License Question - Motorcycle Related...

[S3Iraq]

Hi All...

I have thus far been unable to get a straight forward answer to this one, so if anybody out there has a definitive answer, please let me know... here goes...

Is there a distinction between a Thai Drivers license for a car and a Thai Drivers License for a Motorcycle (talking big bike 500cc and up), I have been through the dogs dinner of a process of getting a full Thai Drivers License and tried to get an answer to this question when I initially applied, all I received were looks of utter confusion so I backed away in fear of disrupting my license application. I held my original Thai Drivers license for the required 12 months and then had to go through the entire process AGAIN... including police registration, letters from Immigration etc, etc, but now finally have my 5 year Thai Drivers License... yeaaaahh... so, to cut to the chase, I'd like to get a medium sized (600cc) bike and am now wondering if I even have to wade through the nightmare, paper stamping Thai Bureaucratic process and have my license amended to alllow me to ride a large bike, or whether in fact my current 5 year Thai Driving license, (which itself seems to have improved my status somewhat if the looks I get from police when stopped and gasps of amazement from Thai nationals are anything to go by...) will suffice.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to this question.

Cheers, J.

[bino]

A motorcycle licence is totally separate- not an amendment. You wil get another card to carry. 5 year auto licence will not be valid to operate a motorcycle.

I got the MC licence at the same time as my Auto licence, so one set of paperwork sufficed, and I did two separate "road tests" (if you could go as far as to call them that).

So- I imagine that you would have to start from the beginning again to get the MC licence.

[S3Iraq]

Aaaah, yes, just the answer I was dreading... why on earth would you simply amend a license to indicate its good for a car and bike, when you can carry two separate cards that begin to deteriorate the moment after theyve been heat welded together with a luke warm iron anyway...?

but at least now I know... thanks for responding... I'll go and stick my head in the icebox in anticipation of taking on the process...

Cheers, J.

A motorcycle licence is totally separate- not an amendment. You wil get another card to carry. 5 year auto licence will not be valid to operate a motorcycle.

I got the MC licence at the same time as my Auto licence, so one set of paperwork sufficed, and I did two separate "road tests" (if you could go as far as to call them that).

So- I imagine that you would have to start from the beginning again to get the MC licence.

[Totster]

Aaaah, yes, just the answer I was dreading... why on earth would you simply amend a license to indicate its good for a car and bike, when you can carry two separate cards that begin to deteriorate the moment after theyve been heat welded together with a luke warm iron anyway...?

but at least now I know... thanks for responding... I'll go and stick my head in the icebox in anticipation of taking on the process...

Cheers, J.

A motorcycle licence is totally separate- not an amendment. You wil get another card to carry. 5 year auto licence will not be valid to operate a motorcycle.

I got the MC licence at the same time as my Auto licence, so one set of paperwork sufficed, and I did two separate "road tests" (if you could go as far as to call them that).

So- I imagine that you would have to start from the beginning again to get the MC licence.

I'm not sure why the experience is so stressful for you. I got both licenses within 30mins.

To be fair I had my UK license and IDP, so didn't have to do the tests, but from what others have said it is quite straight forward.

good luck

totster

[TBWG]

I'm not sure why the experience is so stressful for you. I got both licenses within 30mins.

To be fair I had my UK license and IDP, so didn't have to do the tests, but from what others have said it is quite straight forward.

good luck

totster

Hi

Providing you have a valid International Driving permit that entitles you to drive a motorcycle of that cc then it is a formality to issue a motorcycle licence as long as you have all the required paperwork, photos etc.

All I was required to do was take a standard colour blind test.

good luck

TBWG

[S3Iraq]

Well consistency of process isnt something the Thais seem to be very big on.. (not a complaint, I'm way past that stage, been in Thailand too long now...) so although it may be as simple as falling of a proverbial log in your neck of the woods, up here its akin to testicle surgery... not something you really want to do... I'm sure there are probably those up here who can report otherwise, if so they are the lucky ones...

My Driver Licensing office is in Nam Phong and the nearest Immigration Office is in Nong Khai, the best part of 150kms away... the staff in the immigration office, seem (on past experience at least) to take great pleasure in making life difficult for no apparent reason, on each occasion I have been there, the only consistency I have seen is the attitude leveled at farangs. There are no less than 5 desks lined up, each nameplate identifies the bearer as a 'Team Leader' (yet no teams are apparent, ever seen this type of mentality elsewhere perhaps?) the last time I went there to get the necessary letter from immigration confirming my domicile, I was politely told that they had 'disposed' of all the records from 12 months ago and that I would have to repeat the entire process, despite having all the necessary paperwork and 12 month Thai License in hand, they refused to issue the letter to me that day and I was told I would have to come back the following week.

This may not in itself qualify as a stressful experience, in fact its becoming par for the course whenever I have to deal with officialdom here in Thailand... I wish I could say it was otherwise, but there you go... actually I'm surprised that you're surprised... what area are you living in?

Cheers, J.

