Driving Licences in Cambodia for Foreigners: Cars, Scooters, Insurance and Accidents

Prepared by the NovAsia Editorial Team

A foreign driver should not assume that an overseas licence, an International Driving Permit or the willingness of a rental company to hand over the keys automatically makes driving lawful in Cambodia. The correct position depends on the vehicle category, the country and format of the licence, the driver’s status in Cambodia, the rental agreement and the insurance policy.

For ordinary cars, category B is generally relevant. For motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cc or more—or an electric motor rated at 11 kW or more—category A is required. Cambodian road law provides a licensing exemption for smaller motorcycles below those thresholds, but that does not override a rental company’s rules, an insurer’s exclusions or the need for appropriate age, skill and safety equipment.

For people living in Cambodia rather than visiting briefly, the most predictable route is usually to obtain a Cambodian licence by exchanging a valid foreign licence or passing the local test.

Which category applies to the vehicle

Cambodian road law divides licences by category. Foreign residents most often encounter categories A and B.

Category A covers motorcycles from 125 cc, electric motorcycles from 11 kW, motorcycles with trailers and certain three-wheeled vehicles. Category B covers ordinary passenger and family cars with fewer than nine occupants including the driver, together with certain light goods vehicles within the statutory limits.

The threshold matters. A motorcycle of exactly 125 cc falls within the category requiring a licence. For electric motorcycles, the equivalent threshold is 11 kW.

A category B car licence does not authorise a person to ride a motorcycle of 125 cc or more. Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport has separately explained that a driver needs category A for the more powerful motorcycle category.

The minimum age for categories A and B is generally 18. The legal exemption for a motorcycle below 125 cc or an electric model below 11 kW is associated with a minimum age of 15 and the requirement to carry identification.

That exemption should not be treated as a recommendation for an inexperienced foreign visitor to rent a scooter without a licence. Three separate questions must be answered:

1. Does road law permit the person to operate that vehicle?
2. Does the rental agreement permit it?
3. Will the insurance remain valid after an accident?

A rental business or insurer can impose stricter conditions than the minimum traffic-law exemption. The time to discover that is before the journey, not after a claim.

Can a visitor use a foreign licence or an International Driving Permit?

Cambodian law recognises foreign driving documents where recognition arises from a bilateral agreement or an applicable international convention. Where no such basis applies, a foreigner who resides lawfully in Cambodia and wants to drive is expected to obtain a Cambodian licence.

ASEAN has a separate agreement on mutual recognition of domestic licences for temporary travel. It does not extend to learner, provisional or temporary documents. Where the licence is not in English, the ASEAN agreement provides for a certified English translation.

For licences issued outside ASEAN, there is no safe universal rule that every overseas licence or International Driving Permit is valid for a fixed number of days. The position should be assessed against:

• the issuing country;
• the relevant convention or bilateral arrangement;
• the vehicle category;
• the validity of the underlying national licence;
• whether the stay is temporary or Cambodia has become the person’s place of residence;
• the rental company’s requirements;
• the insurer’s wording.

Cambodia is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. An International Driving Permit under a recognised convention is a supplement to a valid national licence, not a replacement for it. Commercial documents sold online as “international licences” may not have been issued by an authorised body and may have no legal value.

Someone whose licence is not clearly covered by ASEAN recognition or another applicable arrangement should obtain written clarification from MPWT or arrange a Cambodian licence. A rental employee’s assurance that “the police accept it” is not reliable evidence of lawful driving or insurance protection.

This article is general information, not individual legal or insurance advice. Recognition can depend on the issuing country, licence format, category, residence status and policy wording.

Exchanging a foreign licence for a Cambodian licence

A person with a valid overseas licence may be able to exchange it rather than qualify as a new driver. MPWT’s published guidance for foreign applicants identifies a typical document set that includes:

• passport;
• valid Cambodian visa;
• proof of current residence issued or certified by a competent local authority;
• three 4 × 6 cm photographs on a white background;
• medical certificate;
• valid national driving licence;
• certified translation where the licence is not in English or French.

The ministry’s service page says that a licence in another language should be translated into English or Khmer and certified by the applicant’s embassy. The road-law wording also refers to an embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission and to Khmer, English or French. Because the administrative interpretation can vary, confirm the required translation language and certification format with the intended service centre before paying for documents.

Proof of residence commonly causes difficulty. A private lease may not be sufficient by itself where the process requires an address confirmation from the sangkat, commune or another competent authority.

