Driving License Renewal in Phuket

[Phuketshrew]

I successfully renewed my 5 year licenses yesterday. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:

 

Documents needed:

Old licenses and photocopy of these

Copies passport ID and visa page

Proof of residence letter from immigration. Only one original and one copy needed for 2 licenses.  Make sure you have done your TM30 first otherwise they won't issue you with a letter. There should be no charge for this letter so don't be caught out by IO's trying to charge you for it!

Completed form showing that you have viewed the "road safety" videos - Now this is where it gets interesting!

I went along to Rajhabat University campus the previous afternoon where they now have a facility to watch videos (and take a test of needed). The "Ajarn" there completed all the paperwork and I watched the videos. Came away from there with everything I needed for a smooth application - Competed forms and verification that I had sat through the videos.

 

I was told that the driving license centre opened at 8.30 am so got there early - around 7.50 am. However, by that time they were in full swing and many Thai's were already completing the process. My advice is to get there really early as there was quite a queue outside at 8.30 (when i had almost finished my licenses).

The process was very straightforward:

Check in at the Information desk. All documents in order and issued with a number.

Proceed to Physical test area (5) and place applications in tray and put name in book.

Wait then take the reflex and colour blindness tests when called. then take your applications to desk 4 (payment) and wait for your number on the screen. Make payment and proceed to photo/printing area. Put application in the tray.

Have photos taken when called. Collect new driving licenses.

 

Another tip: Do not renew your license before expiry. It's crazy but if you leave it until after the expiry date then new licenses are issued for 5 years from your next birthday. So in effect my 5 year licenses now last for nearly 6 years!

 

I hope that the above is useful to others that may find such things daunting. It's not as long as you are well prepared. The officers at the driving license centre are also a good bunch and very helpful. I even had a bit of banter with the officer doing the colour blindness tests as he was expecting an answer form a Farang in English and was quite surprised when I answered in Thai.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 26, 2019 by Phuketshrew

[Pilotman]

which office?

[Pilotman]

Sorry to give contrary advice, but in Pattaya Office at least, I would certainly take a new medical certificate with you, just in case.  In addition, getting there really early doesn't seem to work, as the overall waiting time ends up being the same.  Around 10am, after the first wave has gone through. can work, as does afternoon, around 2 pm.  

[Phuketshrew]

The driving license office is here:

 

Phuket Province Land Transport Office
42/1 Rattanakosin Song Roy Pee Road, Tambon Taladnua, Muang District, Phuket Province, 83000
Tel: 076-241-930

 

I didn't know there was more than one?

[Phuketshrew]

3 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

Sorry to give contrary advice, but in Pattaya Office at least, I would certainly take a new medical certificate with you, just in case.  In addition, getting there really early doesn't seem to work, as the overall waiting time ends up being the same.  Around 10am, after the first wave has gone through. can work, as does afternoon, around 2 pm.  

My post is about the Phuket office and posted in the Phuket forum. I guess much like any Thai government office there will be a different interpretation of the rules in different locations. No medical certificate needed for renewal in Phuket.

[Joe Mcseismic]

Just did mine two days ago.

There is a hand-written sign on the door that now says they open at 07:30 am.

Once you are through the door, there are two lines. One is for Thais and the other is for Thais and foreigners. There is no sign to say which is which.

The old biddy that has been there years runs the Thai only queue. The younger, prettier lady is the one for foreigners. Found this out the hard way. 

[Psimbo]

2 hours ago, Pilotman said:

Sorry to give contrary advice, but in Pattaya Office at least, I would certainly take a new medical certificate with you, just in case.  In addition, getting there really early doesn't seem to work, as the overall waiting time ends up being the same.  Around 10am, after the first wave has gone through. can work, as does afternoon, around 2 pm.  

Fascinating but COMPLETELY irrelevant to this thread about PHUKET and what ACTUALLY happens here.

[Pilotman]

3 hours ago, Psimbo said:

Fascinating but COMPLETELY irrelevant to this thread about PHUKET and what ACTUALLY happens here.

No need to use capitals mate, I am first language English, it's a useful information source for all TV readers, not just those down south. So high horse off please. 

[Joe Mcseismic]

10 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

No need to use capitals mate, I am first language English, it's a useful information source for all TV readers, not just those down south. So high horse off please. 

No....your answer was irrelevant to this thread. Why would anyone come to the Phuket forum to get info on how it's done in Pattaya? If you had posted in the Pattaya forum, it would be relevant.

No horses for anyone to dismount from here.

