Planning to drive in Thailand? Get your International Driving Permit before leaving the UK. Whether you are visiting for Christmas, spending the winter in Pattaya or planning a longer stay, sort out your driving documents before you fly.
For UK visitors, current government guidance says to carry a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your valid UK driving licence.
Can I use my UK driving licence in Thailand?
You should not rely on your UK driving licence alone. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises drivers in Thailand to carry both their UK licence and the correct International Driving Permit.
An IDP supports your existing licence. It does not replace it or give you permission to drive a type of vehicle that your licence does not cover.
What does “1968 International Driving Permit” mean?
1968 is the version of the permit, not the year it was issued! It refers to the international road traffic convention on which the permit is based.
Different countries use different permit types. GOV.UK currently lists the 1968 permit for Thailand. If you are visiting other countries during your trip, check their requirements separately.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
You can obtain one in person at participating PayPoint shops in the UK. The current application fee is £5.50.
Although many travellers remember getting theirs from the Post Office, the current service is through participating PayPoint locations. Not every PayPoint shop issues permits, so check before travelling there.
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
What should I take?
- Your full, valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence.
- A recent passport-standard photograph.
- The £5.50 application fee.
- Your original valid passport if you have an older paper driving licence.
Check PayPoint’s requirements and find a participating shop.
Get it before leaving the UK
Do not wait until you arrive in Thailand. UK travel advice says you cannot buy a UK International Driving Permit outside the UK.
A 1968 permit is valid for up to three years, or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first. Its validity does not extend your visa or remove local licensing requirements if you move abroad.
Can I ride a scooter with a UK car licence?
Do not assume a car licence covers a scooter or motorcycle. Check that your licence and IDP cover the actual vehicle you intend to hire.
A rental shop agreeing to hand you the keys does not establish that you are properly licensed or insured.
Check your insurance conditions carefully, including motorcycle entitlement, engine-size restrictions and helmet requirements. Driving or riding without the correct licence could invalidate your cover. Thai law requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet.
What if I am moving to Thailand?
If you live in Thailand, UK government advice says you can apply for a Thai driving licence using your UK licence.
Check the current application requirements with the Department of Land Transport office you intend to use. Our Thailand-office guide explains the documents and application process:
Getting a Thai driving licence as a foreigner.
More help planning your move
Need your Thailand visa sorted before you travel?
Tell Thai Visa Express when you plan to travel and how long you want to stay. Our Thailand team can explain the visa application service for your circumstances.
Ask about your Thailand visa on WhatsApp →Official information
- GOV.UK: driving and road safety in Thailand
- Check which International Driving Permit you need
- How to get an International Driving Permit
Checked October 2026. Requirements and insurance conditions can change. Check official guidance, your insurer and the relevant licensing authority before driving. Thai Visa Express provides visa assistance; we do not issue International Driving Permits or Thai driving licences.