A practical sequence is:

1. Confirm that the foreign licence is valid and covers the intended vehicle.
2. Ask MPWT for the current document list for the applicant’s nationality and category.
3. Obtain the required residence confirmation.
4. Obtain the medical certificate.
5. Arrange translation and certification where required.
6. Apply through an authorised MPWT service channel.
7. Check the spelling, date of birth, category and expiry on the issued licence.

MPWT’s published fee for exchanging a foreign licence is KHR 120,000. Additional costs may arise for medical certification, photographs, translation and consular certification. Fees and procedures can change, so check the current service information before attending.

A licence issued through exchange is generally valid for one year. That is different from a category A or B licence obtained by passing the Cambodian test. A long-term resident should plan for renewal rather than assuming the exchanged document has the same duration as a locally tested licence.

Foreign professional categories C, D and E are not simply converted into equivalent Cambodian professional categories. The law allows holders to exchange into A or B in the relevant circumstances, while professional freight and passenger driving is subject to additional training and licensing.

Obtaining a Cambodian licence by examination

The alternative is to take the Cambodian test. This route may suit someone without a valid overseas licence, a driver whose existing category is unsuitable, or a resident who wants a longer-validity local document.

MPWT allows applications for category A and B testing through its automated driving-licence system and authorised service centres. Higher categories require additional training through registered driving schools.

For foreign applicants, the published document requirements include passport, valid visa, residence confirmation, photographs and a medical certificate. Before applying, confirm whether preparatory training is required and in which language the theory component is available.

MPWT’s published service fees include:

Private driving-school tuition, photographs, medical certificates and retests are separate. Verify the amount in the current online system or service centre before payment.

Category A and B licences obtained through the local examination are generally issued for ten years. Drivers aged over 65 are subject to medical review and shorter renewal periods under the law.

The test can be useful beyond administration. Even an experienced overseas driver benefits from learning local signs, priority rules and the behaviour of mixed traffic. A few practical lessons may be sensible for someone unfamiliar with dense flows of motorcycles, tuk-tuks and cars.

Where to apply and how to assess an intermediary

The authoritative source is the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Category A and B applications may be made through the MPWT driving-licence system and authorised service centres. MPWT publishes service locations that have included Aeon Mall Phnom Penh, Aeon Mall Sen Sok City, provincial one-window units and departments of public works and transport.

Check the current location, hours and whether the centre handles foreign applications before travelling. MPWT’s public hotline is 1275, and the ministry publishes weekday working hours of 08:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00.

An intermediary may help with translation, photographs or assembling documents. They should not promise a genuine licence “without a test or attendance” where the lawful process requires either.

Before paying an agent, establish:

• the name of the official service;
• the government fee;
• what the agent is doing;
• whether a receipt is issued;
• where the application is filed;
• whether the licence can be checked through an official system;
• when the original passport is genuinely required.

Do not hand an original passport to an unknown person without a clear reason and a receipt. Where accepted, copies can be marked with the purpose for which they were supplied.

Inspect the issued licence immediately. A spelling error, wrong passport number or incorrect category can create problems with police, vehicle rental and an insurance claim.

What to check before renting a scooter

The fact that a rental shop is willing to hand over a motorcycle does not establish that the driver is properly licensed or insured. The driver remains responsible for operating it.

First confirm the engine capacity or electric-motor rating. A 110 cc, 125 cc and 150 cc scooter may look almost identical, but the legal category differs.

Ask to see:

• vehicle registration document;
• number plate;
• owner details;
• insurance certificate and expiry;
• permitted drivers;
• territorial limits;
• exclusions affecting foreigners or rental use;
• the renter’s liability for damage.

Match the plate and, where practical, the frame details to the agreement. Photograph the motorcycle from every side before departure, including body panels, mirrors, wheels, lights, seat, exhaust and fuel level. Existing damage should be recorded in writing.

The helmet should fit and fasten properly. Cambodian law requires helmets for the motorcycle driver and passengers, including children from the age specified by law. A thin or damaged helmet supplied only to satisfy a formal requirement is not adequate protection.

Test the brakes, indicators, headlight, brake light, horn, tyres and mirrors. Do not accept a critical defect because “everyone rides like this”.

The contract should clearly cover:

• daily or monthly price;
• deposit;
• mileage limit;
• punctures and mechanical failures;
• accident procedure;
• territorial or border restrictions;
• return conditions;
• lost-key charges;
• additional drivers.

Avoid leaving a passport as collateral where a cash deposit or another safer arrangement is available. If a business insists on retaining the original document, consider a different rental provider.

