Picture: Sanook

 

Thai media Sanook Auto have advised the public of the regulations and what to do if their driving licenses are out of date.

 

Many people have found themselves with out of date licences after the closures of the pandemic or just absent mindedness, suggested the media. 

 

Firstly, if you want to renew a 2 year or 5 year licence you can do so 3 months ahead of the expiry date.

 

These licences can be renewed with no problems up to one year after they expired with no fines or problems.

 

But if they have expired from 1 to 3 years in duration the user will have to resit a 50 question E-exam with the requirement to get 45/50 or 90% to pass. Failure means coming back to do it again. 

 

For expired licenses over 3 years you need to do training and tests just as if you were getting a new one.

 

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Documents required for both 2 year and 5 year licences are the original licence, Thai ID card and an acceptable medical certificate.

 

Foreigners need other ID, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

Documents need to be presented at a Land Department office where color blind and other sight and foot tests are conducted and one hour training is given (unless this is done online before at www.dlt-elearning.com)

 

Sanook also asked if your expired license would be a problem if you had an accident. 

 

Would insurance still be valid?

 

The answer was that with most insurance companies insurance would still be valid as the old one could be used in the process of claiming.

 

But the police would fine you up to 2,000 baht for having an out of date licence. 

 

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A troll post has been removed

47 minutes ago, webfact said:

But the police would fine you up to 2,000 baht for having an out of date licence. 

And how much not having a licence at all???

16 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

And how much not having a licence at all???

Isn't the fine 500. ?

I was going to do a post on this. Doing mine at the moment

 

My last five-year license was 3 years out, I don’t know how they expected you to renew it, when unable to get into the country.

 

Anyway, first part is simple, paper work is straight forward. Medical/Residence certificate and photocopy relevant passport pages

 

Color-blind and reaction test is easy.

 

There is a tent outside which says foreigners, go early say 8am at latest, submit paper work. I was then told come back next day 2.30pm

 

Next day upstairs to do above tests. At this point I was told I would need to do the 50 questions as cannot renew my old license as its out of date, so come back tomorrow, which i did. So 3rd journey there.

 

I have now sat the test twice and failed, first time I got 40 right 2nd time 43 you need 45 out of 50, I still have to go back again to try again as of writing this.

 

The questions don't translate very well. There are plenty of places online that give you an idea of the questions, in the end I paid B399 to this place, their test is the closest to the original I have found, but not comprehensive enough

 

https://thaidriverslicenseservice.com/clients/membership-levels/

 

Free site is https://move2thailand.com/driving-license-exam-in-thailand-2020/

 

Also I heard there is a school in Ban Saray where you can do the test

 

Pm me or I will keep an eye on this tread to answer questions

 

Not looking forward to going back a fourth time, it's a long way on a bike from Jomtien

 

 

 

 

43 minutes ago, thaitom said:

Isn't the fine 500. ?

 

Imprisonment not over 1 month or fined not more than 1,000 baht or both
 

36 minutes ago, Seppius said:

I was going to do a post on this. Doing mine at the moment

 

My last five-year license was 3 years out, I don’t know how they expected you to renew it, when unable to get into the country.

 

Anyway, first part is simple, paper work is straight forward. Medical/Residence certificate and photocopy relevant passport pages

 

Color-blind and reaction test is easy.

 

There is a tent outside which says foreigners, go early say 8am at latest, submit paper work. I was then told come back next day 2.30pm

 

Next day upstairs to do above tests. At this point I was told I would need to do the 50 questions as cannot renew my old license as its out of date, so come back tomorrow, which i did. So 3rd journey there.

 

I have now sat the test twice and failed, first time I got 40 right 2nd time 43 you need 45 out of 50, I still have to go back again to try again as of writing this.

 

The questions don't translate very well. There are plenty of places online that give you an idea of the questions, in the end I paid B399 to this place, their test is the closest to the original I have found, but not comprehensive enough

 

https://thaidriverslicenseservice.com/clients/membership-levels/

 

Free site is https://move2thailand.com/driving-license-exam-in-thailand-2020/

 

Also I heard there is a school in Ban Saray where you can do the test

 

Pm me or I will keep an eye on this tread to answer questions

 

Not looking forward to going back a fourth time, it's a long way on a bike from Jomtien

 

 

 

 

 

Imprisonment not over 1 month or fined not more than 1,000 baht or both
 

Was stopped at police checkpoints outside Patong yesterday AND entering Phuket Town for TDL Checks !????Always Carry My Valid TDL.Use it back home too ….. 

