On the road

What the test doesn't tell you

Passing the test is one thing. Driving in Thailand is another. These are the habits and hazards that catch people out.

Riding safely in Thai traffic

  • Wear a fastened helmet, gloves, long trousers and closed shoes every ride, even short ones.
  • Assume drivers haven't seen you. Stay out of blind spots and cover your brakes at junctions.
  • Watch for cars turning across your path, doors opening, dogs, and vehicles pulling out of side streets (sois).
  • Keep left and use the motorcycle lane where one exists. No footpaths, no expressways.

Rain, oil and road surface

  • The first rain lifts oil and is the most slippery. Slow down early and brake gently.
  • Avoid painted lines, manhole covers, metal plates and wet leaves, especially when leaning.
  • Sand and gravel build up on the left edge and at corners. Check before you lean in.
  • Visor fogging: crack it open a little at low speed, and never ride one-handed to wipe it.

Renting a scooter

  • Check that you hold a licence valid for motorcycles. Many insurers refuse to pay without one.
  • Photograph the bike's damage before you leave, and check the brakes, tyres and lights.
  • Practise in a quiet area first if the bike is unfamiliar, especially if it has a manual clutch.
  • Never ride after drinking. Night-time crashes involving alcohol are very common.

Driving a car in Thailand

  • Leave extra room for motorbikes and look twice before turning or changing lanes.
  • Narrow sois are common and parked cars squeeze the road. Slow down and be ready to give way.
  • Parking is tight. Check no-parking kerbs and signs, and never block a driveway or footpath.
  • Use your mirrors for motorbikes filtering up the side before you open the door.

If you're new to left-hand driving

  • The driver sits on the right. Keep your body near the centre line.
  • Turn left is the short, easy turn. Turn right crosses oncoming traffic.
  • You will signal with the wrong stalk at first. Wipers instead of indicators is a classic.
  • After a stop or a quiet road, say "left, left, left" to yourself when pulling out.

Motorbikes are everywhere

  • Check mirrors and blind spots twice. Bikes filter up both sides.
  • Expect motorbikes in the shoulder, in the wrong direction, and between lanes.
  • Before turning left across a shoulder, look for a rider coming from behind.
  • As a rider, wear a helmet, gloves and shoes. Rental scooter crashes are among the top injuries for visitors.

Unwritten rules

  • A flash of headlights usually means "I'm coming through", not "go ahead".
  • Hazard lights often mean "thanks" or "I'm stopping briefly". Don't rely on them to mean a breakdown.
  • Indicators are optional for many drivers. Judge by wheels and speed, not signals.
  • Tuk-tuks, songthaews and buses stop suddenly. Leave space.
  • The bigger vehicle tends to take the space. Don't challenge it.

U-turns and the median

  • Divided roads often have no right turns. You go past, then use a U-turn slot.
  • Vehicles on the main road have priority over those emerging from the U-turn.
  • Stay patient in the U-turn bay and don't block the lane behind.

Rain and floods

  • Roads become slick in the first minutes of rain. Slow down early.
  • Never drive through unknown flood water. It hides holes and can stall the engine.
  • Test your brakes after water. Dry them with light pressure.
  • Sudden heavy downpours reduce visibility: lights on, speed down.

Seasonal enforcement

  • Songkran (mid-April) and New Year have "7 dangerous days" campaigns. Expect checkpoints and heavy traffic.
  • Drink-driving checks are common at night. Don't take any chances.
  • Roads are busiest before and after long holidays. Travel off-peak if you can.

Tolls and fuel

  • Expressways use cash lanes, Easy Pass and increasingly barrier-free M-Flow. Check your balance or account.
  • Fuel stations are plentiful. In rural areas, don't let the tank run low at night.
  • Many stations are attended. Say the fuel type clearly (e.g. gasohol 95, diesel).

Police checkpoints

  • Carry your licence and vehicle documents (and your IDP if driving on a foreign licence).
  • Be polite and calm. Ask for the offence in writing if you are fined and pay at the station.
  • Riders without a helmet are the most common stop.

If something goes wrong

  1. Stop and make safe

    Switch on hazard lights. If it's a minor bump, move to the side if cars can still be driven. Do not leave the scene.

  2. Check everyone

    If anyone is hurt, call 1669 (ambulance) and 191 (police). Don't move injured people unless there is fire or other immediate danger.

  3. Record the scene

    Photograph the vehicles, plates, positions and damage before moving anything if possible. Note witnesses.

  4. Call your insurer and the police

    Most insurers have a 24-hour line and may send a surveyor. For injury or a dispute, wait for the police.

  5. Don't admit fault or sign what you can't read

    If anything is in Thai, ask a Thai speaker or your insurer to explain it first.

Before you drive off

Documents

Valid licence for the right vehicle class, vehicle registration, current road tax sticker and compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor).

Vehicle

Tyres, lights, brakes, fluids, and a working horn. Check the spare and the jack.

Bike

Tyres, brakes, lights and indicators, chain or belt, mirrors, horn and fuel. Fold stands up and lock the steering before you go.

You

Rested, sober, no heavy medication. Seat belt on, mirrors set, phone away.

You

Rested, sober, no heavy medication. Helmet fastened, gloves and shoes on, phone away.

Ready? Take a mock exam