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Discover essential information on driving license requirements for foreigners in Laos, from obtaining a Lao driving licence to using international and regional licenses.
For many expats living in Laos, understanding the types of driving licenses required to legally operate a vehicle can be confusing. To simplify, here is an overview of the four main types of driving licenses recognized in Laos.
Foreign residents in Laos who meet the requirements can take a driving test to obtain a Lao driving license. This license is valid for five years and grants full driving rights within the country.
A temporary Lao driving license acts as a transcript of the expat’s national driving license from their home country. This type of license is valid for up to one year and requires supporting documents, such as a work permit. It is only recognized for driving within Laos.
An international driving license, issued by the foreigner’s home country, is typically valid for one year and must be based on a national driving license. Laos recognizes international driving licenses, as it is a signatory to the United Nations Road Traffic Convention. This license permits legal driving within Laos.
Bilateral agreements between Laos and its neighboring countries—Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia—allow drivers from these countries to use their national driving licenses in Laos. The licenses must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Similarly, Lao drivers can use their licenses in these countries under the same agreements.
Under Lao law, non-Lao national driving licenses are not valid for driving in Laos. While enforcement may vary, it is ultimately at the discretion of local authorities. Legally, only one of the four licenses mentioned above is valid for operating a vehicle in Laos.
Lao driving licenses specify the types of vehicles the holder can drive:
Foreign drivers should be aware that most insurance providers in Laos do not cover claims if the driver only holds a non-Lao national driving license. For example, Toko Assurance specifies that claims are only valid if the driver has a proper license as per Lao regulations. Their policy states:
“Claims under this Policy are valid only if, at the time of the accident, the driver holds a valid driving license as required by the regulations in Lao PDR. The license must not be suspended or expired, and the driver must meet the legal driving age.”
In simpler terms, drivers must hold one of the four recognized licenses to be covered by insurance. It is wise to verify your insurance policy’s terms with your provider.
However, ASJre Insurance Brokers, a well-established insurance agency in Laos, has agreements with certain providers to waive this exclusion. This means that ASJre clients are covered as long as they possess a valid national driving license.
For questions about driving licenses or to get a quote for car or motorbike insurance, contact md@asjre.com or visit their website to request a quote.