 

Driving School do the whole License thing as Agent ? No need to go yourself to DLT and Test etc. ?

Last Year I converted my PITA House Yellow Book into a Five Year Pink ID -based ( replaced 2 year passport- based TDL) TDL at DLT.

Had no DLT Covid - closure issues but those did come later.

 

No Way I’m letting my TDL expire by even one day ! It’s the BEST Thai Govt. Photo ID. Always Accepted for Everything (except Imm of course!).

whereas my Pink ID always Rejected. ???? One member said that’s because its looked down here as reduces Westerners to ASEAN Migrant status  ! Ha ! Tell THAT to Interior Ministry who issued mine ! 

 

1 minute ago, TropicalGuy said:

Was stopped at police checkpoints outside Patong yesterday AND entering Phuket Town for TDL Checks !????Always Carry My Valid TDL.Use it back home too ….. 

 

Driving School do the whole License thing as Agent ? No need to go yourself to DLT and Test etc. ?

Last Year I converted my PITA House Yellow Book into a Five Year Pink ID -based ( replaced 2 year passport- based TDL) TDL at DLT.

Had no DLT Covid - closure issues but those did come later.

 

No Way I’m letting my TDL expire by even one day ! It’s the BEST Thai Govt. Photo ID. Always Accepted for Everything (except Imm of course!).

whereas my Pink ID always Rejected. ???? One member said that’s because its looked down here as reduces Westerners to ASEAN Migrant status  ! Ha ! Tell THAT to Interior Ministry who issued mine ! 

 

BUT no way did those coppers check ANY TDL Detail, they just wanted to see you carried one! 
one second glance & Kaap ( go). 
could have been of any status or person…..

 

21 minutes ago, TropicalGuy said:

Was stopped at police checkpoints outside Patong yesterday AND entering Phuket Town for TDL Checks !????Always Carry My Valid TDL.Use it back home too ….. 

 

Driving School do the whole License thing as Agent ? No need to go yourself to DLT and Test etc. ?

Last Year I converted my PITA House Yellow Book into a Five Year Pink ID -based ( replaced 2 year passport- based TDL) TDL at DLT.

Had no DLT Covid - closure issues but those did come later.

 

No Way I’m letting my TDL expire by even one day ! It’s the BEST Thai Govt. Photo ID. Always Accepted for Everything (except Imm of course!).

whereas my Pink ID always Rejected. ???? One member said that’s because its looked down here as reduces Westerners to ASEAN Migrant status  ! Ha ! Tell THAT to Interior Ministry who issued mine ! 

 

Could be wrong but I suspect that the issue of the pink card to foreigners and migrants workers etc is from the Interior Ministry, but actually processed at many amphur offices (mine at amphur office in CM).

 

Please tell me if this is wrong. 

It used to be that let it expire beyond birthday to get the five years and the rest of the year to your next birthday, so almost six years. If you did it before expiry you’d end up with slightly less than five years. Is this still a thing or have I got it wrong?

3 hours ago, webfact said:

where color blind and other sight and foot tests are conducted

What's a foot test? 

 

Check if you have two feet?

Renewal when holder (Thai or foreigners) is 60 years old or older. What's the rule on this, anybody know?

 

And do the 'old age' rules apply when the holder has a Thai lifetime drivers license?

Tried to renew mine in Feb before it ran out.

 

Told to wait in a "farang" queue until July!

 

Driving licence now expired.

 

RAZZ

30 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Could be wrong but I suspect that the issue of the pink card to foreigners and migrants workers etc is from the Interior Ministry, but actually processed at many amphur offices (mine at amphur office in CM).

 

Please tell me if this is wrong. 

You are correct. However, my Municipal is so corrupt they are not trusted by Govt. to issue the pink ID.

But you may have closed the loop for me on this. I have been issued a migrant card as regular foreigner ID not available ! Now I must check mine with others. Thanks.

Just now, TropicalGuy said:

You are correct. However, my Municipal is so corrupt they are not trusted by Govt. to issue the pink ID.

