Phuket: renewed 2 year driving license to get my 5 year license

[DFPhuket]

I renewed my 2 year temporary license today in Phuket and received a 5 year (actually 5 year 7 month) license in one hour. Here's my experience: 

 

• I went on a Tuesday and arrived at 7:45. The two ladies at the entry desk were already there, letting people in, and reviewing their paperwork. The line moved quickly and they checked that I had copies of:
• my passport data page and extension of stay page - all other pages including the TM 6 were returned to me. 
• my work permit - the three pages with data (photo page, the second page, and the one at the end)
• medical certificate (cost me 200 Baht)

 

She stapled everything together. My 2 year license was on top and then a form in which she told me to print my name and phone number. I was given a pink tag with #5 (used at the payment counter later) and was directed to counter 7 for the reaction test and stoplight/color test. After putting the papers in the tray and writing my name in the big book next to it, I waited about 10 minutes for my name to be called. She would call two names at a time since two machines were simultaneously being used. 

 

After passing, she directed me to the payment counter. The pink tag said I was #5 so we lined up in that order. I had a new passport and said "See new passport number?" to make sure she noticed. She nodded. The cost was 555 Baht. I was given a receipt and directed to the area where they take the photo and issue the license (counter #5). The payment person periodically brought the stack of forms to the photographer and names were called. She took a photo, and 5 minutes later I received my license. The entire process took an hour. 

 

For the first renewal of 2 year to 5 year license you do not have to watch the safety video. Those with 5 year renewals were told to go upstairs at 9:30 to watch it.