New Driving and Riding Licence in Rayong

[TroubleandGrumpy]

I recently got new Thai licences (car and bike) at Rayong. Thought I would pass on the details on what is needed and how to do it.  It was a little different than what is detailed in the thread about renewing an existing licence, as in this thread from 2021.   

 

The Rayong Driver Licence Office is located in the Rayong Provincional Transport Office complex - link as follows  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rayong+Driver+License+Office/@12.689133,101.2077717,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x3102fbb3a2767af7:0xce84da4d48eea2ee!2sRayong+Driver+License+Office!8m2!3d12.689133!4d101.2103466!16s%2Fg%2F11bwq6d513!3m5!1s0x3102fbb3a2767af7:0xce84da4d48eea2ee!8m2!3d12.689133!4d101.2103466!16s%2Fg%2F11bwq6d513?hl=en&entry=ttu

 

 

After I had done the DLT online 'training course' https://www.dlt-elearning.com/forignerhome  I was not able to make an appointment online for both the car and bike 'tests'.   It was very confusing when the wife called them, so we decided to go in to the Rayong Office and ask them what to do. 

 

As you enter the complex, which includes car rego and testing etc., all the signage is in Thai. The licence area is to the right - and it can be a problem finding parking - we found parking behind the 'testing' area at the back. Once we found the main licence building, we went inside and upstairs and entered this area in the photo below from google. To the left is an enquiries counter, but further left was a window with a yellow sign 'Foreigner'. We went to that window and showed the guy all my paperwork, and he told me what was needed. He gave me a blue slip of paper with my 'appointment' for 9am in the following week.   

 

What I needed to bring was original Passport and Australian Licence and a website printout of what the licence codes meant (C for Car, R for Bike). I was to bring 2 sets of paperwork - one for driver and one for bike.  Copies of Passport Main page, Visa and Stamps. Copies of Aust Licence - front and back - plus copies of website details of codes.  Certificate of Residence from Immigration (two new ones, not 1 plus copy). Medical Certificate (2 new). Printout of DLT Online testing (2).

 

On the appointed day/time we had to go to the open air 'section' (under cover but not inside a building as such).

It is outside near to the main office, next to the rider testing setup - photo from Google below.

 

 

When you walk up stairs/ramp there is a couple of tables with people checking paperwork. I noticed that there was already many Thai people in the area on the right of the tables, who were about to go through some sort of tests (DLT online?). It became clear that the 'appointment' time was the same for everyone - but it appears that many people had arrived well before 9am. Once my paperwork was checked and some more added, I was directed to a bloke who had a contraption setup - he was upstairs about where the girl is in the photo.  He ran a 'test' that involved moving a post inside a box with a remote control, so that both posts lined up left to right. Very hard to describe - but easy to do once I understood. That guy signed the new paperwork they gave me, and I was directed to the main building.

 

This time when we entered the area in the first photo above, I was sent into the 'testing' area on the right - as per the photo below.

The section setup has changed from the photo - with the table and lady on the right side now.

The idea was to sit in a chair and wait your turn for the first test - a lady boss will 'direct' you where to go (and she means it).

The first test is a colour test - 3 lights (as in the middle ones up high in the photo) - they are down low now and on left side of room.

When red light goes on you have to press the 'red' button on a remote controller, green for green, yellow for yellow (test ability to see colours).

Then you wait for second test - which is a foot activated device on the floor on right side - it has an 'acclerator' and a 'brake' pedal..

You hold down the 'accelerator' pedal and then as quickly as possible press your foot on the 'brake' pedal when the light changes to red (reaction time test).

Then you wait for the third test - which is the other lady at the desk, as shown in the picture - but now on the right side.

You put your head forward and into the box (like when getting eye exam) and there are two small lights inside the box.

When the light to the right goes on you lift up your right hand, and when light to the left goes on you lift left hand (peripheral sight test).

Once you pass those 'tests' the paperwork is signed by 'boss lady', and you go to the 'foreigner' window.

 

At the window the guy checks everything and if all is OK you pay the money and they keep most of the paperwork and you get some back and a number.

You then take that number to the section as in the photo below - it is located next to the wiondows section. 

When your number is up on screen, you go to the desk number given, and they take your photo.

You then wait until they make your licence, and they call you to come and get it - all done - bye bye.

 

 

 

 

[brewsterbudgen]

Thanks for the report.  I'll be using Rayong for the first time when my 5-year licence expires.

 

Were you renewing a 5-year licence?

Was it straightforward to get the Certificate of Residence from Rayong Immigration?

Is a medical certificate needed for renewing a 5-year licence?

What is DLT Online testing and is this required if you're renewing a 5-year licence?

