Can I drive in Thailand with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay (people living in Thailand for an extended period need a Thai licence). Smartraveller says: “You can use an international driving permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence for the type of vehicle you're using.” “If you're living in Thailand for an extended period, you must get a Thai driver’s licence from the Department of Land Transport.” (Smartraveller advice for Thailand, checked on 4 November 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Thailand: “Local travel” › “Driving permits”
To drive a car you’ll need a valid driver’s licence. To drive a motorcycle, you'll need a valid motorcycle driver’s licence. Some rental companies will tell you otherwise. If you drive without the correct licence, you could be arrested or jailed.
You can use an international driving permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence for the type of vehicle you're using. Australian digital driver's licences may not be accepted. If you're living in Thailand for an extended period, you must get a Thai driver’s licence from the Department of Land Transport.
Don't drive any vehicles not covered by your Australian or Thai licence. In the event of an accident, you may not be covered under insurance.
Source: Smartraveller: Thailand, page updated 26 October 2026, “still current at” 5 November 2026 (Australian time), checked on 4 November 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 4 November 2026.
Hire a car in Thailand
Hiring a car in Thailand? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Other licences in Thailand
| Licence | In Thailand | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 4 November 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 4 November 2026 |
Before you travel to Thailand
- British passport: Thailand entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Thailand
- Australian passport: Thailand
- Italian citizens: Thailandia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Thailand with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay (people living in Thailand for an extended period need a Thai licence). Smartraveller says: “You can use an international driving permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence for the type of vehicle you're using.” “If you're living in Thailand for an extended period, you must get a Thai driver’s licence from the Department of Land Transport.” (Smartraveller advice for Thailand, checked on 4 November 2026).
Can I drive in Thailand with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can use an international driving permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence for the type of vehicle you're using.” “If you're living in Thailand for an extended period, you must get a Thai driver’s licence from the Department of Land Transport.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Thailand?
The Smartraveller advice for Thailand does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 4 November 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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