Driving and your licence
When an international permit is enough, how to get a Thai licence, and what the Land Transport office will ask for.
The essentials
- Visitors can drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their home licence. Residents should get a Thai licence.
- You need a long-stay visa to apply. Visa exemption and tourist visas are not accepted.
- Bring a residence certificate from immigration (or an embassy letter), a Thai medical certificate from the last 30 days, and your home licence.
- Converting a valid foreign licence usually skips the driving test, but you still take short colour, reaction and depth-perception tests.
- Car and motorbike licences are separate. A car licence does not let you ride a scooter.
Who this is for
Anyone who will drive a car or ride a scooter while living here.
What to do
1. Get a residence certificate from your local immigration office (bring your TM30 receipt and lease).
2. Get a medical certificate from any clinic or hospital — it is quick and cheap.
3. Book a slot at your local Department of Land Transport office, online or in person.
4. Take the physical tests and, if your office requires it, a short road-rules session or theory test. Some offices have added a theory test even for conversions, so check locally.
5. Your first Thai licence is usually valid for 2 years; renew it for a 5-year licence.
Documents you will be asked for
Passport with a non-immigrant visa, residence certificate, medical certificate (within 30 days), your foreign licence with an official translation if it is not in English, and passport photos.
Common mistakes
Riding a scooter on a car licence.
Relying on an IDP for years. It is meant for visitors.
Arriving at the office without copies of every document.
Related guides
Getting around, Healthcare (insurance and accidents), Visas.
Official sources
Everything above is written from these. Rules change without notice, so check the relevant one before you book, pay or travel.
This page was last checked against those sources on 26 September 2026. Spotted something out of date? and we'll re-check it.