But you may have closed the loop for me on this. I have been issued a migrant card as regular foreigner ID not available ! Now I must check mine with others. Thanks.

No. I’ve got that wrong. I went direct to Interior Ministry so card is same …..

The whole process of getting a licence can be extremely slow!

 

My daughter is 16 going on 17. She went to apply for a licence to ride a scooter.

 

She went for a medical - the only question the doctor asked was have you had Covid! Then she went to apply. Filled in the paperwork, usual hiatus because she looks western; where is your Passport? Why do you have a Thai ID?  Once that was sorted, come back two weeks later for the training, then another week to wait for the exam and practical test. Then a ten day wait for the results, (passed), then wait for an SMS to come in and collect the card. 

 

7 weeks in total, and four visits to the office, including two full day sessions.

 

No wonder many don't bother!

 

 

Renewed mine last Thursday, it ran out in February 2021. I had an appointment for Lat krabang office on 24th June but managed to get get earlier one on the app at Chachoensa for last Thursday. I know it's a bit of a trek but needs must.

 

Basically I had to watch the video, then do the reaction test, then identify the traffic light colours.  That was it, no need to do the exam or the driving part. 505 Baht and in and out in less than 90 minutes. 

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

It used to be that let it expire beyond birthday to get the five years and the rest of the year to your next birthday, so almost six years. If you did it before expiry you’d end up with slightly less than five years. Is this still a thing or have I got it wrong?

I actually went after my lucemce had finished and after my birthday.  They take it to your next birthday after 5 years, so in effect i got just under 6 years, it finishes now in 2028. 

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

It used to be that let it expire beyond birthday to get the five years and the rest of the year to your next birthday, so almost six years. If you did it before expiry you’d end up with slightly less than five years. Is this still a thing or have I got it wrong?

Correct

Renewed mine last week, ran out in December 21............got stopped by police 10 days ago in Pattaya 500 baht fine so made the effort..................interesting thing is paid the fine at the cop shop , went back to bike, cop gave me the keys and off i went even though he knew my license had expired..............just goes to show its nothing to do with road safety

 

Anyway trip to immigration and a local clinic , next day out to the licensing center to book an appt for 9am the next day............colour test and brake reaction.................was out by 12pm

 

Longest wait was a good hour waiting for license to be printed.

2 hours ago, Seppius said:

I was going to do a post on this. Doing mine at the moment

 

My last five-year license was 3 years out, I don’t know how they expected you to renew it, when unable to get into the country.

 

Anyway, first part is simple, paper work is straight forward. Medical/Residence certificate and photocopy relevant passport pages

 

Color-blind and reaction test is easy.

 

There is a tent outside which says foreigners, go early say 8am at latest, submit paper work. I was then told come back next day 2.30pm

 

Next day upstairs to do above tests. At this point I was told I would need to do the 50 questions as cannot renew my old license as its out of date, so come back tomorrow, which i did. So 3rd journey there.

 

I have now sat the test twice and failed, first time I got 40 right 2nd time 43 you need 45 out of 50, I still have to go back again to try again as of writing this.

 

The questions don't translate very well. There are plenty of places online that give you an idea of the questions, in the end I paid B399 to this place, their test is the closest to the original I have found, but not comprehensive enough

 

https://thaidriverslicenseservice.com/clients/membership-levels/

 

Free site is https://move2thailand.com/driving-license-exam-in-thailand-2020/

 

Also I heard there is a school in Ban Saray where you can do the test

 

Pm me or I will keep an eye on this tread to answer questions

 

Not looking forward to going back a fourth time, it's a long way on a bike from Jomtien

 

 

 

 

 

Imprisonment not over 1 month or fined not more than 1,000 baht or both
 

Colour blind and reaction test is easy? Not if you're colour blind.

29 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Colour blind and reaction test is easy? Not if you're colour blind.

Was a lot easier this time, instead of pointing to the chart they had something akin to a traffic light with red yellow green lights................each light approx 6 inchs across so relatively easy.........guy pressed a button and a colour would be illuminated

43 minutes ago, thaiflyer1 said:

Renewed mine last week, ran out in December 21............got stopped by police 10 days ago in Pattaya 500 baht fine so made the effort..................interesting thing is paid the fine at the cop shop , went back to bike, cop gave me the keys and off i went even though he knew my license had expired..............just goes to show its nothing to do with road safety

 

Anyway trip to immigration and a local clinic , next day out to the licensing center to book an appt for 9am the next day............colour test and brake reaction.................was out by 12pm

 

Longest wait was a good hour waiting for license to be printed.

