Can I drive in Thailand with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving.” (FCDO travel advice for Thailand, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 1968 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Thailand: “Transport risks”
If you are planning to drive in Thailand, see information on driving abroad. You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
If you live in Thailand, you can apply for a Thai driving licence using your UK driving licence.
Motorcycles and scooters for hire in tourist areas are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road. Before you hire a vehicle, make sure your travel insurance covers you and check the small print of the lease agreement, paying particular attention to any limits on engine size and necessary licenses. Many travel insurance policies expect you to hold the correct UK licence for the type of car, motorbike or scooter you intend to drive abroad. This means that if you wouldn’t be legally permitted to drive it in the UK, your insurer may not cover you for driving it in Thailand.
If you drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand without a valid licence, it could invalidate your travel insurance and you’ll be unable to claim if you have an accident or injury.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Thailand travel advice, page updated 12 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Thailand
IDP needed in Thailand: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with a UK licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Thailand? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Thailand
| Licence | In Thailand | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Thailand
- British passport: Thailand entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Thailand
- Australian passport: Thailand
- Italian citizens: Thailandia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Thailand with a UK photocard driving licence?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving.” (FCDO travel advice for Thailand, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Thailand with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Thailand?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Thailand.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.