How to obtain a Thai driving licence

[ritchyp]

Hi,

I live in Pattaya. I have an international driving permit but I still been fines and spent 4 hours in the police station as they (The police) said it was 'Fake'!  I completely dread riding my bike in certain spots now, in case it happens again. My best mate has a real Thai driving licence which he got in BKK when he lived there.

 

I have a long visa so it is time to get a licence. can I apply for one in Pattaya or will I have to go to BKK. Can anybody tell me the procedure in both cases. Pattaya and Bangkok..

 

apologies to admin if I have posted in the wrong place. If so could you just move this to the appropriate place.

 

 

many thanks in advance

 

Richard

[giddyup]

43 minutes ago, ritchyp said:

Hi,

I live in Pattaya. I have an international driving permit but I still been fines and spent 4 hours in the police station as they (The police) said it was 'Fake'!  I completely dread riding my bike in certain spots now, in case it happens again. My best mate has a real Thai driving licence which he got in BKK when he lived there.

 

I have a long visa so it is time to get a licence. can I apply for one in Pattaya or will I have to go to BKK. Can anybody tell me the procedure in both cases. Pattaya and Bangkok..

 

apologies to admin if I have posted in the wrong place. If so could you just move this to the appropriate place.

 

 

many thanks in advance

 

Richard

There's a whole pinned topic on getting a Thai licence at the top of the page.

[mark5335]

If you're not confident with the process to obtain a Thai DL, there are numerous agents that can assist you with the process and reduce the language hassles etc for a small service fee. For Pattaya you could look up Tik Tok Services, they have plenty of positive testimonials for assisting with DL etc although I've never used them.

[HarrySeaman]

All the information you need be found on the Pattaya City Expat Club web site.  Here are the links.

 

Pattya City Expats Club

 

AUGUST 201 7 Pattaya City Expats Club CHECKLISTS FOR DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THAI DRIVING LICENSE

[steve187]

are you using the international permit in conjunction with your national licence

[KhunBENQ]

What nationality are you? (what national license).

Does the IDP show a "1949" agreement or a "1968"?

 

Latest reports say that nitpickers at the Chonburi (Pattaya) do not accept the 1968 version as a basis for issuing a Thai DL.

With a valid IDP you do not have to do written or practical driving test.

[ferguston]

So easy to do yourself if you have the correct IDP and a current licence from your original country of residence.

No need to use any "agents" just take your Thai partner with you. Arrive early at the Banglamung office (behind Regents school) receive an appointment card for a future date and time.

Easy.

[Ridge]

If your international driving license is not in English (mine was in Dutch/French/German) then just take the tests. It will cost you 2 days but only a couple of 100 bath notes. The translation, get it stamped blablabla will cost you 10 times more. Just saying. I did the 4 tests (car & motorbike) in Rayong. Not a big deal.

[woodenjake]

9 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

What nationality are you? (what national license).

Does the IDP show a "1949" agreement or a "1968"?

 

Latest reports say that nitpickers at the Chonburi (Pattaya) do not accept the 1968 version as a basis for issuing a Thai DL.

With a valid IDP you do not have to do written or practical driving test.

This is true for getting a license in all regions? If I have a US license with a US issued IDP , when I go to apply for  my Thai drivers license in January (probably either in Bangkok or around Hua Hin ) I will NOT need to do written or drivers test? Just forms, pictures, pay etc??? That woukd be awesome!

[KhunBENQ]

11 hours ago, woodenjake said:

Just forms, pictures, pay etc??? That woukd be awesome!

Yes.

A valid US IDP is the 1949 version and is acknowledged for issuing a Thai DL.

Reports say that even the US license alone is sufficient.

The only tests you have to do are the physical tests (reaction, colorblindness, depth perception, peripheral vision).

The "biggest hurdle" is proof of residence/address.

Some DLT offices will always require a document from immigration office.

Others accept a yellow house book/pink card (if you have).

And before issuing some immigration offices require a document from DLT that this proof is required for DL.

Not joking!

No pictures needed.

 

DLT=Department of Land Transport