What to check before renting a car

The potential losses are larger and the contract is more complex. Category B must remain valid for the full rental period, and the provider may impose minimum age and driving-experience rules.

The registration certificate and plate must match the agreement. Ask whether the rental company owns the vehicle or acts for someone else. Where a third party owns it, confirm that commercial rental is permitted and identify who will handle an insurance claim.

Do not rely on the phrase full insurance. Ask specific questions:

• Is third-party liability covered?
• Is damage to the rental vehicle covered?
• What is the excess or deductible?
• Are glass, tyres and underbody included?
• Does the policy apply in the provinces?
• Is a second driver permitted?
• What happens if a licence is expired, unrecognised or in the wrong category?
• Are alcohol or drug-related incidents excluded?
• Who pays for towing?
• Is a police report mandatory?

Cambodian insurance law requires liability cover for certain vehicle classes and owners, but a registration document does not prove that a private rental car has comprehensive protection for the renter. Read the certificate and the applicable terms.

Insurance regulations allow claims to be denied in circumstances including unlicensed driving, an unsuitable category, an expired licence and prohibited alcohol or drug use. Policy wording and facts still matter, so obtain a written answer where the coverage is important.

Before leaving, record the exterior, wheels, interior, odometer, fuel level and dashboard warning lights on video. Check the spare wheel or repair kit, jack, basic emergency equipment and assistance contact.

Registration and roadworthiness

Cambodian road law requires vehicles to be registered and display the required registration certificate and number plate. This applies to cars and motorcycles. A renter should not agree to use an unregistered vehicle because the owner says they can “sort it out” if stopped.

Cars are subject to periodic technical inspection according to their class and age. A new family car may initially receive a four-year inspection period and then be inspected every two years, while used family vehicles are generally inspected at two-year intervals. Commercial passenger vehicles have stricter requirements.

Ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles are not listed under exactly the same periodic inspection schedule as cars, but motorcycles with trailers and certain three-wheelers are inspected more frequently. None of this removes the owner’s and driver’s obligation to keep an ordinary scooter safe.

Documents do not replace a mechanical check. A registered vehicle can still have bald tyres, weak brakes or defective lights.

When buying rather than renting, complete the ownership-transfer and registration process. A private sale agreement without an updated registration record can create problems with fines, insurance and a later resale.

Road rules that matter particularly to newcomers

Cambodia drives on the right. Drivers must follow lane markings, traffic signals, signs and police instructions.

The law may permit a cautious right turn on red from the appropriate lane where there is no separate red arrow, prohibition or conflicting traffic. A foreign driver should not treat that as an automatic right. Confirm that the manoeuvre is permitted and give way to pedestrians and vehicles.

Handheld mobile-phone use while driving is prohibited. On a motorcycle, trying to read navigation in one hand is especially dangerous. Set the route before moving or stop in a safe location.

The statutory alcohol limits are not a target. Insurance may apply additional exclusions, and impairment begins before a person reaches a legal threshold. The practical rule is simple: do not drive after drinking.

Helmet and seat-belt rules apply, including specific provisions for children. A rental vehicle intended for family use should have appropriate child restraints rather than relying on an adult to hold a child.

Phnom Penh’s mixed traffic calls for lower speeds and more defensive observation than a sign alone may suggest. Motorcycles filter between lanes, tuk-tuks change position slowly and cars may turn across several streams of traffic. Being legally entitled to priority does not prevent a collision.

Make early journeys in daylight and dry weather. Rain at night hides potholes and markings and increases stopping distance. Avoid long intercity night driving until you understand local road conditions and lighting.

What to do after a road accident

Cambodian road law requires a driver to stop, avoid creating further danger, preserve the scene where possible, notify the competent authorities and remain until the parties agree or police permit departure.

Where someone is injured, medical help comes first. Do not use force, escalate an argument or attempt to settle only with cash before injuries and insurance requirements are addressed.

A practical sequence is:

1. Stop and activate hazard lights where available.
2. Assess traffic and fire risk.
3. Call for medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
4. Contact police, the rental company and the insurer.
5. Photograph vehicle positions, plates, damage, road markings and signs.
6. Record the details of drivers and witnesses.
7. Do not sign a document you do not understand without translation.
8. Do not hand an original passport to an unrelated person.
9. Obtain a police-report number or other evidence that the incident was reported.
10. Follow the insurer’s instructions on towing and repair.

