Need international driving licence in 2 weeks

longwalks1

As above, i need an international driving license for Thailand in 2 weeks time, anyone know the quickest way ot get one please? Spoke to a guy this morning and he said his took between 3-4 weeks, which isnt any good for me

etienneg

You can get them over the counter at certain Post Offices. Google "International Driving Permit" to find your nearest one and the list of what you must take with you to support your application.

Voyager2002

britishboy wrote: »

As above, i need an international driving license for Thailand in 2 weeks time, (

Dare I ask why?

When in Thailand, it makes far more sense to pay for a car with driver than to do the driving yourself. And in any case, people there tend not to take the paperwork seriously so if you want to hire a car and have the money ready, you are unlikely to be refused.

Heliflyguy

I always get mine from the PO for driving in Thailand.
Some will say your UK licence is enough but sods law says you will get to pay some tea money the one time you get stopped without one.

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit

As for getting a Thai driver I would rather walk, I have had some of the most terrifying journeys in my life with them and Im no slouch when it comes to driving bikes or cars, its bad enough just being amongst them when driving yourself.

longwalks1

Thanks all, i wasnt sure if it was done while you wait at the PO counter, but looks like it is? Easy if so

longwalks1

Heliflyguy wrote: »

I always get mine from the PO for driving in Thailand.
Some will say your UK licence is enough but sods law says you will get to pay some tea money the one time you get stopped without one.

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit

As for getting a Thai driver I would rather walk, I have had some of the most terrifying journeys in my life with them and Im no slouch when it comes to driving bikes or cars, its bad enough just being amongst them when driving yourself.

totally agree with you, ive always ridden a bike in BKK, pattaya and rural areas and feel safer on my own bike than in the company of some nutty minivan driver

peachyprice

britishboy wrote: »

Thanks all, i wasnt sure if it was done while you wait at the PO counter, but looks like it is? Easy if so

Just roll up at a suitable post office with a photo and your DL. It's literally just your photo stuck in a pre-printed card with your details hand written, can't see why in the world it would take 3-4 weeks!!!

eDicky

I have driven a million plus kilometers in Thailand over a forty eight year period and never been asked for an international driving licence by police or car rental firms.

AlSto

eDicky wrote: »

I have driven a million plus kilometers in Thailand over a forty eight year period and never been asked for an international driving licence by police or car rental firms.

It's an IDP, not an IDL and they will ask to see it in certain tourist traps. It brings in a bit of cash if you don't have one.
So definitely better to have one.

cubegame

They won't ask for one but probably best to have one just in case.

Takes 5 minutes at the post office as others have said.

Ignore those who cast doubt on hiring in Thailand. It's cheaper than a car and driver and the roads are good. It helps if you're an aggressive driver and can "go local" when you get behind the wheel. Don't even contemplate hiring a motorbike or scooter unless you're very very very experienced though. Their shockingly high road death statistics are almost ALL two wheel based. You will see why.

AlSto

cubegame wrote: »

They won't ask for one but probably best to have one just in case.

Takes 5 minutes at the post office as others have said.

Ignore those who cast doubt on hiring in Thailand. It's cheaper than a car and driver and the roads are good. It helps if you're an aggressive driver and can "go local" when you get behind the wheel. Don't even contemplate hiring a motorbike or scooter unless you're very very very experienced though. Their shockingly high road death statistics are almost ALL two wheel based. You will see why.

I assume you mean that the hire companies won't ask, which is likely true. But it's the police in certain tourists areas that do from time to time.
The fine can be 1000 baht(£23) and take up your time having to go to the police station to pay it.
Though since the police are no longer allowed to seize your licence, it might be a bit more difficult for them to collect funds this way. Though they might make a grab for the keys.
Nevertheless, it's worth paying out the £5.50 it costs to get one.
Don't neglect to get the motorcycle endorsement stamp if you intend to ride a motorcycle.

I wholly disagree with the aggressive driver stance. I would say, assertive, but defensive and polite.
Motorbike? If you are not experienced, just putt along at 20-35 km/hr(20 mph max). Don't try to compete. You're on holiday, there's no rush.