The open road calls to every motorcyclist. While the UK has its charms, exploring the far-flung corners of the world on two wheels is an adventure you’ll never forget. Imagine cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, racing through the sunburned heart of Australia, or exploring the vibrant landscapes of Southeast Asia. These memory-making adventures are the ones you’ll tell tales about for the rest of your days.

Before you start planning your trip and preparing your bike (or researching rental options), stop to consider the motorcycle licence laws for where you’re headed. Different countries have different laws for just about everything. To make your motorcycle adventure abroad one you remember for all the right reasons, it helps to prepare.

We’re all up for adventure and making your motorcycle escapades safe as well as fun. It’s why we host yearly motorcycle trips in Europe. Travel expands the mind and adds spice to your life.

Our last blog about motorcycle licence laws for riding abroad covered Europe extensively. Today, we’re expanding our horizons. We’ll take a look at motorcycle licence laws in the top five holiday destinations for Brits outside of Europe. That’s Dubai—a seven-hour flight from the UK, Canada, America, Thailand, and Australia. So if you’re dreaming of distant lands and open roads, read on!

Dubai: Motorcycle licence laws for UK riders

Most people advise against motorcycle riding in Dubai and the UEA. Roads in the desert are potholed, slippery with fuel spills, and traffic is more erratic than the UK. That said, it is possible to ride a motorcycle there and plenty of people do. Just keep your wits about you and stay on high alert for traffic and other hazards.

UAE rules for visiting motorcycle riders

• Can I ride in Dubai with my UK motorcycle licence? Yes you can. Your UK motorcycle licence needs to be the photocard variety. Make sure it is a full motorcycle licence and your machine is within the range of your UK licence restrictions. A CBT certificate won’t cut it on UAE roads. It’s also wise to have a 1968 type of International Driving Permit (IDP) with your licence because it makes identification easier. 
• How long can I ride in the UEA with my UK motorcycle licence? Local motorcycle licence laws give you a full 12 months to ride with your UK licence, 1968 IDP, and visitor’s visa. If you’re staying longer than that, you’ll need to switch your UK licence for a UAE licence. You can only switch a full unrestricted UK motorcycle licence, and you might have to take further training and tests. If you’re visiting Dubai or other Emirates on a resident’s visa, you’ll need to switch your licence straight away.
• What road rules should I be aware of when riding in Dubai? People ride and drive on the right side of the road in Dubai and vehicles are left-hand drive. You should over-take on the left. Speeding can result in having your motorcycle impounded and filtering in heavy traffic isn’t allowed. As for safety gear, you’ll need a full-face helmet, jacket and gloves. The Emirates Driving Institute also recommends body armour for knees and shins, elbows and arms. That makes riding in Dubai pretty hot, so make sure you choose well ventilated gear.

Canada: Travelling with your UK motorcycle licence

Canada is almost as close as Dubai, just in a different direction. The country is huge, especially compared to the UK, so prepare well and plan ahead for refuelling and rest breaks. Expect larger wildlife hazards and icier conditions than home if you go in colder months.

Canadian rules for visiting motorcycle riders

• Can I ride in Canada with my UK motorcycle licence? If you’re holidaying in Canada for three months or less, you only need your full UK motorcycle licence. If your holiday is more than three months, you’ll need to have an International Driving Permit too. The correct IDP for Canada is the 1949 which covers all provinces and territories. If you’re a new resident, your UK licence is accepted for the first 60 days. After that, you’ll need to exchange for an Ontario licence once you pass a vision test and written test about your knowledge of motorcycles, Canadian road rules, and traffic signs.
• How long can I ride in Canada with my UK motorcycle licence? You have six months to ride and explore Canada with a UK motorcycle licence. Remember to carry your 1949 IDP with you too. After six months, you’ll need to exchange your UK licence for a Canadian one. But, if you are in the country with a resident’s visa, you’re only allowed to use your UK licence for 60 days.
• What road rules should I be aware of when riding in Canada? Filtering through slow traffic isn’t allowed in Canada. Canadians also use the right side of the road rather than the left. Speeding fines are related to how fast you’re going and if you’re 50 miles or more over the speed limit, you’ll lose your licence and have your bike confiscated. Rules can vary from province to province, so if you’re planning a cross country adventure, make sure you check local rules ahead of time.

America: Motorcycle licence laws for Brits

Cruising along Route 66 or navigating the curves and twists of the Pacific Coast Highway is a dream for many. And for good reason, stunning scenery and a friendly welcome awaits most Brits in the US. Just like Canada, this country is BIG—some 4,000 miles from east to west coasts. It’s easy to ride there, just prepare well and plan rest and fuel breaks.

