International drivers license.

**MeMock** · 18-01-2009, 10:09 PM

As I do not have a visa as such at the moment (I got a 90 day extension to my 30 day on arrival thingy) due to ill health I am having trouble getting a Thai drivers license. It can be done it just means I have to get letters from the immigration dept etc etc - in other words a complete waste of my time.
I just found out that for $50 I can apply for an international drivers license valid for 12 months in Australia while living overseas.

Is a IDL just as good as a Thai one?

Would there be any problems if my wife (Thai) applied for one as well or would the police etc get all confused?

**melvbot** · 18-01-2009, 10:12 PM

This might answer a few questions

https://teakdoor.com/motoring-in-thai...oes-allow.html (International driving permit. What does it allow?)

No idea if theres any Aussie related stuff there.

**Thetyim** · 18-01-2009, 10:12 PM

Technically an IDP can only be used in Thailand by an alien for 90 days.
I don't think this rule has ever been enforced though

**kingwilly** · 18-01-2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Is a IDL just as good as a Thai one?

its as good as a real one, but only valid for 3 months if you are resident in thailand.

**MeMock** · 18-01-2009, 10:24 PM

When do I technically become a resident?

**Marmite the Dog** · 18-01-2009, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

When do I technically become a resident?

Never. Just get one (or just use your Aussie licence) - you'll be fine.

**MeMock** · 18-01-2009, 10:39 PM

Is an Aussie license enough to keep my insurance valid?

Last few times (last year) that the boys in brown pulled me over they didn't like the aussie license and demanded that I show them an international one. Started to get expensive after a while.

**Marmite the Dog** · 18-01-2009, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Last few times (last year) that the boys in brown pulled me over they didn't like the aussie license and demanded that I show them an international one.

You should've told them to get fucked. You were within the law using your Aussie licence. But, if it makes you happier getting an international one then go for it. The scum will still try to extort cash from you at every opportunity whatever licence you carry.

**baldrick** · 18-01-2009, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

You were within the law using your Aussie licence.

if you are out of your home province , the expired oz license is good to give them - just tell them you will be back later to pay the fine

**dirtydog** · 18-01-2009, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Would there be any problems if my wife (Thai) applied for one as well or would the police etc get all confused?

She is a Thai national, she has to use a Thai driving license.

Originally Posted by MeMock

Is an Aussie license enough to keep my insurance valid?

A normal Aussie license I would have thought would be invalid in Thailand, thats probably why they do international licenses that you can use abroad.
Obviously if your license is invalid there aint no insurance company gonna pay out on any claims you may make.

**Spin** · 19-01-2009, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Technically an IDP can only be used in Thailand by an alien for 90 days.

I think in proper countries the IDP is recognised for 1 year as per validity stated on the IDP. Of course Thailand is special (in a window licking kind of way) so they have their own opinion on this.

**dirtydog** · 19-01-2009, 12:41 AM

Idp is valid as long as your visa normally.

**pickel** · 19-01-2009, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by dirtydog

Idp is valid as long as your visa normally.

And valid as long as your home country's license is still valid.

**dirtydog** · 19-01-2009, 01:46 AM

^Nope, UK idp are valid for one year only or always used to be.

**hillbilly** · 19-01-2009, 02:12 AM

This is the problem that I found with IDL. The ones that one can get from Thailand's goverment are valid. Should only cost about B200 or so. The other ones that one can get are usually invalid, even the ones advertised in the BKK Post.

To rent a car in the states a few years ago I needed an IDL as my state license had expired. Got one in Thailand from somewhere in Phuket and presented it to the agent. He plugged in a few numbers and guess what? No can do, invalid IDL.

**kingwilly** · 19-01-2009, 05:42 AM

Originally Posted by Spin

I think in proper countries the IDP is recognised for 1 year as per validity stated on the IDP.

erm, Indonesia is the same, valid for a year, but if a person is resident for more than 3 months then they are required to get an Indonesian one.

**MeMock** · 19-01-2009, 06:19 AM

The Aussie website says it is valid for one year and then I have to renew,of course it also said that in some countries it is best to get a local one.

Sounds like another one of those questions that will never get an answer because everyone has different experiences and opinions.

I guess I should just bite the bullet and get a Thai one as I am sure in the long run it will be easier. Spending all day in the dept of licenses or whatever they are called in Ubon fills me with dread as well as the running around before hand to get paperwork in order.

**terry57** · 19-01-2009, 08:28 AM

Matey, Ive just renewed my international driving license in Perth at the R.A.C.

10 minutes work and $30 bucks later I'm good for another 12 months, technically your local Australian license is not valid in Thailand so if your coming back to Aussie once a year just go get an international.

Piss easy, no drama and keeps you legal over there.

**MeMock** · 19-01-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks Terry.

The NRMA website said $50 = $15 for postage.

How can you be sure though that your insurance is still valid with an IDL though?

**lom** · 19-01-2009, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by MeMock

How can you be sure though that your insurance is still valid with an IDL though?

Maybe you could ask them?

**MeMock** · 19-01-2009, 09:34 AM

I actually did think of that but I have quickly learnt that around here asking someone on the phone any kind of questions never guarantees the correct answer and when it comes to insurance I like to get the truth

Next time I am in Ubon I will go and visit their office.

**lom** · 19-01-2009, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by MeMock

I actually did think of that

Then there's still hope for ya

Seriously though, you are not muched helped by me saying that my insurance company doesn't ask for a license at all. Or someone else saying that his insurance company doesn't care if the IDP is older than 3 month.
Different companies - different strictness.
So you better get the answer from the horses mouth.

**BallBreaker** · 19-01-2009, 09:55 AM

MeMock you might take a look at below site. Lots of useful info that answers your questions.

thai driving licenses & how to apply

**Thetyim** · 19-01-2009, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Next time I am in Ubon I will go and visit their office.

When I first came to Thailand I took my IDP to the insurance office and asked them if it was valid.
They said yes.
I got them to stamp and sign a copy of it and kept it in my files

**Thetyim** · 19-01-2009, 10:18 AM

"International Driving Permits are recognized in Thailand, however in general foreign licenses are not. An International Driving Permit is not required for persons with Driving license from the following countries irrespective of their citizenship.
* Singapore
* Malaysia
* Laos
People staying in Thailand for over three months are required to obtain a Thai Driving license. Similarly those without an International Driving Permit must obtain a Thai Driving license even if they have been in Thailand for less than three months. "

My interpretation of this is that you can use an IDP in Thailand for three months but if you leave Thailand and re-enter then you get another three months to use the IDP.
If you are on yearly extensions then you should get a thai license within 3 months

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