Convert an Italian Driving License in Phuket
With a valid Italian patente you can get a Thai car or motorbike license without a driving test. One Italian rule catches many riders out: the 125 cc privilege of the patente B.
The Short Answer
A valid license from Italy plus an International Driving Permit (or a certified translation) is converted to a 2-year Thai license. You take the 4 physical tests at the DLT, no theory and no driving test at the moment. Because DLT Phuket is booked 3 to 6 months ahead, we take you to DLT Krabi: application and tests on your first visit, the license on your second visit.
Your International Driving Permit
Get the permit at home before you travel. Thailand cannot issue one on a foreign license.
| Model | Issued by | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva 1949 | Motorizzazione Civile | 1 year |
| Vienna 1968 | Motorizzazione Civile | 3 years, never longer than your patente |
In Italy a patente B lets you ride motorcycles up to 125 cc. That privilege is Italian only. In Thailand a scooter needs a motorcycle license, so with a patente B alone you ride without a valid license.
Which Thai License You Get
In Thailand car and motorbike are two separate cards. The categories on your license decide which ones you get.
| Your category | Thai license | What you can drive |
|---|---|---|
| A, A1, A2 | Thai motorcycle license (2 years) | Scooters and motorbikes |
| B | Thai car license (2 years) | Cars, SUVs and pickups |
Documents for the DLT
- Your passport with a valid visa or entry stamp
- Your original Italian license, still valid
- The International Driving Permit, or a certified translation of your license
- A Certificate of Residence from Phuket Immigration, or a valid work permit
- A medical certificate not older than 30 days
We arrange the medical certificate and the Certificate of Residence for you.
How It Works With Us
Document Check on WhatsApp
Send photos of your passport, your license and your International Driving Permit. We check the categories and tell you what is missing.
Medical and Residence Certificates
We book your medical check at our partner clinic in Rawai and prepare the Certificate of Residence with Phuket Immigration.
Appointment at DLT Krabi
On the day of your appointment we pick you up in Phuket and travel together in a shared minivan to DLT Krabi for the application and the 4 tests. On your second visit you collect your Thai license.
Questions From Italian Citizens
Yes. With a Certificate of Residence from Phuket Immigration you get the 2-year Thai license on a visa exemption, a tourist visa or a DTV.
No. The DLT checks the original and gives it straight back together with your new Thai license.
Not at the moment. With a valid foreign license you take the 4 physical tests only. A 2025 DLT draft may add a written test, so we confirm the current rules before every booking.
No. The 125 cc rule only applies in Italy. In Thailand you need category A, A1 or A2 on your patente, or a Thai motorcycle license.
Your Thai License Without the Long Wait
Send your passport and license on WhatsApp. We check your documents and book your appointment for the trip to DLT Krabi.