GB's "How to Obtain the Thai Driver's License" article revised May 8

[Gaybutton]

The two most popular articles I've ever written were the "How to Obtain the Retirement Visa" article and the "How to Obtain the Thai Driver's License" article. Today, May 8, I have revised the driver's license article. Much has changed since the last revision, a year ago.

 

Also, any of the gay media is perfectly welcome to publish my articles, free of charge, provided they cite me as the author and include the URL for this web site.

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I just edited this and placed the article online for you in both HTML and PDF format, rather than making you send a request for it:

 

 

[Gaybutton]

I received an Email today asking how to get an International Driving Permit. I suppose I should have included that in the article. If I remember, I'll include that in the next revision.

 

Since most readers here come from either the USA, the UK, or Australia here's what to do:

 

1. If you come from the USA you can obtain one at any AAA office, whether you're a AAA member or not.

 

2. If you come from the UK, check the following web site: http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp002.html

 

3. If you come from Australia, check the following web site: http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynr...ers_permits.htm

 

If you are already living in Thailand, you can order an International Driving permit from your home country and have it sent to you by post.

 

You can buy one in Thailand (probably through a Thai travel agent), but it will have no validity in Thailand. I seriously doubt it would be accepted when applying for the Thai driver's license because, according to the international agreement, the permit is valid only in countries other than the country in which it was purchased. But who knows? Things are crazy enough in Thailand that it just might work. It can't hurt anything to try, but I wouldn't go in with much of an expectation that it would be accepted. If anybody actually does try it, please let us know whether or not it was accepted.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

I would like to know how to get an international drivers license in Thailand?? I will soon be in the positiion of having a valid Thai Driver's License, but my US license expired. Therefore, I would like to get an international drivers license here, so that I can rent a car upon arrival in the US for a visit, and nothave the hassel of getting a new license in the states.

 

Anyone know how to do that??

[Bob]

I always thought you got the international driver's license here in the states (in my area, one goes through the AAA office). But I don't have a clue if you can drive legally in Thailand with it....probably but heck if I know.

[Gaybutton]

GaySacGuy, I think you can get an International driving permit through Thai travel agencies. If not, they can at least tell you where to get it. Since you do have a Thai driver's license already, make sure you take it with you when you go to the USA. The international driving permit is invalid without it. If it were me, I would also stop by an Immigration office and get a residence certificate to take along too. That way, if you have to deal with the police you'll have proof that you do actually reside in Thailand.

 

Bob, yes you certainly are legal to drive in Thailand with an International driving permit provided that a valid driving license from your home country is also in your possession. Without it, the International driving permit is invalid.

 

Despite the fact that the permit is supposed to be valid for a full year from the date of purchase, it is my understanding that Thailand only honors its validity for 90 days after your arrival in Thailand. I could be wrong about that. I can't remember where I got that from, but that's the way I understand it.

[mahjongguy]

I would like to know how to get an international drivers license in Thailand?? I will soon be in the positiion of having a valid Thai Driver's License, but my US license expired. Therefore, I would like to get an international drivers license here, so that I can rent a car upon arrival in the US for a visit, and nothave the hassel of getting a new license in the states.

 

I have a Thai license. My California license recently expired. I don't need an international drivers license to drive in California, nor do you. In fact, many states including California do not accept an IDL.

 

From the CA DMV: "The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident".

 

If you have the new plastic Thai license, on which the pertinent information is repeated in English, you should be fine throughout the US and Canada as long as you carry your passport to verify that you are living abroad.