Contrary to popular belief that all you require is a valid car licence you do need a Motorcycle licence to ride a motorbike in Thailand.

The truth of the matter is, if you get stopped by the police the chances of them asking to see validation on your licence for a motorcycle is actually rare however two customers of ours who rented bikes from us in December 2009 were asked to show their motorcycle licences by police in Chiang Rai though this is the first time we have heard this happening.  More importantly if you were involved in an accident not having a motorcycle licence will deem any insurance you have null and void and could end up to be very costly.

All foreigners must have an International Drivers permit with the exception of licence holders from Singapore, Malaysia and Laos.  To legally ride a motorcycle your licence must be accredited with motorcycle validation.

Even Thai people legally need one licence for a car and another for a motorbike.