What you have to know before driving a motorbike in Phuket

🛵 Why a Scooter is Your Best Friend in Phuket

A holiday in Phuket without a scooter is like pancakes without syrup—possible, but definitely not as nice! If you want to experience the island fully, you need the ultimate freedom of two wheels.

Why Choose a Scooter Over Other Transport?

A scooter lets you skip the queues and traffic jams, allowing you to move around easily and save money!

✨ The Freedom of Renting a Scooter

You’re on holiday, the sun is shining, and the air is warm. What could be better than cruising with the wind in your hair and the smell of the sea all around you? That’s the feeling of scooter freedom!

• Explore at Your Pace: Travel from one stunning beach to the next, and hop between your favorite restaurants, exactly when you want to.

• Complete Independence: You are no longer dependent on schedules, crowded buses, or chaotic, expensive taxi services.

• The Full Holiday Experience: Renting a scooter doesn’t just make your holiday easier—it makes it much more adventurous and fun!

🚦 Essential Safety & Rental Tips

Before you hit the road, there are crucial things you need to know. Your safety is always the most important thing!

1. Choosing a Reliable Rental Shop

You will see countless rental shops around the island. Choose wisely! Not all shops are equally trustworthy.

• Ask Your Hotel: The people at your hotel lobby often recommend the best, most reliable local shops.

• Inspect Your Bike: Always thoroughly inspect the scooter before you rent it. Take photos or a video of the bike with the renter present. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.

• Be Sure: If you want peace of mind, you can book your scooter with a trusted provider right here!

2. Driving on the Road

Phuket traffic is unique. Be prepared for a change of pace!

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Make sure you have a valid IDP. If police stop you without one, you will be fined around $\text{THB } 1000$.

• Drive Left, Stay Left: It’s okay to drive slowly, but always stay to the far left so other drivers can safely pass you.

• Watch for Quick Drivers: Be alert for local drivers who might move quickly through traffic. Pay attention at all times!

3. The Golden Rule: Wear a Helmet!

This is the most critical piece of advice: Always wear your helmet!

• A helmet is usually included in your rental (or costs very little).

• If you are caught without a helmet by the police, you will be fined.

• Most importantly: It can save your life. You may see tourists and locals riding without one, but a helmet is your best defense. Don’t risk it—your head is worth protecting!

Rent Yamaha Fino 125cc (2022) – Powerful Retro Style scooter

8 years ago Insurance for Phuket scooter rental , News and Updates , Phuket scooter rental , Phuket scooter rental and motorbikes News , Scooter Advice Phuket rentals , Valid motorbike, scooter driver's license, hiring in Phuket

Phuket Scooter Rental: Your IDP Must Have Category A to Drive Legally

🚨 Your Valid License: The Key to a Safe Trip

 

You’re here for a dream holiday: great weather, amazing food, and beautiful sights. Renting a scooter offers incredible freedom—but this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re involved in an accident without the proper documents.

Your valid motorbike license is not optional; it is required for your safety and to avoid legal trouble.

Why the Thai Police are Strict

 

The Thai police take traffic laws very seriously, especially concerning motorbike licenses for foreigners. If you are stopped or involved in an accident without the correct license, you risk:

• Hefty Fines: You will be fined by the police.

• Insurance Denial: Your travel or medical insurance may refuse to cover your medical costs if you are in an accident and were driving illegally.

• Legal Trouble: Being detained by police or dealing with complex local legal procedures.

To drive a rental scooter or motorbike in Phuket, you must adhere to the rules just as you would in your home country.

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🛑 What License Do You Need to Rent in Phuket?

 

To drive legally and be covered in the event of an accident, you need two documents:

1. A valid Motorcycle License from your home country.

2. An International Driving Permit (IDP), which must correspond to the correct motorcycle license category.

🔍 License Category Requirement

 

The Thai police are specific about the categories listed on your International Driving Permit (IDP).

IDP Category	What It Covers	Accepted by Thai Police in Phuket?
Category A	ALL motorcycles (110cc and larger, or higher power).	YES! This is the only category accepted for all bikes.
Category A1 / A2	Lightweight motorcycles (e.g., 110cc, 125cc, 150cc).	NO. Despite the bike size, these categories are often not accepted for IDP holders by police in Phuket.

Simply put: To guarantee legality, your IDP must show Category A.

Note on ASEAN Countries: If you hold a valid driver’s license from one of the 10 ASEAN member countries (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines), you can use your national license without an IDP.

 

Below are the categories:

In Phuket, Thailand the Royal Thai Police accept.

 

A: All motorcycles, with 110 cc or larger cc, carry driver and 1 passenger.

Honda Forza 300cc, Yamaha XMAX 300cc, Honda Forza 350cc.

 

–      an International Driving Permit (IDP) / International Driver’s License (IDL) Thai police accept only category A.  All other categories the police don’t accept.

Foreigners holding a valid driver’s license of the 10 ASEAN member countries can use their national driver’s license in the nine other countries without the need to obtain an IDP. These countries are Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Valid driver’s license renting a motorbike in Phuket

Valid scooter driver’s license in Phuket.

Book a motorbike with us and have the time of your life in Phuket.

What you have to know before driving a motorbike in Phuket