American rules for UK motorcyclists

• Can I ride in America with my UK motorcycle licence? Yes, your UK licence lets you ride in America. You should carry a 1949 International driving permit too if you plan to be there for more than three months. Our foreign travel advice for the U.S also recommends carrying your passport for I.D and to show your valid visa if asked.
• How long can I ride in America with my UK motorcycle licence? You have up to 12 months to ride in America with a UK licence and your IDP. Because rules vary from state to state, it’s a good idea to check the finer details if you are planning a year away. Without an IDP, you’ve got 3 months of trouble free motorcycling with your UK motorcycle licence.
• What road rules should I be aware of when riding in America? The big one to remember is the right hand road use. Speeding is, of course, frowned upon and you could be looking at a fine of up to $500 for breaking state speed limits. When it comes to filtering and lane splitting the definitions are important…
  • Filtering (riding between slow moving or stationary traffic) is allowed in five of the states—Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Montana. Also in Hawaii, but there it’s called “shoulder surfing” and comes with slightly different restrictions.
  • Lane splitting (riding the white line in moving traffic) is only allowed in California and has very specific rules that go along with it. You can’t ride any more than 10 mph faster than other traffic, you can’t split lanes near exits and ramps, and you should avoid riding over 30 mph when lane splitting.

Thailand: Motorcycle licence laws for Brits

Ah, the Land of Smiles! Backpackers’ haven and scooter heaven (or maybe hell). If you’re planning a motorcycle adventure here, scenic mountain routes, idyllic coastal regions, and nightmarish city traffic await. Thailand is rated as one of the most dangerous countries for motorcyclists by the WHO.

Major roads are well maintained so getting out into the countryside shouldn’t be an issue. City riding often is. Tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, cars, lorries and more are all trying to get where they’re going as fast as they can and frequently ignore road rules.

Motorcycle licence rules for Brits in the Land of Smiles

• Can I ride in Thailand with my UK motorcycle licence? Yes, you can. You’ll need a 1968 International Driving Permit too. You should sort out your 1968 IDP before you leave the UK. If you are planning to stay for longer than 90 days, you’ll need a Thai licence.
• How long can I ride in Thailand with my UK motorcycle licence? You have 90 days to ride on a UK licence with a 1968 IDP in Thailand. If you’re staying longer or living there, you can apply for a Thai licence with your UK licence.
• What road rules should I be aware of when riding in Thailand? Thai people use the same side of the road as us in the UK, but traffic conditions are very different. Motorcycles are usually fobidden on expressways. You’ll need to be on high alert for erratic driving with frequent lane changes (with or without indicating), sudden stops and lane merging without signalling. We advise you get comfortable with defensive riding before you go. We also recommend heading out of the city areas for more relaxed traffic conditions (and breathtaking scenery).

Australia: Riding a motorcycle with a UK licence

Motorcycling in Australia is a little like Canada and America. The place is HUGE so planning your rides is essential—particularly when you get to the outback. It can be a long ride between petrol stations and the desert sun gets hot. Take water and fuel if you head for the back of beyond. Watch for larger wildlife and if you’re in roo territory, avoid riding at dawn an dusk.

Aussie rules for UK motorcyclists

• Can I ride in Australia with my UK motorcycle licence? Your UK motorcycle licence can be used for riding in Australia. Depending on the type of visa you have, you may also need a 1949 International Driving Permit. You might need to update your UK licence to a photocard variety too.
• How long can I ride in Australia with my UK motorcycle licence? How long you can ride with your UK licence depends on the visa you have. If you’re settling, you have three months to ride. After that you’ll need to switch your UK licence for an Aussie one. You won’t need to re-test because the UK is a recognised country. If you’re using a visitor’s visa of some sort, you can ride with your UK motorcycle licence for as long as it and your visa are valid. It’s a good idea to carry your licence with your passport when you ride.
• What road rules should I be aware of when riding in Australia? Road rules vary from state to state in Australia, but they do use the same side of the road as us. Speed limits and distances are in kilometres. Some state-specific manoeuvres are illegal in other parts of the country. Melbourne’s hook turn and New South Wales’ roundabout rules are worth checking out before riding in either city. Filtering is legal, but only up to speeds of 30 km/h and only by fully licenced riders. Once you pass the South Australian and Northern Territory border on the Stuart Highway, you’ll enjoy near perfect tarmac through Australia’s red heart.

Having a UK motorcycle licence opens opportunities for international travel and adventure. Before you head anywhere, check the international driving permit rules for motorcycle riders and local road rules too. In most cases, motorcycle insurance abroad will require your UK licence and an IDP – even if the local laws don’t ask for one. It’s always better to prepare the right documentation so your adventure runs smoothly. If you’d like to dip your toes into European motorcycle trips before heading further afield, get in touch to find out about this years’ group tours!