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Home » Reader question » Can you drive in Thailand without an International Driving Permit?
Can you drive in Thailand without an International Driving Permit?
By Submitted Message
Posted in Reader question
Tags: Rent a car, International driver's license, Scooter
Posted in Reader question
Tags: Rent a car, International driver's license, Scooter
April 23, 2025
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Dear readers,
I have a Dutch driver's license for a passenger car (automatic), but no international driver's license. Can I still rent a scooter or car?
Or do you risk a fine or insurance that doesn't work?
Regards,
Adrie
Editors: Do you have a question for the readers of Thailandblog? Use it contact form..
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What do you think NO
Is it really that difficult to just go to the town hall and get an international driving license?
No insurance will cover you
Thailand joined the United Nations Conference on Road and Motor Transport (Geneva Convention on Road Traffic) of 1962 in 1949, (https://ap.lc/CJoDm) in which dozens of countries declare to recognize each other's driving licenses. An International Driving Permit, to be issued by e.g. the ANWB in the Netherlands, is proof of this. TH itself issues an International Driving Permit (IDP) via the Department of Land Transport, if a Thai or a 'farang' with a Thai driving license wants to drive a car abroad. Driving around in TH without such a certificate can get you a fine. If you cause an accident, the insurance may be withdrawn. It is also possible that you can still rent a car/motorcycle, but that you are driving around illegally uninsured. It is also possible that some (Korat) reactions will say that it is not so bad in TH, but nevertheless, in TH the following applies above all: forewarned is forearmed.
What do you think now, or what would you like to hear because that is probably what it is about 555 You are allowed to do whatever you want, but don't come complaining later that in the event of an accident the insurance will not pay anything and you will have to start yet another crowdfunding campaign...
No, you can't. With an international driver's license you are officially allowed (I think) to drive a car in Thailand for 6 weeks. For a scooter you need a motorcycle license, because they are all more than 50cc.
If you do not meet the requirements, you are not insured and you risk a fine. In the event of an accident, you are completely screwed. So think before you start
An international driving license can be requested from the ANWB.
Validity is 3 years. (Previously 1 year)
Thanks for the tip, but I'm already in Thailand. Where can I get an international driver's license?
The answer to that is simply NO.
Heavy fine and other unpleasant problems during inspection
In case of an accident, you may get one of the dirtiest hotels as temporary sleeping accommodation and your wallet will be a lot lighter.
The answer is easy for you to find on the internet. No, it is not.
No Guy,
You DO NOT get temporary sleeping accommodation in the event of an accident.
You will have to pay all costs yourself, regarding extended stay / medical costs / damage!
Guy probably means the Bangkok Hilton, where you can stay for free. You really don't want to end up there, believe me.
In response to Marc's comment. You can't go to the municipality for an international driver's license. You can only get it from the ANWB.
Thanks, but I'm already in Thailand. Where can I get an international driver's license?
For the application procedure when you are staying abroad, see https://www.anwb.nl/auto/rijbewijs/het-rijbewijs/internationaal-rijbewijs
Adrie, I think you are unlucky, you should have requested this before your trip at the ANWB in NL. You have a NL driving license, so in Thailand you will not get this with your NL driving license.
So for a safe trip there is the bike or a taxi, so don't drive without that piece of paper with an accident you are immediately in trouble, without that International driving license you are a) not insured and b) you are completely stripped as a Farang. So use your common sense.
Well Adrie,
Most rental companies in TH will not object to you renting a car or scooter=motorcycle (because ≥50cc). However, it is not allowed to drive these vehicles without a valid (international) driver's license.
An International Driving Permit (IRB) can be obtained from the ANWB, but you normally have to do this in person, because you have to identify yourself, show your Dutch driving license and sign (see also the link that Cornelis gave at 18:59). Then you will receive a booklet with various translations of the Dutch driving license categories and the driving license categories that are valid for you. With this you are allowed to drive the categories permitted in the IRB for up to 90 days of uninterrupted stay in TH, at most the categories car (max. 7 passengers) and motorcycle. If you stay in TH for more than 90 days uninterrupted, you are only allowed to drive vehicles with a Thai driving license.
If you are involved in an accident while driving a vehicle illegally, your Dutch health insurance will only reimburse your personal injury up to the Dutch rate. A travel insurance will not pay anything, because you were driving illegally.
Maybe you can get a TH car and/or motorcycle license. You will need proof of address (from immigration or embassy) among other things. Go to a Department of Land Transport (DLT) in advance to ask what requirements they have.
It is not an International Driving LICENSE…
It is an IDP (International Drivers PERMIT).
Permission to drive then. No driver’s license…
Dear Robert,
See the link that Cornelis gave at 18:59. There I only see the Dutch term International Driving Permit (IRB), nowhere the English term International Drivers Permit (IDP).
Hello
You can take a look at a visa office, they can do that too. Or try to get a Thai driver's license.
MVG
Nice suggestion, Try to get a Thai driver's license, but then you also have to show an international driver's license. Unless you do everything from 0, with theory exam, driving lesson and driving test.
Good luck Hans