It's funny, I haven't shown my license to the police since I been here some twenty years now. If I didn't have insurance I would say what's the point of having one?

Do I need again a residence certificate for renewing my licence?

I have a lifetime driving licence, issued some 35 years ago. Some people have suggested to me that this is no longer valid, but never had any problems when asked to produce the licence at a road check.

3 hours ago, Seppius said:

<snip>

I have now sat the test twice and failed, first time I got 40 right 2nd time 43 you need 45 out of 50, I still have to go back again to try again as of writing this.

 

The questions don't translate very well. There are plenty of places online that give you an idea of the questions, in the end I paid B399 to this place, their test is the closest to the original I have found, but not comprehensive enough

 

https://thaidriverslicenseservice.com/clients/membership-levels/

 

Free site is https://move2thailand.com/driving-license-exam-in-thailand-2020/

<snip>

Please excuse me if this is basically a repeat of a reply I made earlier but that one hasn't shown up for me.

 

Here are three FREE web sites with all the information you need to pass the LTO driving license test.

 

Some of the road signs are not seen in the USA but reviewing them is a good idea for anyone.

Thai Traffic Signs and Road Signs

Road signs in Thailand - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Study these question repeatedly until you know the answers and the LTO test is easy.  Practice makes for improvement.

Thai driving license exam with answers, 2020

 

My Driving license did expire and I did apply for the appointment last year. Since I realy did not believe that there was no appointment avaialable for months I did visit in Person in Bangkok DLT at Sukhumvit. It was true my appintment was then 5 months later April when I did visit in December.

 

I got an appointment-card and did tell them that my license has expired. The feedback was that I should just show this appointment card if I am stopped. 

 

I was stopped in February and the police noticed my license was expired. While providing the explanation and showing a picture of the appointment-card I did not pay any fine.

13 minutes ago, prakhonchai nick said:

I have a lifetime driving licence, issued some 35 years ago. Some people have suggested to me that this is no longer valid, but never had any problems when asked to produce the licence at a road check.

You have done well to make the paper last. LTO will issue you the new style one, it will still be Lifetime.

2 hours ago, daveAustin said:

It used to be that let it expire beyond birthday to get the five years and the rest of the year to your next birthday, so almost six years. If you did it before expiry you’d end up with slightly less than five years. Is this still a thing or have I got it wrong?

Yes it’s still a thing ????????

31 minutes ago, Tom H said:

Do I need again a residence certificate for renewing my licence?

Yes and medical

4 hours ago, Seppius said:

I was going to do a post on this. Doing mine at the moment

 

My last five-year license was 3 years out, I don’t know how they expected you to renew it, when unable to get into the country.

 

Anyway, first part is simple, paper work is straight forward. Medical/Residence certificate and photocopy relevant passport pages

 

Color-blind and reaction test is easy.

 

There is a tent outside which says foreigners, go early say 8am at latest, submit paper work. I was then told come back next day 2.30pm

 

Next day upstairs to do above tests. At this point I was told I would need to do the 50 questions as cannot renew my old license as its out of date, so come back tomorrow, which i did. So 3rd journey there.

 

I have now sat the test twice and failed, first time I got 40 right 2nd time 43 you need 45 out of 50, I still have to go back again to try again as of writing this.

 

The questions don't translate very well. There are plenty of places online that give you an idea of the questions, in the end I paid B399 to this place, their test is the closest to the original I have found, but not comprehensive enough

 

https://thaidriverslicenseservice.com/clients/membership-levels/

 

Free site is https://move2thailand.com/driving-license-exam-in-thailand-2020/

 

Also I heard there is a school in Ban Saray where you can do the test

 

Pm me or I will keep an eye on this tread to answer questions

 

Not looking forward to going back a fourth time, it's a long way on a bike from Jomtien

 

 

 

 

 

Imprisonment not over 1 month or fined not more than 1,000 baht or both
 

Mityon Driving School, on Suk near Bang Saray. 1000thb for MB, not sure for car.