To rent a scooter in Phuket, two documents are required: your national driver's license and your international driver's license. Here’s what you need to know before you leave, especially if you want to rent a maxi scooter like a TMAX or an X-ADV.
In short
- Mandatory: Valid driver's license + international license, to keep with you when driving.
- Maxi-scooters (TMAX, X-ADV): The motorcycle category must be listed on your license.
- In France: The international permit can be applied for online on the ANTS website, several weeks in advance of departure.
- Without a valid permit: There is a risk of a fine during checks and a risk of not being covered by insurance in the event of an accident.
National license and international license: what difference?
The international permit is not a full permit: it is an official translation of your national permit, recognized abroad. It is valid only when accompanied by your original permit. In Thailand, the police require both during road checks, which are frequent in Phuket, especially in Patong.
Which category for which scooter?
For the small scooters (NMAX 155, ADV 160), the motorcycle category is recommended: the «permis B + 125» equivalence that exists in France is not necessarily recognized abroad. For the maxi-scooters (ADV 350, XMAX 300, TMAX, X-ADV 750), the motorcycle category is essential.
How to obtain your international driving permit?
In France, the application is made online on the official website of the ANTS (National Agency for Secured Documents). In Belgium, Switzerland or elsewhere, check with the administration or the automobile club of your country. The deadlines vary: start the process as soon as your tickets are booked.
What risks do we run without a valid permit?
If you are checked, you risk a fine. Moreover, in the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to cover you if you do not have the license for the vehicle. Medical expenses and repairs may then be your responsibility. Also, check the terms of your travel insurance: many policies exclude accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles without the appropriate license.
At Bike It
We ask you for your passport, driver’s license, and international driver’s permit at the time of the rental. If you have any doubts about your license, send us a photo on WhatsApp before booking: we’ll tell you which models you can rent. More information in our guide for renting a scooter in Phuket.
Rules may change: always check the information with the official authorities of your country and Thailand before you depart.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an international driving permit to drive a scooter in Thailand?
Yes. To drive in Thailand as a tourist, you need your valid national driver's license accompanied by an international license. For a large-capacity two-wheeler like a TMAX or an X-ADV, the motorcycle category must be listed on your license.
How to obtain an international driving permit in France?
The application is made online on the ANTS website. Check the processing time and apply several weeks before your departure.
Can you rent a scooter without a license in Phuket?
Some rental companies do not check this, but driving without a valid license exposes you to fines during police checks and may deprive you of any insurance coverage in the event of an accident. At Bike It, we require both a license and an international license.
Is a B license enough for a 125 scooter in Thailand?
In France, a B license allows you to drive a 125 cm³, but this equivalence is not necessarily recognized abroad. To drive safely in Thailand, the safest thing is to have the motorcycle category (A or A2) on your license and your international license.