Thai Driver's Licence (in Samui)

[ClaraTaboon]

Hi 

 

I have a Canadian International Drivers licence, and I currently live and work in Koh Samui. I have a work permit and work visa.

 

Specifically: Do I need to do a full drivers test to get my Thai Drivers licence?

 

In General: How do I proceed in getting my Thai Drivers licence.

 

thank you,

Clara

 

[KhunBENQ]

Moved to Motor forum where these questions are discussed frequently.

Left a link in the Samui forum.

[KhunBENQ]

55 minutes ago, ClaraTaboon said:

Specifically: Do I need to do a full drivers test to get my Thai Drivers licence?

No you don't if you hold a valid Canadian IDP (international driving permit). They are based on Geneva convention 1949 which is nowadays often looked after (some countries have a "1968" IDP which is refused at some offices).

 

Passport with visa/extension stamp.

Work permit is sufficient for proof of residence.

 

What you need in addition is the "health certificate".

Quote

ORIGINAL MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (5 DISEASES FORM) FROM CLINIC OR HOSPITAL (VALID FOR 1 MONTH)

It can usually be obtained at any clinic or hospital without examination.

Cost about 100 to 200 Baht.

 

You will have to do a physical test (color blindness, peripheral vision, depth perception, reaction) and probably watch some video for an hour or more (in Thai language). Bring a book

 

Hardly worth mentioning: misc copies of everything (as usual at Thai government offices).

Copy shops are always around the DLT offices (DLT=Department of Land Transport, the English term).

 

The procedure can usually be done without appointment. Just go in the morning.

[KhunBENQ]

See here for a very good report about obtaining the license in Samui:

 

 

It seems they have specific times to serve foreigners?

[ClaraTaboon]

Thank you so much!

 

It looks like i will have to do the written and physical test anyway, because my Canadian IDP is not stamped by the Canadian Embassy (according to the source above)?

 

Is this true?

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, ClaraTaboon said:

Thank you so much!

 

It looks like i will have to do the written and physical test anyway, because my Canadian IDP is not stamped by the Canadian Embassy (according to the source above)?

 

Is this true?

As I understand the remark refers to having a national driving license not to an IDP.

That's a completely different story. Some national DLs are accepted without further effort (at certain DLTs).

Other national DLs have to be translated and "stamped".

 

Never heard that the IDP has to be stamped.

That is where the other thread differs from your situation.

And read the other posts in the thread.

 

My procedure (not Samui) is long ago (2011) and even a "1968" IDP was accepted without any question. No theory/practical test.

 

Just get the health certificate and try your luck at Samui DLT.

Just found confirmation that they will only issue on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Be there before 9 AM.

 

Assuming the office hasn't moved since 2016, it's here:

(near the western beach, Lipa Noi)

 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Provincial+Land+Transport+Office+of+Surat+Thani+Ko+Samui+District+Branch/@9.4878172,99.9323621,14.94z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x86a92a9ca3391061!8m2!3d9.4906959!4d99.9305946

 

https://goo.gl/maps/Y5RGd8MTY222

 

9.4910446,99.9306285

 

 

[ClaraTaboon]

Alright Thank you again! I will try it.

 

I really appreciate your help.