The parties sometimes settle minor damage privately, but this is risky for a renter. The owner or insurer may later require a police document. Call both before agreeing to pay or accept money.

Do not admit legal responsibility simply to end the conversation quickly. A translated statement or signed receipt can affect a claim.

Do not arrange repairs without written consent from the owner. Even competent work may be rejected if the contract requires a particular workshop or inspection.

Preparing for regular driving

A long-term resident should resolve the licence position before buying a vehicle or entering a long rental. Exchanging a valid licence is less burdensome than arguing after an accident over whether the foreign document was recognised.

A practical checklist:

• identify the required category;
• confirm engine capacity or motor power;
• verify the legal basis for the foreign licence;
• exchange the licence or pass the local test where necessary;
• obtain copies of registration and insurance;
• read policy exclusions;
• buy a properly fitting helmet;
• save police, insurer and rental contacts;
• test parking and normal routes;
• begin with short daytime journeys.

For a scooter, closed shoes, gloves, eye protection and a lightweight protective jacket reduce injury risk. Heat does not make road rash less severe.

For a car, practise parking, turning and judging the vehicle’s width in a quiet place. Drivers accustomed to left-hand traffic should take extra care when leaving car parks and approaching junctions.

Before buying, verify the seller’s documents and that ownership can actually be transferred. A low price may conceal missing registration, disputed ownership or an inability to complete the transfer.

When not to drive

Self-driving is not mandatory. Phnom Penh has ride-hailing, tuk-tuks and private drivers, while intercity travel can use buses or hired cars.

Do not rent or drive where:

• there is no clear legal basis for the licence;
• registration documents are unavailable;
• insurance is missing or excludes the driver;
• the helmet is damaged;
• brakes, lights or tyres are doubtful;
• the rider is not already competent on a motorcycle;
• the journey is at night or in severe rain without appropriate experience;
• alcohol has been consumed;
• the driver is exhausted after travel;
• the contract requires leaving a passport without adequate safeguards.

Saving the cost of a tuk-tuk does not justify a serious injury, uninsured damage or a licensing dispute. Phnom Penh’s central traffic is not an appropriate place to learn to ride a motorcycle from scratch.

A car can be useful for families and provincial travel but creates parking and congestion problems in the capital. For occasional use, a car with a driver may be more practical than self-driving.

Final takeaway

Category B is generally required for an ordinary car. Category A is required for motorcycles from 125 cc or electric motorcycles from 11 kW, and a car licence does not substitute for it. Smaller motorcycles may fall within a legal licensing exemption, but rental and insurance requirements can still be stricter.

Foreign licences are recognised only where an applicable international or bilateral basis exists. A national licence and an International Driving Permit should not be assumed valid without checking the issuing country, convention, category and residence status.

For long-term residence, the clearest options are exchanging a valid foreign licence for a one-year Cambodian licence or passing the local test for a longer-validity category A or B document.

Before renting, verify registration, the insurance certificate, authorised drivers, excess and exclusions. The right to drive and the right to an insurance payout are separate questions. Both need to be settled before the keys change hands.

Sources

1. Royal Government of Cambodia — *Law on Road Traffic* and relevant amendments, including Royal Kram NS/RKM/0117/002. Reviewed 25 June 2026.
2. Ministry of Public Works and Transport — official driving-licence categories, fees, service locations and document requirements for foreign applicants.
3. ASEAN — *Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries*, Kuala Lumpur, 9 July 1985.
4. United Nations Treaty Collection — *Convention on Road Traffic*, Geneva, 19 September 1949, and Cambodia’s treaty status.
5. Insurance Regulator of Cambodia — *Law on Insurance 2014*, unofficial English translation, including compulsory motor-liability provisions.
6. Insurance Regulator of Cambodia — Sub-Decree No. 275 ANKr.BK on Insurance, 30 December 2021, including liability cover and grounds for refusal.

Frequently asked

Is a driving licence required for a scooter below 125 cc?

Cambodian road law generally allows a motorcycle below 125 cc, or an electric motorcycle below 11 kW, to be ridden without a driving licence subject to the minimum-age rules. A rental company or insurer may impose stricter conditions.

Are a national licence and an International Driving Permit always sufficient?

Not necessarily. Recognition depends on the issuing country, licence category, applicable convention or bilateral arrangement, the driver’s status in Cambodia and the insurance policy.

What should a foreign driver do after an accident?

Stop, assist anyone who is injured, contact the police where appropriate, notify the rental company and insurer, preserve evidence and do not sign a document you do not understand without translation.