Do you need an international driver's permit to ride a scooter in Thailand?

Hi everyone, My question is simple. Do you need an international driver's permit in Thailand to ride a basic scooter?

The answer is yes. There are frequent checks, for example around Phuket.

To avoid nasty problems and huge fees, never drive abroad without this permit and make sure you have insurance.

Isn’t the question also which box needs to be checked on that famous international driver’s permit?

Hi Joel,

never drive abroad without this permit and make sure you have insurance.

Let’s not generalize too much—it really depends on the country. Thankfully, there are plenty of places in the world where you don’t need this document, which, by the way, is outrageously complicated to get for French licenses.

Michel

Hi Agnes,

Isn’t the question also which box needs to be checked on that famous international permit?

Normally, "light motorcycle" comes with a B license.

Michel

A scooter = a category A license in many countries...

Even for low engine capacity.

A scooter = category A license in many countries... Even if it's low displacement.

The name of the license isn’t the issue; what matters is the vehicle category indicated on the license. I know there are 500cc scooters, but I assume we’re talking about 50cc, 80cc, 100cc, or 125cc ones.

Michel

Hi

Normally, a "light motorcycle" comes with a B license.

No, for a scooter that always exceeds 50cc, it's the A license. The training for 125cc recognized in France isn't valid elsewhere—especially not in Southeast Asia.

If you're keen on getting a fine and potential insurance hassles, it's your call. 😉

Hi Joel,

never drive abroad without this permit and make sure you have insurance.

Let’s not generalize either; it really depends on the country. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in the world where you don’t need this document, which is, by the way, outrageously complicated to get for French licenses.

Michel

We’re talking about Thailand here. Read the question again.

Okay, thanks for that super clear answer.

Yeah, that’s sketchy... thanks for the info!

Sure... but I don’t have a motorcycle license, so....

Sure...but I don’t have a motorcycle license, so....

...so don’t forget that no insurance covers damage caused by engaging in illegal activity. You can find bike rental shops in many tourist cities...

If you're keen on getting a fine and potential insurance hassles, that's your call.😉

It's mainly the few thousand or tens of thousands of euros you'd have to pay at the hospital in case of a serious accident.

Sure... but I don’t have a motorcycle license, so....

... so don’t forget that no insurance covers damage caused by engaging in illegal activity. You can find bike rental shops in many tourist cities...

Thanks for your reply. I’ve taken note—I won’t forget.

Even for one under 50cc?

No, but practically everything that’s rented is over 50cc—very often 125cc.

Yes. A scooter, a motorcycle license.