 

[Pilotman]

3 minutes ago, Joe Mcseismic said:

No....your answer was irrelevant to this thread. Why would anyone come to the Phuket forum to get info on how it's done in Pattaya? If you had posted in the Pattaya forum, it would be relevant.

No horses for anyone to dismount from here.

 

The title attracts people who are interested in getting or renewing a driving licence, regardless of where they may live, so its relevant to all those people. What's it to you anyway. it's not impacting your life?   

[Phuketshrew]

6 hours ago, Phuketshrew said:

I successfully renewed my 5 year licenses yesterday. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:

 

Documents needed:

Old licenses and photocopy of these

Copies passport ID and visa page

Proof of residence letter from immigration. Only one original and one copy needed for 2 licenses.  Make sure you have done your TM30 first otherwise they won't issue you with a letter. There should be no charge for this letter so don't be caught out by IO's trying to charge you for it!

Completed form showing that you have viewed the "road safety" videos - Now this is where it gets interesting!

I went along to Rajhabat University campus the previous afternoon where they now have a facility to watch videos (and take a test of needed). The "Ajarn" there completed all the paperwork and I watched the videos. Came away from there with everything I needed for a smooth application - Competed forms and verification that I had sat through the videos.

 

I was told that the driving license centre opened at 8.30 am so got there early - around 7.50 am. However, by that time they were in full swing and many Thai's were already completing the process. My advice is to get there really early as there was quite a queue outside at 8.30 (when i had almost finished my licenses).

The process was very straightforward:

Check in at the Information desk. All documents in order and issued with a number.

Proceed to Physical test area (5) and place applications in tray and put name in book.

Wait then take the reflex and colour blindness tests when called. then take your applications to desk 4 (payment) and wait for your number on the screen. Make payment and proceed to photo/printing area. Put application in the tray.

Have photos taken when called. Collect new driving licenses.

 

Another tip: Do not renew your license before expiry. It's crazy but if you leave it until after the expiry date then new licenses are issued for 5 years from your next birthday. So in effect my 5 year licenses now last for nearly 6 years!

 

I hope that the above is useful to others that may find such things daunting. It's not as long as you are well prepared. The officers at the driving license centre are also a good bunch and very helpful. I even had a bit of banter with the officer doing the colour blindness tests as he was expecting an answer form a Farang in English and was quite surprised when I answered in Thai.

As an addition information the advanced compulsory viewing of the videos and preparation of forms can be done at Rajhabat University campus on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays. The building is above the food hall next to 7/11 on the campus and there is a lift up to the 4th floor where the process takes place.

[Psimbo]

2 hours ago, Pilotman said:

No need to use capitals mate, I am first language English, it's a useful information source for all TV readers, not just those down south. So high horse off please. 

I'm not your mate and I don't have a horse. I would suggest that the correct form of grammar is 'My first language is English'.

 

I stand by my comment that as this was a Phuket specific thread your comment was completely irrelevant as you are well aware that different offices have different criteria. People like you just add confusion to threads (with or without capital letters).

[Psimbo]

2 hours ago, Pilotman said:

The title attracts people who are interested in getting or renewing a driving licence, regardless of where they may live, so its relevant to all those people. What's it to you anyway. it's not impacting your life?   

As above.

[Pilotman]

1 hour ago, Psimbo said:

I'm not your mate and I don't have a horse. I would suggest that the correct form of grammar is 'My first language is English'.

 

I stand by my comment that as this was a Phuket specific thread your comment was completely irrelevant as you are well aware that different offices have different criteria. People like you just add confusion to threads (with or without capital letters).

whatever dude. You are right, you are not my mate, thanks goodness. 

Edited July 26, 2019 by Pilotman

[merijn]

Does anybody know if they accept the Yellow Housebook as proof of address. (instead of the immigration Proof of Residence paper)

 

[phuketrichard]

Quote

Another tip: Do not renew your license before expiry. It's crazy but if y1ou leave it until after the expiry date then new licenses are issued for 5 years from your next birthday. So in effect my 5 year licenses now last for nearly 6 years!

YEP:
did mine the day after my birthday in 2016 and its valid till 2022

[stevenl]

9 hours ago, merijn said:

Does anybody know if they accept the Yellow Housebook as proof of address. (instead of the immigration Proof of Residence paper)

 

I know workpermit is accepted. Sorry, don't know about yellow housebook.

[grifbel]

On 7/26/2019 at 4:17 PM, Pilotman said:

I am first language English,

 

On 7/26/2019 at 4:17 PM, Pilotman said:

So high horse off please. 

