Obtaining a Lao driver’s license as a foreigner is a widely discussed topic among expats in Laos. At the same time, there’s also a lot of misinformation out there and not much clarity about the actual steps required to legally get a driver’s license in Laos. Since I recently went through the process myself, I’d like to share my experience and provide a straightforward guide for fellow expats who want to do the same. This guide is primarily for expats or digital nomads living and/or working in Laos.
Foreigners who live in Laos and want to drive a car or motorbike must officially have a valid driver’s license to do so legally. While many expats get by without one, especially in rural areas, it’s important to know that driving without a license is against the law and can lead to fines or issues at police checkpoints.
It is to mention that by experience, road & traffic laws are not strictly enforced in Laos. Which simply means, that even if a person gets caught by the police without a valid drivers license, the police might demand some “pocket money” and lets you go. This is common practice and fact, but doesn’t mean that it’s legal. While it is unlikely that the lao traffic police makes troubles, your insurance provider probably will not cover you in case of an accident if you don’t have a valid drivers license. The official fine is 200.000 LAK, but you might get away with 50.000 – 100.000 LAK. I do not promote driving without a valid license or bribes – just sharing my experience after living in Laos for some years.
There are three different types of driver’s licenses that legally give an expat the right to drive in Laos, depending on their situation and length of stay. Each option comes with its own requirements, validity period, and application process. Whether you’re staying in Laos for a few months or several years, it’s important to understand which type of license applies to you. Choosing the right one not only ensures legal compliance but can also save you time, money, and hassle—especially during police checks or in case of an accident.
This is the same license local lao people have. To get the domestic lao license it is necessary to live in Laos with a proper long-term visa, such as LA-B2 for example. It is required to do the same theory and practical driving test as lao citizen do. The lao driving license is valid for 5 years and can be renewed after that.
The driving test needs to be done at the relevant provincial office of the Department of Public Works and Transport. Foreigners first need to go to a driving school and do some driving lessons. The amount of lessons might vary from province to province. The driving school will then show the applicant the test circuit, which needs to be done at the day of the exam. The test circuit is basically a round-course simulating real road conditions with traffic signs.
Theory Test 5-Years Lao Driving License: Answer 28 Questions about traffic laws and different situations on the road. The test can be done in english, but translations are not always very accurate. A study book will be handed out from the driving school.
Practical Driving Test 5-Years Lao Driving License: Some tasks which need to be completed during the test are: Reverse parallel parking, 3-second stop at pedestrian crossings, reverse parking, correct use of indicators and more. You can do the practical driving test with your own car, doesn’t matter if it’s manual or automatic.
💡Good to know: It is unlikely that someone speaks english at the testing facility, so bring a lao speaking friend when you can’t speak lao. Also make sure to dress properly: long pants, nice shirt, shoes – it is a government office. Both the practical and theory test are not very difficult for someone who knows how to drive a car. It is almost impossible to not pass the test.
This type of driving license is based on the expat’s driving license from his or her home country. An expat must already have a valid license from the home country to be able to get the temporary driver’s license in Laos. The license is issued with a maximum validity of one year and has to be renewed annually. No practical or theory tests are necessary to get it. But the expat needs to have a long-term visa and a work permit (or equivalent, such as a spouse visa).
The temporary Lao license will only include the same vehicle classes as listed on the expat’s original national license. This means you cannot upgrade or add new categories—such as switching from a car license to include a motorbike—unless those classes are already covered on your foreign license.
If you’re planning to drive in Laos temporarily, an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be a useful short-term solution. This permit can be obtained in your home country and is only valid when carried together with your original national driver’s license. The validity typically extends for one year and reflects the same vehicle classes as your domestic license.
Laos recognizes international driving permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, to which it is a signatory. This means that expats and tourists from countries that have ratified this convention are legally allowed to drive in Laos for a limited time using their IDP. However, the rules may not be consistently enforced and for long-term stays, it’s recommended to apply for a Lao driver’s license.
Some International Driving Permits can also be obtained online. Make sure to only use official websites, which can issue IDP’s based on some of the above mentioned conventions. Otherwise they might not be valid in Laos, such as:
Thanks to the 1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences, all ASEAN member states officially recognize each other’s permanent national driver’s licenses. This means that a valid 5-year Lao driver’s license can legally be used to drive in all other ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, and Myanmar—without the need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, this mutual recognition only applies to full, non-temporary licenses and is limited to the vehicle classes listed on the license. So, if your Lao license is valid for cars only, you are not permitted to drive a motorbike in another ASEAN country unless your license includes that category. This agreement provides great convenience for expats and long-term residents in the region, as long as their license is valid and complies with the conditions set by the agreement.
Many expats wonder whether they can legally drive in Laos using their national driver’s license alone. The short answer is: no, this is not permitted under Lao law. While it’s true that some traffic officers might accept a foreign license or simply can’t read it and let you pass—especially in more relaxed, rural settings. But this is entirely at their discretion and not based on any legal framework. To drive legally in Laos, expats must either obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) or apply for a Lao driver’s license (5-Years or 1-Year).
If an expat does not have a legal document do drive a car or motorbike (or any other vehicle) and is involved in an accident, the insurance company will most likely not cover any costs. Even if the police will not bother you too much or you will get away with a fine (or pocket money), it is highly recommended to get a valid lao driver’s license to be able to use your insurance in case something happens.
This article provides a clear and practical guide for expats and digital nomads on how to legally obtain a driver’s license in Laos. It explains the three types of licenses available to foreigners—an International Driving Permit (IDP), a 1-year temporary Lao license based on a foreign license, and the full 5-year Lao driver’s license requiring theory and practical tests. It also addresses common misconceptions, outlines legal requirements, shares personal experience, and highlights the importance of having a valid license for insurance coverage and cross-border driving within ASEAN countries.
No, your national (non-Lao) driver’s license alone is not legally valid for driving in Laos. While some police officers may overlook it, this is not guaranteed and does not make it legal. You must have either a Lao driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
It depends. If you’re applying for the 5-year Lao license, then yes—you need to pass a theory and practical driving test, just like Lao citizens. If you already have a valid foreign driver’s license, you can apply for a 1-year temporary Lao license without taking any test, but you must hold a long-term visa.
Yes, in practice some expats do drive without a valid license and might be let go by paying a small “pocket money” fine (often 50,000–100,000 LAK). However, this is not legal, and if you’re involved in an accident, your insurance will likely not cover you. The official fine is 200,000 LAK.
Yes. Thanks to the 1985 ASEAN Agreement, a valid 5-year Lao driver’s license is accepted in all ASEAN countries—like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. However, this does not apply to temporary licenses, and only the vehicle categories listed on your Lao license are recognized.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically valid for one year and must be carried together with your national driver’s license. Laos recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. It’s a good short-term solution, but for long-term expats, getting a Lao license is strongly recommended.
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