Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a motorbike in Thailand?

Yes. Carry your home licence, with a motorcycle category, together with an IDP. Thailand accepts both 1949 permits (US, Canada, Australia) and 1968 permits (UK, Germany).

Can I ride in Thailand on a car licence?

No. An IDP only covers the categories on your home licence, and Smartraveller says you need a valid motorcycle licence to ride a motorbike.

Can I ride the Mae Hong Son Loop without a motorcycle licence?

Not legally. The same national rules apply on the Loop as everywhere in Thailand, and GOV.UK warns that riding without a valid licence can invalidate your travel insurance. We found no official source on checkpoints specific to the Loop.

Can I get a Thai motorcycle licence as a tourist?

Generally not. The Royal Thai Embassy in London lists a visa other than a tourist visa among the requirements.

Licence and IDP rules

Motorcycle licence and IDP rules for riding in Thailand (2026)

Visitors need their home licence with a motorcycle category plus an International Driving Permit. Thailand is party to both the 1949 and 1968 conventions, so either permit works.

Checked against official sources on 2026-11-05.

Check what you need for Thailand

Three answers and you get a plain verdict. Rules checked against official sources; links below.

Licence issued inRiding inMy licence covers motorcycles

This is general information from official sources, not legal advice. Rules change; check with the embassy if your trip depends on it.

The rules in Thailand

International Driving Permit: Thailand is party to the 1949 convention and, since 2020, the 1968 convention. Thailand's Department of Land Transport confirmed in 2021 that 1968 permits are accepted alongside a home licence. The Royal Thai Embassy in London says visitors are required by law to hold an international driving licence to ride a motorcycle.
Motorcycle category: Smartraveller: "To drive a motorbike, you'll need a valid motorcycle licence. Some rental companies will tell you otherwise." A car licence with an IDP does not cover motorcycles.
Local licence: A Thai licence based on your home licence needs a visa other than a tourist visa, so it isn't an option for most visitors.
Helmets: Compulsory for riders and passengers. The US State Department notes the law is enforced only sporadically.
Enforcement: Smartraveller warns that if you ride without the correct licence you could be arrested or jailed. GOV.UK adds that many hire bikes in tourist areas are unregistered and can't legally be used on public roads.
Insurance: GOV.UK: riding without a valid licence "could invalidate your travel insurance" and you would be unable to claim after an accident.

What you need, by where your licence is from

Assumes your licence includes the motorcycle category. Without it, no IDP makes riding legal.

Riders from	What you need in Thailand
United States	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from the United States together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In the United States permits are issued by AAA and AATA.
United Kingdom	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 or 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from the United Kingdom together with a 1949 or 1968 International Driving Permit. In the United Kingdom permits are issued by PayPoint shops (for the DVLA).
Australia	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Australia together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Australia permits are issued by the Australian Automobile Association, through state motoring clubs such as NRMA, RACV and AANT.
Canada	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Canada together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Canada permits are issued by CAA.
Germany	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from Germany together with a 1968 International Driving Permit. In Germany permits are issued by your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving licence office).
Ireland	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Ireland together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Ireland permits are issued by the Road Safety Authority, through NDLS centres.
New Zealand	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from New Zealand together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In New Zealand permits are issued by AA New Zealand.
France	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from France together with a 1968 International Driving Permit. In France permits are issued by ANTS (France Titres), online.
Netherlands	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 or 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from the Netherlands together with a 1949 or 1968 International Driving Permit. In the Netherlands permits are issued by ANWB.
Switzerland	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from Switzerland together with a 1968 International Driving Permit. In Switzerland permits are issued by your cantonal road traffic office (or TCS/ACS in some cantons).
India	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from India together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In India permits are issued by your Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Singapore	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Singapore together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Singapore permits are issued by AA Singapore.
South Africa	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 or 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from South Africa together with a 1949 or 1968 International Driving Permit. In South Africa permits are issued by AA South Africa.
Israel	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from Israel together with a 1968 International Driving Permit. In Israel permits are issued by the Ministry of Transport.
Brazil	Yes: carry your licence plus a 1968 IDP. Carry your licence from Brazil together with a 1968 International Driving Permit. In Brazil permits are issued by your state Detran or the Automóvel Clube Brasileiro.

No motorcycle licence?

An IDP never adds a motorcycle category, so without one you can't legally ride in Thailand. You can ride pillion behind a licensed local rider, or join a guided tour where a staff rider carries you, if the operator offers that. A guided tour does not make it legal to ride yourself without a licence.

Questions riders ask

Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a motorbike in Thailand?: Yes. Carry your home licence, with a motorcycle category, together with an IDP. Thailand accepts both 1949 permits (US, Canada, Australia) and 1968 permits (UK, Germany).
Can I ride in Thailand on a car licence?: No. An IDP only covers the categories on your home licence, and Smartraveller says you need a valid motorcycle licence to ride a motorbike.
Can I ride the Mae Hong Son Loop without a motorcycle licence?: Not legally. The same national rules apply on the Loop as everywhere in Thailand, and GOV.UK warns that riding without a valid licence can invalidate your travel insurance. We found no official source on checkpoints specific to the Loop.
Can I get a Thai motorcycle licence as a tourist?: Generally not. The Royal Thai Embassy in London lists a visa other than a tourist visa among the requirements.

Sources

Checked on 2026-11-05.

This page is general information drawn from the sources above, not legal advice. Rules change; if your trip depends on it, check with the embassy of the country you're visiting.

Tours in Thailand

See every motorcycle tour listed in Thailand. If you're unsure what you'll need on a particular trip, ask the operator about licence requirements through the enquiry form on the tour page before you book.

Motorcycle tours in Thailand