should obtain an Interntational Driving Permit before travelling. This permit, which is valid for one year, allows the holder to drive in any of at least 168 countries that signed the Convention on International Road Traffic of September 19, 1949.

International Driving Permits issued in Thailand are issued by the Department of Land Transportation (DLT). For more information, contact the DLT Bangkok office at 1032 Phaholyothin Rd, Lad Yao, Chatujak, BKK 10900. Tel/Fax: 02-272 3614-6. Website: http://dlt.motc.go.th”

Friday, May 23, 2003 Roongpop Traiyasunun, Transportation Technical Office, DLT, Bangkok.

From the Europcar.co.uk website terms and conditions for United Kingdom.

Required Rental Qualifications

Driver(s) personal qualification

Each driver must present a driving licence (both parts in the case of a 2 part UK driving licence) in her/his name valid in the country (driving licences in characters not readable in the country of rental must be accompanied by an International Driving Licence) held for a minimum period of time depending on local legislation or conditions; s(he) must also meet the age requirements in force in that country for the vehicle category considered.

I hope this helps

Farma

[oohlalanev]

From the US, you can simply get an equivalent Thai license, providing you are not here on a tourist visa. If you renew it one year later you can get a 5-year license plus however much time exists until your birthday (get it one day after your birthday and it will be good for 6 years) The last time I worked in Thailand was 7 years ago, and they still gave me the 5 year license, even though I no longer have my old license (in Chiang Mai). Very interesting since I do not even have a work permit at this point. I wish they would do this with visas and work permits

[Moonfruit]

I dont have a Thai driving license, but i do have an international driving permit issued from UK. Technically, you need the international permit, however on the many occasions where i have been pulled over, (including today for speeding!) the police have no idea what the international permit is, and are only interested in my UK drivers license.

Ive been meening to get a Thai license, but just havent got around to it over the last 4 years! Your international permit needs to be issued in your home country. I am not aware that you can get them issued at your embassy. You certainly cannot at the UK embassy.

Regarding the Thai driving license, check out the pinned thread at the top of this forum.

Regards

Thanks for the information. It seems like I should be ok using my US license for the time being.

pretend

When you have the BIG one and I hope you dont just watch the back of your Insurance Company rep...if you can see the dust when he finds his "Cop out" after you tell him...(Yipee in Thai ) .that you ..No have proper license... ....no need to payout insur dosh.....will be Down to YOU---whooooo.....

National and IDL are the min required to drive /rent a car /bike in LOS.....never mind wot any grubby little SOB booni policeman says.....hes only a goon on the lookout for a back h...(not all ...met some real good/gen ones)...The LAW is as they say.....

Even better get a Thai DL ...its dead easy,cheap and quick..... ....why duck and dive....play the game....

Not sure what is your point here Rin as according to your post, "National and IDL are the min required to drive/rent a car/bike in LOS". I stated above that i meet those requirements, and just commented that in all the times i have chatted with Mr. Plod here, they arent interested in my IDL, just my U.K. license. If i receive a ticket for something, its my U.K. license they take, not my IDL.

You are correct about getting a Thai license though. It has been something i have been putting off for way too long. Ill make it my new years resolution!