Do you need an international driving licence to ride a motorbike in Thailand

When travelling around Thailand, especially on islands such as Phuket, it is difficult to resist the temptation to grab a bike and set off on an adventure. Convenient, fast, economical — it seems like the ideal mode of transport. But before renting a scooter, it’s worth figuring out whether you need an international driving licence and what consequences await those who ignore local rules.

💡 Tip: if you are unsure of your driving skills or plan to travel with your family, it is better to travel by car. It is safer, more comfortable and does not require a category A licence — you can find a suitable car on the trusted website HolyCowPhuket.ru.

Legal status and requirements

Under Thai law, foreigners need an international driving licence (IDL) category A to ride a motorbike. Russian licences are formally valid only in countries that have signed and ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, and Thailand has not ratified it.

This means that the local police do not recognise Russian licences without a translation. Even if they have an ‘A’ (motorcycles) mark, they are considered invalid without an international certificate.

What you need to have:

• A national licence with an open category A.
• An international driving licence (IDL) issued in Russia.

An IDP is only valid in conjunction with a national licence and confirms your qualifications in another country. It is easy to obtain: through the State Services portal or at a traffic police office in 15-30 minutes. The cost is about 1,600 roubles.

⚠️ Important: category B (car) does not give you the right to ride a motorbike. Riding with it is equivalent to not having a licence and is punishable by the full severity of Thai law.

Practice in the field

In small resort areas such as Phangan, Tao or Samui, the police are indeed more loyal to tourists. Many holidaymakers drive without a licence and get away with a verbal warning.

However, Phuket is an exception. It is the largest tourist region, connected to the mainland by a bridge, and controls are stricter here. Police patrols regularly stop motorcyclists on popular routes, especially near Patong, Karon and Kata beaches, as well as on the main streets.

If, during a check, you only have a Russian licence without an international driving permit, then legally you are ‘no licence’.

What violators face:

• an official fine of up to 10,000 baht;
• possible arrest for up to 3 months (rarely applied);
• in practice — a fine of 500–1,000 baht, sometimes an ‘agreement’ on the spot.

But don’t relax: in the event of an accident, not having a valid licence is an aggravating circumstance and can lead to legal proceedings.

Impact on insurance

International driving licences are important not only for the police, but also for insurance companies. Almost all travel insurance policies state:

‘If the driver was driving without the appropriate licence or while under the influence of alcohol, the insurance company is released from its obligations.’

This means that if you are involved in a traffic accident without an IDP, your insurance may not cover your medical expenses. In 2024–2025, insurance companies tightened their control over such cases — they are increasingly refusing to pay out if the customer cannot confirm that they have a category A licence.

Even if you have this category in Russia, it is not valid in Thailand without an international driving licence.

In the event of a serious accident, you risk not only your health but also your money: you will have to pay for treatment, vehicle repairs and damage to other parties yourself.

Road checks

In Phuket, the police actively carry out checks in tourist areas, especially during the high season (November to March).

Typical violations for which you may be stopped include:

• Not wearing a helmet.
• Driving without an international licence.
• Not carrying your documents with you.

Checks are carried out at intersections and beach exits. The police will politely stop you and ask to see your licence, passport and insurance. If you do not have your documents with you, they will issue a receipt for payment of a fine at the nearest police station.

After paying the fine, you will receive a temporary permit (ticket) that allows you to continue driving for the rest of the day. However, if you commit the same offence again, the fine may be increased.

In addition, in the event of a traffic accident, the police will check the documents of all parties involved. Even if you are not at fault, not having a licence will complicate the process of reporting the accident and dealing with insurance companies.

Fines and consequences

The actual fine in Phuket for driving without a licence ranges from 500 to 1,000 baht. However, it all depends on the circumstances and the mood of the police officer.

If the violation is serious (accident, refusal to present documents, violation of the rental agreement), the police may:

• confiscate the bike and send it to the impound lot;
• call an interpreter to process the case;
• refer the case to court.

Sometimes they take your passport or licence until the fine is paid. Therefore, it is important to have copies of your documents with you and not to hand over the originals without a receipt.

In addition, if the rental company finds out that you are driving without a licence, they may refuse to help in the event of an accident or even claim damages from the renter, as this violates the terms of the contract.

How to prepare before your trip

• Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) with category A. This will take no more than an hour.
• Take your original national driving licence and a copy of your IDP.
• Take photos of your documents so you have them on your phone.
• Check your insurance: make sure it covers riding a motorbike.
• Carry your IDP, a copy of your passport and your entry stamp with you.

If you plan to rent a vehicle, choose only trusted sites such as HolyCowPhuket.com, where you can safely rent a motorbike or car with transparent terms and Russian-language support.

Why you should consider renting a car

Despite the popularity of bikes, for most tourists it is safer and more convenient to travel by car. This is especially true if you are travelling as a couple, with children or with a lot of luggage.

Advantages of a car:

• No need for a category A licence — a regular category B licence is sufficient.
• Comfort in any weather (heat, rain, humidity).
• Space for luggage and shopping.
• Greater safety on the roads.
• Easy to get around the whole island.

The HolyCowPhuket.com website offers car and accommodation rental options in Phuket — with no hidden fees and real customer reviews. This is an excellent solution if you want to travel freely but without any risks.

Conclusion

To ride a motorbike in Thailand, you need an international driving licence category A. Without it, you risk being fined, losing your insurance and facing legal problems in the event of an accident.

Many tourists ignore this requirement, hoping to ‘slip through’ without being checked, but the police in Phuket are very active. Therefore, it is safest to obtain an IDP in advance, take copies of your documents, and follow the rules.

And if you want to travel without bureaucracy and risks, rent a car — it is more convenient, safer, and gives you complete freedom to move around the island.

FAQ

1. Can I drive in Phuket with a Russian licence?
   No. Thailand has not ratified the Vienna Convention, so Russian licences without an IDP are considered invalid.
2. What category do you need to have for a motorbike?
   Category A. Category B (car) is not suitable — driving with it is equivalent to not having a licence.
3. What is the penalty for driving without a licence?
   Officially, up to 10,000 baht or imprisonment for up to 3 months. In practice, the fine is 500-1000 baht, but the case may be sent to court for a repeat offence.
4. What happens to insurance if you don’t have an IDP?
   The insurance company may refuse to pay, even if you have a Russian category A licence. Without an international licence, you are considered a violator.
5. Where is it safe to rent a bike or car in Phuket?
   On the verified platform HolyCowPhuket.com, which publishes real rental offers with reviews, transparent conditions and support in Russian.