Motorcycle licence in Thailand for foreigners

Why a car licence is not enough

Thai law treats motorcycles as a separate licence class. A Thai car licence, a foreign car licence and a car-only International Driving Permit all fail to authorise a motorcycle or scooter. This is the single most common mistake among visitors, because rental shops often hand over the keys without asking.

• "It is only 110 cc" is not an exemption.
• "It is an automatic" is not an exemption.
• "The shop did not ask" does not make the ride legal, or insured.

What you need, depending on who you are

How the Thai motorcycle test works

If you already hold a foreign motorcycle licence, you convert. If you only hold a car licence, or none, you sit the tests as a new applicant. In both cases you take the physical checks and the training course first.

Whether a conversion needs the handling test, and how the theory test is applied, depends on the office and sometimes the officer. Phone ahead.

Costs and validity

Fees are widely quoted but differ a little between provinces. The first licence is a 2-year temporary licence.

Age and engine size

• The minimum age for a motorcycle licence is 15, restricted to motorcycles up to about 110 cc. Larger motorcycles need the rider to be at least 18.
• Big bikes: a separate licence for motorcycles over 400 cc has been announced, with stricter training. As of 2026 it is not yet available, so large bikes are treated under the ordinary motorcycle class.

Reports of a three-tier system by engine size circulate, but it is not in force.

Helmet, fines and points

• Helmets are compulsory for the rider and the passenger. The fine is up to 2,000 THB and it costs 1 licence point. The rider is also penalised if the passenger has no helmet.
• Driving without a licence: up to 1,000 THB and/or one month in prison (The Thaiger, April 2026), or up to 10,000 THB according to TDL Service. See the rules and fines guide.
• Riding against the traffic: up to 2,000 THB and 2 points.
• Phone in hand: a fine, and 1 point. Only hands-free is allowed.

The full list, with speed limits and the points system, is in driving rules, speed limits and fines in Thailand.

Insurance: where the real money is

The compulsory policy (Por Ror Bor) costs roughly 160–645 THB a year for a motorcycle and pays only injuries and death, with limits of about 30,000 THB for medical costs quickly and up to 80,000 THB if you are not at fault. It does not repair your bike. Voluntary Class 1 is the only class that pays for your own bike when nobody else is involved.

Either way, an invalid or wrong-category licence is the top reason motorbike claims are refused, and your travel insurance usually fails on the same accident. Read vehicle insurance in Thailand before you ride.

Renting a scooter: a short checklist

1. Check you hold the right licence

   Motorcycle class on your licence, and the same on the IDP.

2. Inspect and photograph the bike

   Photograph every scratch before you leave, and get the condition noted on the agreement.

3. Ask what is covered

   Ask in writing what the excess and exclusions are, and whether theft and personal accident are included.

4. Do not leave your passport

   It is widely advised to offer a copy or a cash deposit instead.

5. Wear a helmet that fits

   Fastened. It is the law, and it is your head.

Frequently asked questions