Bike license

[Jhansoz]

I'm trying to get Thai driving license for the motorbike, don't have an existent one. Collected the documents I needed, such as; proof of resident, medical certificate, copies, etc. went to Land Transport Office, officer told me I have to book and finish 10+5 hours of seminar, I asked driving school named UDP, they said ''You will get 10 hours of driving, 5 hours of video/theory education, it'll cost 2200 baht'', I told them I already know how to drive, can i just take the test but they said then you have to go to honda training center, i went there and they told me they don't have trainers for farangs. Asked the other schools they said it costs 3000 baht and seminars are at different area. Basically, I'm getting different answers from different schools and people as usual in Thailand. Has anyone here got their first driving license in Thailand and knows the process?

[richard_smith237]

Which area are you applying?  

 

The Rules / Regs may be different in different DLT centers - try a different one. 

 

If you don't hold an existing licence you will still need to do the full practical test, Multiple Choice theory exam and other physical tests (color blindness, reaction, proximity) and watch the video. 

 

This is the first time I've read of or heard of someone being requested to do further training - it could be a little money spinner for someones drumming up business for a mate.

 

 

 

Also: Do you have a Driving Licence (for a Car) - Some home country licences (i.e. UK Driving Licence) carry the motorcycle category (i.e. A1 upto 125cc - I think)...  if so, you may be able to transfer this into a Thai Motorcycle licence (I did without having to do the full written and practical test).

 

[Jhansoz]

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Which area are you applying?  

 

The Rules / Regs may be different in different DLT centers - try a different one. 

 

If you don't hold an existing licence you will still need to do the full practical test, Multiple Choice theory exam and other physical tests (color blindness, reaction, proximity) and watch the video. 

 

This is the first time I've read of or heard of someone being requested to do further training - it could be a little money spinner for someones drumming up business for a mate.

 

 

 

Also: Do you have a Driving Licence (for a Car) - Some home country licences (i.e. UK Driving Licence) carry the motorcycle category (i.e. A1 upto 125cc - I think)...  if so, you may be able to transfer this into a Thai Motorcycle licence (I did without having to do the full written and practical test).

 

I went to Minburi DLT. I might try another, any suggestion? I live near Ladprao but as far as i know of Chathuchak one is one of the busiest, that's why i went to minburi.

 

I'm aware of the tests like 50 question one, color test and practical test drive. What i don't understand the 10 hours of driving test. For a scooter? that's ridiculous. 

And yes, from the forums and articles I read, never seen 15 hours of training duration. 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, Jhansoz said:

I went to Minburi DLT. I might try another, any suggestion? I live near Ladprao but as far as i know of Chathuchak one is one of the busiest, that's why i went to minburi.

 

I'm aware of the tests like 50 question one, color test and practical test drive. What i don't understand the 10 hours of driving test. For a scooter? that's ridiculous. 

And yes, from the forums and articles I read, never seen 15 hours of training duration. 

 

Close enough to Bangkok then... Also consider DLT Area 3 on Sukhumvit road. 

 

Both main DLT office and DLT Area 3 (at Sukhumvit 99/1) are busy, but they may not have this daft requirement. 

 

Alternatively, go back to your local DLT and ask to speak to a supervisor - Double check if what you have been informed is correct. Tell them some 'BS' that you have a Bike Licence in your home country but left it there - thus you just want to do the test and get a a licence here (you never, know, it could work !)

 

 

[shadowofacloud]

Talk to these guys: https://www.facebook.com/Fatboyservices/

 

They will handle the extension of my 2y temp Thai license into the standard 5y version this week. The whole operation will cost 3k THB and take a couple hours. Petty cash, lots of time and hassle saved.

[richard_smith237]

14 minutes ago, shadowofacloud said:

Talk to these guys: https://www.facebook.com/Fatboyservices/

 

They will handle the extension of my 2y temp Thai license into the standard 5y version this week. The whole operation will cost 3k THB and take a couple hours. Petty cash, lots of time and hassle saved.

 

You still have to be present, so how much time is saved? 

 

I must admit that when I got my Motorcycle incense a couple of years ago... 

I was there at about 10am... and picked up my license at about 3pm. 

 

After doing the Colour blindness, proximity and reaction tests, and watching the 45min video there was a huge queue to collect the licence (at a guess, about 2 hours) so I went for lunch, went for a massage and came back... my queue number long past gone.. I showed my number to an officer and I was next in line (yes, a little cheat !)

 

 

 

 

 

[shadowofacloud]

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

You still have to be present, so how much time is saved? 

 

Quite a lot - I don't have to do any research, run from one DLT to another like the OP, I just show up and follow their lead. They take care of the medical certificate as well (minor savings both in time and money).

 

Sure, if one is a retiree and has lots of time on his/her hands, it does not matter, but personally, I've got much better things to do than wasting my time on Thai bureaucracy. The same applies to visas - I was opposed to using agents for quite a long time, but once I tried, there was no coming back.