 

Cheers

[TroubleandGrumpy]

40 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Thanks for the report.  I'll be using Rayong for the first time when my 5-year licence expires.

 

Were you renewing a 5-year licence?

Was it straightforward to get the Certificate of Residence from Rayong Immigration?

Is a medical certificate needed for renewing a 5-year licence?

What is DLT Online testing and is this required if you're renewing a 5-year licence?

 

Cheers

No - I was getting a new licence - using my existing Aust licence as basis.

Yes - complete the aplication document and take it to Immigration - go to this website and download document number 24 - Download Form – สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง – Immigration Bureau  You will need a passport photo - or you can pay for Immigration to do it (they have camera and printer). You will also need Passport and copies of the main, visa and stamp pages (if I recall).  Plus address proof - Lease etc.

Yes a Medical Certificate is probably required - definitely needed for new one - so very likely to be for renew.

Yes you need to do the DLT online testing for renewal and new licence.  DLT e-Learning (dlt-elearning.com)

 

[DodgerRodger]

5 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Plus address proof - Lease etc.

 

 

May I ask if there was anything other than the lease required?

[bkk6060]

18 minutes ago, DodgerRodger said:

May I ask if there was anything other than the lease required?

Tm30.  They seem to be snagging a lot of people on that.

[gomangosteen]

Excellent accurate details in OP.

 

On Friday 15 December I gained my new (not renewal) licences for car and motorcycle from our friendly Chanthaburi DLT.

 

Similar process to Rayong however as I had a valid International Driver Permit IDP I was exempt from the online testing section.

 

No appointment system here with a smaller population, told they opened at 8, arrived 7.50 and was customer ticket #2.

 

I'd checked earlier in the week, and brought with me:

Passport; yellow book; ID card, NZ licence, IDP, medical cert (cost 100b from their suggested medical centre).

 

Staff made all required copies at no charge I just had to sign each page. For passport they copied front/photo page, retirement stamp, and the Chanthaburi Immigration paper confirming my next 90-day report date.

 

No requirement for TM30 or immigration residency cert as my yellow book/ ID was acceptable.

 

Same basic tests as in OP, vision etc. 

 

Paid 310b, photo taken and two two-year licences received. 

 

From start to finish 55 minutes, and ten of that was waiting on the licences at the end.

 

Very pleasant and helpful staff - the senior office person seemed to adopt me temporarily and followed my progress to ensure I got everything completed ok. 

 

 

[TroubleandGrumpy]

15 hours ago, DodgerRodger said:

May I ask if there was anything other than the lease required?

All they asked for was the Lease document. I copied the main page with dates and address, plus the signatures page - and also took a copy of the full document (12 pages) but they did not ask to see it.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

15 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Tm30.  They seem to be snagging a lot of people on that.

Good p[oiunt - I had copied the page in my Passport where the TM30/289 had been noted.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

4 hours ago, gomangosteen said:

Excellent accurate details in OP.

 

On Friday 15 December I gained my new (not renewal) licences for car and motorcycle from our friendly Chanthaburi DLT.

 

Similar process to Rayong however as I had a valid International Driver Permit IDP I was exempt from the online testing section.

 

No appointment system here with a smaller population, told they opened at 8, arrived 7.50 and was customer ticket #2.

 

I'd checked earlier in the week, and brought with me:

Passport; yellow book; ID card, NZ licence, IDP, medical cert (cost 100b from their suggested medical centre).

 

Staff made all required copies at no charge I just had to sign each page. For passport they copied front/photo page, retirement stamp, and the Chanthaburi Immigration paper confirming my next 90-day report date.

 

No requirement for TM30 or immigration residency cert as my yellow book/ ID was acceptable.

 

Same basic tests as in OP, vision etc. 

 

Paid 310b, photo taken and two two-year licences received. 

 

From start to finish 55 minutes, and ten of that was waiting on the licences at the end.

 

Very pleasant and helpful staff - the senior office person seemed to adopt me temporarily and followed my progress to ensure I got everything completed ok. 

 

I previously obtained a car and bike licence in Chiang Mai - and it was the same smooth process with efficient staff and processes - with less testing than at Rayong.  Seems to me that all the Immigration Offices I have visited over the years could use some 'advice' from the Transport/Licence Office on how to do things easier and better (and nicer).  Rayong Immigration Office is good, but many staff in the others are not so good. 

 

IMO it all comes down to their dress     In the Transport/Licence Offices they are all dressed 'normally' and they therefore act normally and nicely.  But in the Immigration Offices they are all dressed like little effin Generals with medals and regalia all over themselves, and they act like self-important a****** (not all - but many).  In fact, I think they should ban all Thai public servants working in public facing roles (including politicians, teachers, etc.) from wearing any unforms - I think that may stop them getting a 'little hitler' syndrome. The people at Rayong Transport/Licence all had yellow collared shirts, but clearly they dont suffer from the mental issues of those that wear military uniforms and medals/etc. Just a thought. 

