Can I rent a motorbike in Phuket without a driving license?

Phuket: Motorbike Rental – Do You Need a Driver's License?

In Phuket, tourists often see people hop on a scooter and drive off without any documents. It seems simple: pay a deposit, get the keys, and off you go. But there's an important caveat.

According to Thai law, enforced by the Royal Thai Police, motorbike drivers must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) of Category "A".

However, to be honest, only a very small number of tourists have such a license of Category "A" – approximately 5%. And an IDP of Category "A" is even rarer, perhaps only one in a hundred.

We won't deceive or create illusions, as many rental companies do when they claim they require and verify such documents.

If this were true, the roads of Phuket and Koh Samui would be empty without hundreds of tourists on motorbikes 😄

Nevertheless, we strongly recommend obtaining a Category A license in advance—at home, before your trip.

This isn't a formality: firstly, you'll acquire the basic skills to operate a two-wheeled vehicle, and secondly, you'll avoid potential problems with the police in the future.

It's important to understand that having a license is your sole responsibility.

We don't check driver's licenses, but any consequences of driving without a license (or with a Category B license, which isn't valid for mopeds in Thailand) fall entirely on the driver.

💥 What can happen if you drive without a license:

1️⃣ Fine. The amount is small—from 500 to 1,000 baht, usually paid on the spot.

2️⃣ Lack of insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, insurance is not valid even if you are not at fault: neither your personal medical insurance nor your motorbike insurance.

Therefore, some rental companies' claims of "insured motorbikes" are meaningless without a Category A driver's license.

💥 So, to ride a vehicle in Thailand (motorbike or car), you will need:

1️⃣ An International Driving Permit (IDP) of Category A or B. This is your personal responsibility—we do not check for this document, but we strongly recommend obtaining one.

2️⃣ A passport. This remains yours; we only make a copy.
💡 Never leave your passport as collateral! Some unscrupulous rental companies make returning your documents extremely expensive.

3️⃣ A security deposit. The amount is indicated on the product page for the selected model or in the "Delivery, Payment, Insurance" section. Even if the bike is damaged due to your fault, liability is limited to the deposit amount—no additional fines will apply.

After inspection, the bike will be returned, and the deposit will be fully refunded.

🛵 We trust our customers and value honesty. Most importantly, ride safely and enjoy the roads of Thailand!

Local police in Phuket are discreet but attentive. Checkpoints are most often set up at the entrances to Patong, Karon, Kata, and on the roads leading to the airport.

If you have a driver's license and a copy of the rental agreement, no questions will arise. Without the license you will have to pay the fine on the spot.
⬛ 1. You can get an IDP at home.
⬛ 2. Before your trip, check the category: you need an "A" category, not a "B" category.
⬛ 3. Take a photo of your license and passport with your phone—it's easy to show in traffic situations.
⬛ 4. Keep a copy of the contract in the glove compartment or under the seat—it's official.
⬛ 5. Make sure the contract includes the company name and contact number.

Renting a motorbike in Phuket with a license will eliminate any police questions and give you the confidence to drive.

💡 A small detail: if you're planning a trip to Koh Samui or Krabi, your license will also cover the other islands.

Helpful tips for motorbike rentals in Thailand

💡 Drive on the left. For the first couple of kilometers, stay close to the side of the road and take your time. Local drivers drive calmly, but it's easy to get confused at intersections.
💡 Try to ride during the day. After sunset, the roads between beaches are poorly lit, and drivers often forget to turn on their headlights. If you're planning an evening ride, check your lights beforehand.
💡 Don't leave valuables in the glove compartment. Thefts happen at markets and near beaches—it's better to carry your phone and ID in a small shoulder bag.
💡 Choose the right helmet. It should fit snugly, without cracks, and have a solid clasp. Too big is useless, too small will tire you out quickly.
💡 Don't fill the tank to the brim. Fuel expands in hot weather, and it can leak, especially if the bike is parked in the sun. 
💡 Take photos of your bike before the ride. Capture side views, the dashboard, and the mileage. Photos take a minute, but they'll save you a lot of hassle when you return it.
💡 Don't ride barefoot or in flip-flops. You can burn your foot on the muffler when braking. Lightweight sneakers or sandals with a strap are safer.
💡 Keep your documents handy. When checking, the police ask for your driver's license and a copy of the rental agreement. In Phuket, checkpoints are most often set up in Kata, Karon, and Patong.
💡 Watch the weather. Downpours in Thailand come suddenly. If you're caught in the rain, take shelter under a canopy; the roads become slippery within minutes.
💡 Beware of sand on the road. On turns and on the approaches to the beach, sand can create an icy surface. It's best to slow down early and take turns smoothly.
💡 Don't honk without a reason. Here, it's not a way to "let someone pass," but a danger sign. Local drivers react harshly, especially at night.