International Driving License (Permit)

Driving and riding in Hua Hin and Thailand, all topics on cars, pickups, bikes, boats, licenses, roads, and motoring in general.
benji57
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Re: International Driving License

Post by benji57 »

I got my IDP on 18 april 2018 at Phetchaburi Land & Transport Office !
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Re: International Driving License

Post by bluelagoon »

Just be aware if you come from the EU, your IDP is not recognized in Thailand. The EU hands out IDP (that has to be presented with the national driving licence), that refers to the 1968 convention. This convention has not been ratified by Thailand, Japan and perhaps some other nations. Of course, it can pass in case of a road check, but legally the BiB can refuse to accept the International Driving permit if it refers to the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Perhaps the best issue would be to get a Thai licence, but I have heard that the DLT office in Petchaburi is not all that farang friendly ? ? Any experiences or advice to share on how to proceed and what docs are required ?
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Re: International Driving License

Post by HHTel »

Even the UK has signed but not ratified the agreement. However they follow it's principles.
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buksida
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Re: International Driving License

Post by buksida »

Silly question but does anyone know if you can get an IDP in a different province to the one your license was issued in?
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by B6PTW »

Hi All

the UK permit uses the 1949 convention.
I have used one in Thailand for 13 consecutive years (13, 1 year permits).
You obviously have to be in the UK 1 time per year.

Regards
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buksida
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by buksida »

That doesn't really answer my question. I want an IDP based on a Thai motorcycle license so that I can ride in a non-Asean country.
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Re: International Driving License

Post by HHTel »

buksida wrote: Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:31 am Silly question but does anyone know if you can get an IDP in a different province to the one your license was issued in?
From what I understand, the answer is 'Yes'. It's best to check with the DLT office before you go. Not all DLT offices issue IDP's

On another note, the UK issues IDP's for 1926, 1949 and 1968. You need to check with the country you're travelling in regarding which one you need. Thailand IDP's are based on the 1949 agreement and consequently recognise other IDP's of that year's agreement.
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buksida
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by buksida »

I don't have a bike license in the UK so its the Thai way or the highway!
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by HHTel »

You can use your 5 year Thai licence in the UK. You don't need an IDP.
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buksida
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by buksida »

Why does everyone on this forum assume every topic is about the UK ?!?!?!

I never mentioned the UK and do not intend to ride there. And no, you cannot ride in the UK on a Thai license because nobody will insure you for big bikes.

So, question stands. Need an IDP issued on a Thai bike license to ride in a non-ASEAN country, can do in a different province or not?
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by hhinner »

I'm going to say yes based on this DLT web page. https://www.dlt.go.th/th/driving-licens ... hp?_did=90

It's in Thai, but it says where you can do it, without giving any restrictions. About half way down the page there is the number for the DLT call centre (1584). You could call it. And below that is a link to a page in English indicating the docs required. On that page the bit about non-quota would be for people with PR, so if that's not you, ignore it.
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by HHTel »

From Buksi:
Why does everyone on this forum assume every topic is about the UK ?!?!?!
Also from Buksi:
I don't have a bike license in the UK so its the Thai way or the highway!
You brought up the UK. I was answering your question. You can certainly drive in the UK on a Thai driving licence. I know people who have hired cars using their Thai driving licence.

You can drive for up to 12 months on your foreign licence and there are insurance companies that do accept a foreign licence.

There are plenty of .gov.uk sites that will tell you the same.
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by georgy »

Yes, you can.
My driving license is issued in Pranburi, I got the Intl. driving permit in Petchaburi.
You can get it in the provincial main branch only.
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buksida
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by buksida »

HHTel wrote: Fri Apr 19, 2019 12:52 am You brought up the UK. I was answering your question.
Did I?
HHTel wrote: Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:00 pm On another note, the UK issues IDP's for 1926, 1949 and 1968. You need to check with the country you're travelling in regarding which one you need.

Anyway apologies for the rant ... came out a bit strong.

Thanks guys, answers the question.

I don't give a hoot about the UK as I don't intend to ride there.
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Re: International Driving License (Permit)

Post by Big Boy »

This may be a complete red herring i.e. time expired, but when my son-in-law came to the UK quite a few years ago, the closest place he could get his International Licence/Permit was Petchaburi. At that time, the likes of Pranburi could not issue one.
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