 

On 7/26/2019 at 8:25 PM, Pilotman said:

thanks goodness. 

First language???? Okayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.  ????

[sweetkwan]

Hello all, 

Do you have to be a resident in Thailand to get one of these licenses ?

i,m planning a three month trip to Phuket in January i live in the uk and i ride a Honda vision 110 here but only on a CBT certificate .

i was wondering could i take a test and get one of these licenses to be legal as i would like to see more of the island . cheers.

[LivinginKata]

3 minutes ago, sweetkwan said:

Hello all, 

Do you have to be a resident in Thailand to get one of these licenses ?

i,m planning a three month trip to Phuket in January i live in the uk and i ride a Honda vision 110 here but only on a CBT certificate .

i was wondering could i take a test and get one of these licenses to be legal as i would like to see more of the island . cheers.

 

Easy ... you just need proof of residence (= accommodation address) by your landlord registering you with Immigration (as legally required) then go to Immigration for you proof of registration paper for the Transport Office. Easy. But you only get a 2 year license as a tourist.   

[xylophone]

7 minutes ago, sweetkwan said:

Hello all, 

Do you have to be a resident in Thailand to get one of these licenses ?

i,m planning a three month trip to Phuket in January i live in the uk and i ride a Honda vision 110 here but only on a CBT certificate .

i was wondering could i take a test and get one of these licenses to be legal as i would like to see more of the island . cheers.

International Driving Permit will suffice I believe........used mine for the first year here with no problems.

[LivinginKata]

1 minute ago, xylophone said:

International Driving Permit will suffice I believe........used mine for the first year here with no problems.

 Oh dear .... after 90 continuous days foreigners must obtain a Thai License. Thought you would know that Xyl ...

[xylophone]

5 minutes ago, LivinginKata said:

 Oh dear .... after 90 continuous days foreigners must obtain a Thai License. Thought you would know that Xyl ...

OOPS.....wasn't aware of that LiK and used mine for a year then got another one (or two) on my returns to NZ.!!!!! And the BIB checked it/them a few times as well!

 

Luckily enough for the poster he will only be here for 3 months....phew!

[LivinginKata]

23 minutes ago, xylophone said:

OOPS.....wasn't aware of that LiK and used mine for a year then got another one (or two) on my returns to NZ.!!!!! And the BIB checked it/them a few times as well!

 

Luckily enough for the poster he will only be here for 3 months....phew!

 

BiB have no clue what they are looking at. Indeed you don't even need the IDP if your home licence has a photo ID. Clearly home licence OK for a tourist who cannot stay more than 90 days.  

[Patong2]

I have always got an International Driving Permit each year and when checked at Karon & Kathu etc road blocks never even had to open it, just got waved through when I pulled it out.

 

But importantly, I always got it because of travel insurance and eliminating one of the very many reasons an Insurance company can decline a claim.

 

Many people do not realise that if you do not have a valid motorcycle licence in your own country travel insurance rarely covers you for an accident and almost never if it is a bike or scooter over 200cc.

 

 

[LivinginKata]

34 minutes ago, Patong2 said:

I have always got an International Driving Permit each year and when checked at Karon & Kathu etc road blocks never even had to open it, just got waved through when I pulled it out.

 

But importantly, I always got it because of travel insurance and eliminating one of the very many reasons an Insurance company can decline a claim.

 

Many people do not realise that if you do not have a valid motorcycle licence in your own country travel insurance rarely covers you for an accident and almost never if it is a bike or scooter over 200cc.

 

 

 

I checked our car insurance company whether my son (and wife) needed the IDP to ensure compliance with our car insurance policy. Agent no idea, checked with HQ and said valid home licence ok. But I got my son get IDP just too be sure ... too be sure ...

[paahlman]

15 hours ago, Patong2 said:

I have always got an International Driving Permit each year and when checked at Karon & Kathu etc road blocks never even had to open it, just got waved through when I pulled it out.

 

But importantly, I always got it because of travel insurance and eliminating one of the very many reasons an Insurance company can decline a claim.

 

Many people do not realise that if you do not have a valid motorcycle licence in your own country travel insurance rarely covers you for an accident and almost never if it is a bike or scooter over 200cc.

 

 

The last paragraph makes sense , but its not implemented like that in scandinavia.. It is more logical than that.. It requires you to have either that or more importantly a valid driving license in the country you have the accident.. Be it a thai license or an international one.. Either or.. You do not for example need a license in your home country if you have a license in lets say antartica and have your accident there...