Edited April 29, 2019 by shadowofacloud

[Danny1967]

Go thru UPD driving school they will help u in everything...help u do up the tests and give u ready paperwork so you can go to tpt dept in nongchok down minburi way go and take token" for paperwork complete" at 6 am so u r among the 1st tokens...it opens @ 8am u r thru at 9am...gotta take 205 thb I believe for tpt dept...upd driving... before that dlt last stage will charge u like 2500 to 3000 all inclusive...of course everywhere u need a non o Visa n your original passport...in upd u need about 3 or 4 photos.. in nongchok u take original passport no photos needed with upd papers which have your photo and passing proof of licenced school it's called nungse laplong in thai ...which is the word to tell w paperwork at dlt or tpt dept...any doubts contact me on [email protected] 

[richard_smith237]

16 minutes ago, shadowofacloud said:

 

Quite a lot - I don't have to do any research, run from one DLT to another like the OP, I just show up and follow their lead. They take care of the medical certificate as well (minor savings both in time and money).

 

Sure, if one is a retiree and has lots of time on his/her hands, it does not matter, but personally, I've got much better things to do than wasting my time on Thai bureaucracy. The same applies to visas - I was opposed to using agents for quite a long time, but once I tried, there was no coming back.

 

You saved about 2 hours then? (on the day, plus saved time not having to do research and also saved time not having to do a medical and find out where to do it etc).

 

Agreed that the Op is getting the run around,  but this is not usually the case when all the documentation is in place. Getting a driving / riding licence is one of the easier of bureaucratic dealings in Thailand. 

 

I personally never felt the need for any help with this, but, having done this before, with a Driving Licence, various renewals, and then a bike licence) I can see how simple the process is. 

 

Although I'm mot a retiree, I don't mind the additional 2-3 hours in doing it myself. 

That said, I can't see how the agents can save you time as you still have to do the tests etc... unless the agents are permitted to queue jump when waiting for the card to be issued (and have your photo taken). 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 29, 2019 by richard_smith237

[richard_smith237]

10 minutes ago, Danny1967 said:

Go thru UPD driving school they will help u in everything...help u do up the tests and give u ready paperwork so you can go to tpt dept in nongchok down minburi way go and take token" for paperwork complete" at 6 am so u r among the 1st tokens...it opens @ 8am u r thru at 9am...gotta take 205 thb I believe for tpt dept...upd driving... before that dlt last stage will charge u like 2500 to 3000 all inclusive...of course everywhere u need a non o Visa n your original passport...in upd u need about 3 or 4 photos.. in nongchok u take original passport no photos needed with upd papers which have your photo and passing proof of licenced school it's called nungse laplong in thai ...which is the word to tell w paperwork at dlt or tpt dept...any doubts contact me on [email protected] 

 

The Non-O Visa...I think you mean a Non-Immigrant Visa, which is not a requirement for a 2 year temporary licence.

 

You can get a 2 Year Temp Licence on any visa, and unless rules have changed, you can also get a 2 year temp licence on a Visa Exempt Stamp. 

 

 

You do need a Non-Immigration Visa to convert your licence from a 2 year temp to a 5 year licence. 

[shadowofacloud]

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

You saved about 2 hours then ?

 

Agreed that the Op is getting the run around,  but this is not usually the case when all the documentation is in place. Getting a driving / riding licence is one of the easier of bureaucratic dealings in Thailand. 

 

Never made any estimations on time saved - but, judging on the experience of getting my temporary license, it is much more than that. And yes, I haven't stated that explicitly, but queue jumping is one of the perks. IIRC the typical waiting time for the temp license tests was 6 weeks and I took mine in 2-3 days from submitting the application.

 

Plus it is simply the convenience of someone handling the whole operation. Same thing with laundry/ironing or cleaning the house.

 

I am not in any way opposed to doing it the hard way - if that's your thing, then by all means go for it.

Edited April 29, 2019 by shadowofacloud

[shadowofacloud]

14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

The Non-O Visa...I think you mean a Non-Immigrant Visa, which is not a requirement for a 2 year temporary licence.

 

You can get a 2 Year Temp Licence on any visa, and unless rules have changed, you can also get a 2 year temp licence on a Visa Exempt Stamp. 

 

 

You do need a Non-Immigration Visa to convert your licence from a 2 year temp to a 5 year licence. 

 

OK, let me clarify a bit:

 - you can get a 2y temp license on a TV or visa exemption, but you will have to provide a letter from your embassy confirming your address. 

 - you can convert your 2y temp to 5y on a TV (not sure about exemption, but I suspect it would also be accepted) provided you submit a letter mentioned above.

