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Home » Asia » How can I legally drive in Thailand?

How can I legally drive in Thailand?

December 14, 2021 by Bo Lang

When driving in Thailand, you need to own an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from the International Driver’s Association. As you obtain an IDP, it does not mean that you can completely ignore your home country’s driving license. An IDP is only an official translation of your driving card in a foreign country.

Contents

Can a foreigner drive a car in Thailand?

If you are not a resident (you are on a tourist visa or exemption of visa), you need an international driving permit (IDP) to be able to drive in Thailand.An international driving permit (IDP) can be obtained in your home country.

Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Thailand?

If you are a tourist, the answer is yes. You do need to have an International Driving Permit to drive in Thailand legally. A foreign driver’s license is not accepted in Thailand. If you are a Thai resident, you should have a Thai Driver’s License.

Can a tourist get a driver’s license in Thailand?

Can I get a Thai driving license on a Tourist Visa? The answer is yes. Regardless of what you read in forums, you can, and it is allowed. I did it when I was a tourist, and I asked in person at the Department of Land Transport.

Do you need a license to drive a car in Thailand?

To drive a car in Thailand, you must be 18.But since there is a risk of not being covered by insurance, you may want to get an International Driving Permit (an IDP, from your local automobile association). If you are in Thailand for more than six months, you should either have an IDP or a Thai license.

How do I get an international drivers license in Thailand?

If you do not have a Thai drivers license, you cannot apply for an International Drivers license in Thailand. You need to get it from the country your license was issued. Only the Department of Land Transport can issue the International Drivers License – no private business can do this.

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Can I drive in Thailand with UK Licence?

Road travel
To drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand, under Thai law you must have the correct licence and appropriate insurance for the category of vehicle you’re using. You will need to apply for a Thai driving licence or, if you already hold a UK licence, an International Driving Permit.

How do I get an international driving permit?

The IDP must be issued in the same country as the driver’s license. In the case of a driver’s license being issued in the United States, the IDP must also be issued in the United States. Contact your nearest AAA office to obtain an IDP.

Can I get an international driving permit online?

They cannot be obtained online, only at selected Post Offices. Personal applications for IDPs can be made at selected Post Office branch offices. You must apply in person (this means that third party applications will not be accepted) and complete the application form available from the Post Office.

Is it easy to drive in Thailand?

Driving in Thailand during the day is a little chaotic but manageable, however, driving at night is not recommended particularly for tourists. At night there is a lot of heavy truck traffic and the drivers tend to have little regard for other cars on the road.

How do I get a Thai driving Licence?

PROCEDURE

  1. CHECK THE DOCUMENTS.
  2. PRINT THE APPLICATION FORM.
  3. TAKE ONLY A PHYSICAL TEST. TAKE A TRAINING 1 HOURS. TAKE A PHYSICAL TEST. TAKE A THEORY TEST. TAKE A PRACTICAL TEST.
  4. PAY THE FEE / TAKE A PHOTO AND PRINT DRIVING LICENCE. (FEE 505 BAHT) ADDITIONAL (CHANGE NAME OR ADDRESS CHARGE 50 BAHT)
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Where can I get a Thai drivers license?

The driving license is issued at any Department of Land Transport offices in Thailand. Details of the major test centers in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and other prominent areas of the country can be found here. I recommend applying for your motorcycle and driver’s licenses at the same time.

What is the legal age to drive in Thailand?

18
The legal driving age in Thailand is 18 for car drivers and at least 15 years of age for motorbike drivers. All tourists to Thailand are required to have an International Drivers’ License on their person at all times while operating a vehicle.

Do you need a license to drive scooter in Thailand?

It’s illegal. You will need a driving license from your home country if you want to hire a motorbike or car. But, if you do not have an international license or a Thai license, you will be driving illegally.

How much is a Thai driving Licence?

Requirements to Apply for a Thailand Driving License
It will cost about 50-100 baht. It’s not a thorough examination. If you have a pulse, you pass. You can get a Residence Certificate proof of address either at your local Immigration office or from your Embassy.

How much does an international Licence cost?

It is recognized in 174 countries. Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The fee for an IDP is $20 (as of 2017). An IDP can be issued immediately at an AAA branch or may take 10-15 business days by mail from AAA or AATA.

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Is Thailand high in crime?

Thailand has a relatively high crime rate compared to other countries in Asia. Thais are generally law-abiding people but there is a lot of drug abuse in the country, and going hand in hand with that are thefts and petty crime, and on occasion some serious crimes.Pirating and counterfeiting are problems in Thailand.

Is Thailand safe to live?

There is no denying that are serious safety problems in Thailand. These include human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, and violence against women. However, Thailand is ranked as one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia and violent crimes against visitors are rare.

Is it safe to drive in Thailand?

Thailand’s roads are the most dangerous in the world. It’s not just a statistic but a very real human tragedy. For foreigners visiting Thailand and thinking of driving, it is worth taking a look at the risks involved – they are almost surreal. Thailand’s roads are now officially the most dangerous in the world.

Which countries accept international driving license?

List Of Countries Recognising International Driving Permit

Afghanistan Curacao (Netherlands Antilles) Ireland
Bangladesh Estonia Kuwait (1)
Barbados (1) Fiji Krygyzstan
Belgium Finland Laos
Belize France & French Monaco Latvia

Can I get an international driver’s license while abroad?

After 12 months, you can apply for a new IDP, even if you’re overseas. You would have to contact your usual AAA or CAA office to ask them about costs, as they’d have to send you your new documents by registered mail or courier. And as always, your regular driver’s license must still be valid in your home country.

Filed Under: Asia

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About Bo Lang

Bo Lang loves exploring the world. A self-proclaimed "adventurer," Bo has spent his life traveling to new and exciting places. He's climbed mountains, explored jungles, and sailed across the ocean. He's even eaten the beating heart of a king cobra!

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