Edited December 24, 2023 by TroubleandGrumpy

[brianthainess]

22 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Was it straightforward to get the Certificate of Residence from Rayong Immigration?

Are you a resident in Rayong province?, only asking to pass on info to someone else.

I use Trat and the process is the same ,cept I have a pink ID card so no COR needed ( i think it is actually called a LETTER of residence?) every Thai license requires a medical cert.

[brewsterbudgen]

10 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

Are you a resident in Rayong province?, only asking to pass on info to someone else.

I use Trat and the process is the same ,cept I have a pink ID card so no COR needed ( i think it is actually called a LETTER of residence?) every Thai license requires a medical cert.

Yes, I'm resident in Rayong.

 

When I renewed my 5-year licence 4 years ago (then in Bangkok) a medical certificate was not required.  Has the policy changed since Covid?

[TroubleandGrumpy]

23 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Yes, I'm resident in Rayong.

When I renewed my 5-year licence 4 years ago (then in Bangkok) a medical certificate was not required.  Has the policy changed since Covid?

Yes you need a medical certificate in Rayong - why I do not know, but Covid sounds as good a reason as any.

[brianthainess]

56 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Yes, I'm resident in Rayong.

 

When I renewed my 5-year licence 4 years ago (then in Bangkok) a medical certificate was not required.  Has the policy changed since Covid?

Yes TTBOMK, and nothing to do with Covid, people driving and having accidents, with epilepsy, and bad hearts, vision etc., caused the change, everybody must have one now. some people get them from a local clinic cheap, a small hospital cost my Thai wife 200b. She tried arguing why not 30b me Thai. Hasn't improved her driving though 

Edited December 24, 2023 by brianthainess

[mooping20Baht]

can one still get something from the US Embassy instead of Immigration to renew an expired Thai Driving License?

 

 

Thought I heard that may no longer be done.

 

b) what is the medical certification, is that the "5 diseases" thing still?

 

[Smokin Joe]

7 hours ago, mooping20Baht said:

can one still get something from the US Embassy instead of Immigration to renew an expired Thai Driving License?

 

 

Thought I heard that may no longer be done.

 

b) what is the medical certification, is that the "5 diseases" thing still?

 

 

You could get a certificate of residence from the US Embassy if you want to do it the most expensive and least convenient way. Getting it from immigration is much easier.

 

The medical cert is not the "5 diseases" thing. It is just a proof of life from a clinic. If you can see the clinic, walk into the clinic, and state that you need a med cert for a DL then you passed.

[gomangosteen]

10 minutes ago, Smokin Joe said:

 

The medical cert is not the "5 diseases" thing. It is just a proof of life from a clinic. If you can see the clinic, walk into the clinic, and state that you need a med cert for a DL then you passed.

 

My 'medical' on 15 December entailed just height, weight, blood pressure and asked one question: 'any illness that could affect my driving?'

 

My NZ licence has an endorsement for "correcting lenses must be worn while driving" however that doesn't seem relevant here.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

24 minutes ago, gomangosteen said:

My 'medical' on 15 December entailed just height, weight, blood pressure and asked one question: 'any illness that could affect my driving?'

 

My NZ licence has an endorsement for "correcting lenses must be worn while driving" however that doesn't seem relevant here.

Here in Thailand it is a total waste of time. They have implemented things to try and reduce the death toll on the roads, but just like all bureracracies all over the world, they have implemented something that looks good, but actually makes little/no difference. Employs more public servants, costs tax payers a lot, and forces impositions on the people - but it does not work - and it is not done 'properly'. 

 

There was an older guy in the queue ahead of me doing the tests - he failed the colour tests, he was too slow on the reactions, and he seemed to fail the peripheral vision (hands were going upo and down a lot - guessing?).  They were extremely sympathetic and helped him and passed him. Wife said he probably just drives from his farm to the local market etc.  I said he would not need a licence to do that and that I hope he does not drive a truck full of crap down to Bangkok.

 

The 'solution' to reducing road deaths is simple - one for riders and one for drivers. Force all bike riders to wear an approved (decent) helmet - no exceptions.  Implement nationwide random booze buses, with severe penalties for massively drunk drivers (including jail).  That is all that is needed to massively reduce the toll.  Added to that I would implement red light cameras - but not speed cameras - that should only be done by policemen on the roads in cars or on bikes.  All the rest is bureacucratic crap - designed to rake in more and more money. 

[Angel876]

Thanks for the info, I'm halfway the process and this post is very useful