At what age can you obtain a driver's license? Many families may have allowed their underage children to try driving within the village or even secretly take the car onto public roads, thinking that if they can drive, it should be fine. However, in reality, if the driver is underage and does not have a legal driver's license, not only is it illegal, but in case of an accident, it can also affect the vehicle insurance coverage.
According to the criteria set by the Department of Land Transport, anyone wishing to apply for a temporary personal car driver's license must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to take the exam and apply for the license, and must also complete training, physical fitness tests, written exams, and driving tests as required by law.
If under 18, even if practically able to drive, you are not legally entitled to a driver's license and cannot legally drive on public roads.
The answer is yes, it is illegal. Driving without a license is against the law and may result in prosecution and penalties as prescribed. Furthermore, if an accident occurs, both the driver and their guardians may be held responsible for any damages.
Many people misunderstand this, thinking that with first-class insurance, coverage is guaranteed in all cases. In reality, most insurance companies include policy conditions stating that driving without a valid driver's license is an exclusion for coverage of the insured vehicle. This means the insurance company mayrefuse to compensate for damageto the insured vehicle. Details vary depending on each policy's terms.
However, if the accident causes damage to third parties or involved individuals, some coverage may still apply as per legal or policy conditions. It is advisable to check details directly with the insurance company.
Allowing underage individuals to drive carries risks beyond legal issues, including:
Anyone wishing to obtain a personal car driver's license in Thailand must be at least 18 years old to legally apply and be licensed. Driving on public roads underage
is not only illegal but may also lead to insurance companies denying claims for vehicle damage because the driver lacks a valid license.
Therefore, for the safety of all parties and to avoid legal or insurance problems, it is best to wait until reaching the required age and obtain a proper driver's license before driving on the road.