RENEWING A 5 YEAR THAI DRIVING LICENCE

[Man Mart]

Can someone please help : (

I wish to renew my 5 year Thai driving licence before it expires at the end of the year.

1. I have a UK passport and a PInk Thai ID for foreigners, but after I renew my licence online, and when I go to pick up my licence, do I need to show a certificate from the UK Embassy to confirm my address in Thailand? I just don’t want to go through all the process just to fail at the last hurdle, one knowing what Thai bureaucracy is like! 
2. Also, can I apply online earlier than 3 months before the licence expires? 

[transam]

Are you in Thailand..?

[brewsterbudgen]

You don't apply online.  You have to do the reaction tests again at a Department of Land Transport centre.  Wait until the licence has expired before renewing.

[placeholder]

5 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

You don't apply online.  You have to do the reaction tests again at a Department of Land Transport centre.  Wait until the licence has expired before renewing.

I was told that if I waited until the day after my licence expired my new license would be good for 5 years plus 364 days. I was sceptical but it turned out to be true. I don't know if that's still the case.

[Salerno]

5 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Wait until the licence has expired before renewing.

Why, doesn't that leave you vulnerable (i.e. insurance void due to not having a valid licence)?

[Salerno]

10 minutes ago, placeholder said:

I was told that if I waited until the day after my licence expired my new license would be good for 5 years plus 364 days.

First I've heard that one; going just after your birthday gives the extra year(ish).

[mark5335]

8 minutes ago, Salerno said:

First I've heard that one; going just after your birthday gives the extra year(ish).

That's been the case with my renewals at DLT 3 in Bangchak for more than 10 years. always renew after expiry for that extra year bonus.

[Salerno]

Just now, mark5335 said:

always renew after expiry for that extra year bonus.

Good to know in that case, like I said, have never heard of it before but will certainly file it away in the memory bank now.

[KhunBENQ]

22 hours ago, Man Mart said:

a PInk Thai ID for foreigners

Pink card and/or yellow book worked fine at MY office.

But can't guarantee that it is handled consistently.

Which office would you go?

Don't forget the health certificate. Now ALWAYS required.

 

Also after doing the online "lesson" you still have to go to the office for physicals tests. And due to the backlog it seems some offices have a long queue for an appointment. I think there is no way around checking with the office.

 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2021 by KhunBENQ

[KhunBENQ]

22 hours ago, Man Mart said:

2. Also, can I apply online earlier than 3 months before the licence expires? 

I doubt it. It's the rule.