Thailand Tightens Rules for Foreign Drivers: Tests Now Mandatory
Thailand is set to introduce stricter regulations for foreign nationals seeking to obtain a Thai driver’s licence. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has proposed a draft regulation requiring all foreigners to pass a written test, irrespective of holding a valid international driving permit (IDP).
The change aims to revoke the current acceptance of IDPs as sufficient proof for acquiring a temporary Thai licence. According to a Ministry of Transport source, the DLT is actively seeking public feedback on the draft, which highlights updated protocols for training, testing, and licence renewals for both Thai and foreign drivers.
The main objective of these reforms is to align with international standards and enhance road safety. “The changes are designed to ensure fairness and competency for all drivers, while also improving regulatory oversight,” the source explained.
Key changes include:
– Temporary Driver’s Licences: IDPs will no longer be valid for obtaining a temporary licence.
– Foreign Licence Holders: Foreign nationals must now pass a written exam to convert their existing foreign licence to a Thai one. This requirement was previously waived.
– Licence Validity Extension: The validity of personal driving licences will increase from two years to five for applicants with a previously expired Thai temporary licence.
– End of IDP Fast Track: Neither foreign-issued driving licences nor IDPs will exempt applicants from the written test.
These proposed rules could significantly affect tourists, expats, and foreign workers who have relied on IDPs for quick access to Thai roads. The DLT has not announced when these regulations will be implemented, but an official announcement is anticipated following the public consultation phase.
Source: Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-20