Edited April 29, 2019 by shadowofacloud

[richard_smith237]

5 minutes ago, shadowofacloud said:

 

Never made any estimations on time saved - but, judging on the experience of getting my temporary license, it is much more than that. And yes, I haven't stated that explicitly, but queue jumping is one of the perks. IIRC the typical waiting time for the temp license tests was 6 weeks and I took mine in 2-3 days from submitting the application.

 

Plus it is simply the convenience of someone handling the whole operation. Same thing with laundry/ironing or cleaning the house.

 

I am not in any way opposed to doing the hard way - if that's your thing, then by all means go for it.

 

I think if I was doing this for the first time and having to take the full test (IIRC waiting 6 weeks etc) I would also be more inclined to go the Agent route.

 

I never found it necessary myself, but I've been here a while speak sufficient Thai etc to know what to do, where to go etc...  and I never had to do the Practical and Theory tests.

 

Op: If in doubt and you're not bothered about spending the 2500-3000 baht, it would seem that going with shadowofacloud's recommendations is the smoothest option. 

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, shadowofacloud said:

 

OK, let me clarify a bit:

 - you can get a 2y temp license on a TV or visa exemption, but you will have to provide a letter from your embassy confirming your address. 

 - you can convert your 2y temp to 5y on a TV (not sure about exemption, but I suspect it would also be accepted) provided you submit a letter mentioned above.

 

On a TV ???? (Tourist Visa ?)...  

 

As I understand it, and as it was for me on a Thai Elite Visa is that you have to have a Non-Immigrant Visa to convert a 2 year Temporary to a 5 year Driving Licence. 

 

Thus: I'm not sure you can do this on a Tourist Visa - maybe this is where an agent can also help?

 

 

I was on a 5 year Driving Licence (which I'd received when working here) - 5 years later, I'm working overseas and using the Thai Elite Visa here, I was not permitted to renew a 5 year driving Licence to another 5 year driving licence, instead only being offered a renewed 2 year Temp licence. 

 

(This could also vary from DLT area to area / province to province)

 

 

[shadowofacloud]

1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

On a TV ???? (Tourist Visa ?)...  

 

As I understand it, and as it was for me on a Thai Elite Visa is that you have to have a Non-Immigrant Visa to convert a 2 year Temporary to a 5 year Driving Licence. 

 

Thus: I'm not sure you can do this on a Tourist Visa - maybe this is where an agent can also help?

 

Yes.

 

According to my agent it is possible on a TV (tourist visa), provided you present a letter from the embassy, confirming your address.

Edited April 29, 2019 by shadowofacloud

[Jhansoz]

5 hours ago, shadowofacloud said:

Talk to these guys: https://www.facebook.com/Fatboyservices/

 

They will handle the extension of my 2y temp Thai license into the standard 5y version this week. The whole operation will cost 3k THB and take a couple hours. Petty cash, lots of time and hassle saved.

I didn't ask them yet, but on their facebook page there's a note saying "Must have valid license from home country" on every facebook page, if you've read my post, you'll notice i don't have license from home country. 

What I'm trying to get here how to skip training bit and get it by exam. If i go to school I have to get 15 hours of training. 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, Jhansoz said:

5 hours ago, shadowofacloud said:

Talk to these guys: https://www.facebook.com/Fatboyservices/

 

They will handle the extension of my 2y temp Thai license into the standard 5y version this week. The whole operation will cost 3k THB and take a couple hours. Petty cash, lots of time and hassle saved.

I didn't ask them yet, but on their facebook page there's a note saying "Must have valid license from home country" on every facebook page, if you've read my post, you'll notice i don't have license from home country. 

What I'm trying to get here how to skip training bit and get it by exam. If i go to school I have to get 15 hours of training. 

 

Its worth contacting them to find out. 

 

Also, if you have the time and the documents, its also worth just getting down to DLT Area 3 (Sukhumvit 99 (+1)) and seeing how you get on there, I've always been able to get what I want on the day (with an existing licence), but you are in a different situation - But at least you'll get an answer from a different office and see if the two jive.

[shadowofacloud]

1 hour ago, Jhansoz said:

I didn't ask them yet, but on their facebook page there's a note saying "Must have valid license from home country" on every facebook page, if you've read my post, you'll notice i don't have license from home country. 

 

A couple years back I've got mine without _any_ driving license. The one I've got in Thailand was my first DL.

 

What they say on the websites typically reflects the formal reality, which will differ from the actual reality. Talk to them and find out.

Edited April 29, 2019 by shadowofacloud

[Jhansoz]

On 4/29/2019 at 9:07 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Also, if you have the time and the documents, its also worth just getting down to DLT Area 3 (Sukhumvit 99 (+1)) and seeing how you get on there, I've always been able to get what I want on the day (with an existing licence), but you are in a different situation -

I don't have that much time anymore, I used my last day by going to Minburi DLT one. I might contact with Fatboy first, and go to one you suggest in case of need.