Aaaah, yes, just the answer I was dreading... why on earth would you simply amend a license to indicate its good for a car and bike, when you can carry two separate cards that begin to deteriorate the moment after theyve been heat welded together with a luke warm iron anyway...?

but at least now I know... thanks for responding... I'll go and stick my head in the icebox in anticipation of taking on the process...

Cheers, J.

A motorcycle licence is totally separate- not an amendment. You wil get another card to carry. 5 year auto licence will not be valid to operate a motorcycle.

I got the MC licence at the same time as my Auto licence, so one set of paperwork sufficed, and I did two separate "road tests" (if you could go as far as to call them that).

So- I imagine that you would have to start from the beginning again to get the MC licence.

I'm not sure why the experience is so stressful for you. I got both licenses within 30mins.

To be fair I had my UK license and IDP, so didn't have to do the tests, but from what others have said it is quite straight forward.

good luck

totster

[Totster]

Well consistency of process isnt something the Thais seem to be very big on.. (not a complaint, I'm way past that stage, been in Thailand too long now...) so although it may be as simple as falling of a proverbial log in your neck of the woods, up here its akin to testicle surgery... not something you really want to do... I'm sure there are probably those up here who can report otherwise, if so they are the lucky ones...

My Driver Licensing office is in Nam Phong and the nearest Immigration Office is in Nong Khai, the best part of 150kms away... the staff in the immigration office, seem (on past experience at least) to take great pleasure in making life difficult for no apparent reason, on each occasion I have been there, the only consistency I have seen is the attitude leveled at farangs. There are no less than 5 desks lined up, each nameplate identifies the bearer as a 'Team Leader' (yet no teams are apparent, ever seen this type of mentality elsewhere perhaps?) the last time I went there to get the necessary letter from immigration confirming my domicile, I was politely told that they had 'disposed' of all the records from 12 months ago and that I would have to repeat the entire process, despite having all the necessary paperwork and 12 month Thai License in hand, they refused to issue the letter to me that day and I was told I would have to come back the following week.

This may not in itself qualify as a stressful experience, in fact its becoming par for the course whenever I have to deal with officialdom here in Thailand... I wish I could say it was otherwise, but there you go... actually I'm surprised that you're surprised... what area are you living in?

Cheers, J.

I'm in Kalasin.

How long ago did you get your 5yr license ? If you still have all the original documents from last time, you may be able to use them again. Just a thought

totster

[S3Iraq]

Hey Totster,

I finally got my 5 year license about 8 months ago, the only thing I dont have, which in retrospect I probably should have photocopied, is the letter they gave me at Immigration in Nong Khai, which the Driver License office kept, never mind, head down and get on with it I think, thanks for the advice non the less...

Cheers, J.

Well consistency of process isnt something the Thais seem to be very big on.. (not a complaint, I'm way past that stage, been in Thailand too long now...) so although it may be as simple as falling of a proverbial log in your neck of the woods, up here its akin to testicle surgery... not something you really want to do... I'm sure there are probably those up here who can report otherwise, if so they are the lucky ones...

My Driver Licensing office is in Nam Phong and the nearest Immigration Office is in Nong Khai, the best part of 150kms away... the staff in the immigration office, seem (on past experience at least) to take great pleasure in making life difficult for no apparent reason, on each occasion I have been there, the only consistency I have seen is the attitude leveled at farangs. There are no less than 5 desks lined up, each nameplate identifies the bearer as a 'Team Leader' (yet no teams are apparent, ever seen this type of mentality elsewhere perhaps?) the last time I went there to get the necessary letter from immigration confirming my domicile, I was politely told that they had 'disposed' of all the records from 12 months ago and that I would have to repeat the entire process, despite having all the necessary paperwork and 12 month Thai License in hand, they refused to issue the letter to me that day and I was told I would have to come back the following week.

This may not in itself qualify as a stressful experience, in fact its becoming par for the course whenever I have to deal with officialdom here in Thailand... I wish I could say it was otherwise, but there you go... actually I'm surprised that you're surprised... what area are you living in?

Cheers, J.

I'm in Kalasin.

How long ago did you get your 5yr license ? If you still have all the original documents from last time, you may be able to use them again. Just a thought

totster

[ray23]

Your probably better off getting a new letter from Immigration anyway. I always do saves hassle if you are ready.

The driving test if you even have to take one is easy. You can take it on a 125. Once you have the license you can drive any bike you want, size has nothing to do with it.

Like everything esle I think each office has it's own way of doing things. Find out what it is go with the flow and your done for a year.

For example here in Udon if want a five year license you have to go the exact day it expires, otherwise you will only get a one year. Arguing the logic of that does no good and only angers people so you see the hoop jump.

Always remember the clerk that is standing in front of you doesn't make the rules and has just about a much input as you do.

Smiles and patience goes a long ways.

[Krub]

I can also confirm you will need a separate driving license for the bike.

A letter from immigration or Embassy certifying your adress is required (original, a copy will not do)

The rest is easy (copies of passport, ID fotos, medical certificate) paperwork wise.

Then if you have an IDP no test if not go through the test (sritten) and road test)

All in all might take the best part of a day but the following year you will get a 5 years one...

Let us know how it goes

Also look at the motoring forum where more experiences are related