How to Get a Thai Driving License with Just an International Driving License?

[driveout]

Hi everyone,

I need some help clarifying a few things before heading to the DLT (Department of Land Transport) to get my Thai driving license.

1. Driving License Requirements:

   • Do I need to bring my original EU driving license together with my International Driving Permit (IDP), or will just the IDP be sufficient? Unfortunately, I only have my International Driving Permit with me, as I didn’t bring my original EU driving license. Will that cause any issues?

2. Health Check:

   • Does the health check need to be done at a government hospital, or can it be done at a regular clinic? 

3. Visa Requirements:

   • Is there a specific visa required for applying for a Thai driving license, or can it be done with any type of visa?

4. Other Documents:

   • Besides my passport, what else do I need to prepare? Are there any additional documents I should bring to avoid delays?

Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate any advice you can offer.

[KannikaP]

IDP means nothing without your original country's licence. Without the original, you need to find a paddle for the Creek in which you are sailing.

IDP is merely a translation of your original. 

[bkk6060]

You can get the health check at a clinic for a few 100 b.

 

You will also need a resident certificate which is obtained at immigration. 

[driveout]

1 minute ago, bkk6060 said:

You can get the health check at a clinic for a few 100 b.

 

You will also need a resident certificate which is obtained at immigration. 

Okey! Have to go to immigration then 

[driveout]

11 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

IDP means nothing without your original country's licence. Without the original, you need to find a paddle for the Creek in which you are sailing.

IDP is merely a translation of your original. 

Got it! How many days does it usually take to get the Thai driving license card after submitting all the documents?

[Will B Good]

I think you still have to jump through a few hoops, color blindness check, braking reactions and a 30 minute/60 minute safety video (in Thai).....is there an online test to do as well (wife did mine)????

 

Do all that and you get your licence there and then.

[OneMoreFarang]

I suggest go there in person and ask.

Some time ago I looked at their website and try to do everything exactly according to what they want. And then I visited them and half the things I did were not necessary but cost me time and money. 

[Upnotover]

3 minutes ago, driveout said:

Got it! How many days does it usually take to get the Thai driving license card after submitting all the documents?

You get your Thai license the same day, but you won't get anything with only an IDP.  You can of course do the complete test which is not really very difficult.

[DrJack54]

OP, where are applying for your TDL also which immigration office? 

I have detailed report of obtaining TDL as have many others.

Here is link to general guidelines 

https://motogirlthailand.com/riding-thailand/

 

I notice from other threads that you are located Pattaya and have visa exempt entry. 

[richard_smith237]

The best option is to get your home license posted out here - or just go ahead and do the full test.

 

 

1. Driving License Requirements:

   • Do I need to bring my original EU driving license together with my International Driving Permit (IDP), or will just the IDP be sufficient? Unfortunately, I only have my International Driving Permit with me, as I didn’t bring my original EU driving license. Will that cause any issues?
   • You need only the Original license

2. Health Check:

   • Does the health check need to be done at a government hospital, or can it be done at a regular clinic? 
   • Any clinic will do, tell them its for a driving license, most carry the basic form.

3. Visa Requirements:

   • Is there a specific visa required for applying for a Thai driving license, or can it be done with any type of visa?
   • Any visa is ok - the important part is getting the Letter of Residence (which is often dependant on visa)

4. Other Documents:

   • Besides my passport, what else do I need to prepare? Are there any additional documents I should bring to avoid delays?
   • You will need either:
   • a) Affirmation of Residence from your Embassy (if they do it)
   • b) Certificate of Address from Immigration (if you have done a 90 day report - but this depends where you are, some immigration offices issue it anyway, others require a 90 day report).

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

b) Certificate of Address from Immigration (if you have done a 90 day report - but this depends where you are, some immigration offices issue it anyway, others require a 90 day report).

CW recently removed TM47 requirement to obtain a certificate of residence.

Jomitien will issue the OP a COR with visa exempt entry. 

[richard_smith237]

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

CW recently removed TM47 requirement to obtain a certificate of residence.

Jomitien will issue the OP a COR with visa exempt entry. 

 

Excellent Info...

 

After the UK Embassy stopped providing an Affirmation of Residence for those not on 'long term visas' (i.e. they would not provide the affirmation for those on Visa Exempt entries or Tourist Visas) that was a 'brick wall' for some...  as Immigration previously required a 90 day report.

 

So, with CW issuing the CoR without the requirement for a 90 day report that brick wall has been knocked down.

 

--------

 

That was nearly a 'brick wall for me a while ago'....  I hold an Elite Visa and travel a lot so am very rarely here for more than 90 days at a time...  So I'd not carried out 90 day reports. I had to 'negotiate' with the Embassy and explain that the Elite Visa is a 'long term Visa' (they were claiming I needed an Non-Immigrant Visa), I received the Affirmation of Residence at the time - but it was this that triggered me to get the Yellow House Book in the end. 

 

 

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

So, with CW issuing the CoR without the requirement for a 90 day report that brick wall has been knocked down.

Slightly off topic however.

My first 7+ years living in Bangkok I could not obtain a TDL as due to frequent travel abroad I could never file a TM47. 

 

Wasn't untill covid that did my first 90 report and able to obtain COR at CW. 

 

Fortunately for OP he can obtain COR at Jomitien with tourist status.

 

[richard_smith237]

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Fortunately for OP he can obtain COR at Jomitien with tourist status.

 

 

Yup - the only missing 'part' is his [the Ops] lack of original driving license. 

 

That can easily be posted over here if he has someone who can do that. 

[ukrules]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Yup - the only missing 'part' is his [the Ops] lack of original driving license. 

 

That can easily be posted over here if he has someone who can do that. 

 

Yeah, either get it posted over or do a full test.

 

[Upnotover]

52 minutes ago, ukrules said:

 

Yeah, either get it posted over or do a full test.

 

Indeed.  The full test is easy but not without some special challenges.  I did it last year.  The theory test, multiple choice, ought to he a breeze.  However, unlike many multiple choice exams there where there is only one correct answer, it is possible to face a question with 3 correct and 1 incorrect answer.  After failing the first attempt the girl on duty told me yes, but you have to select the "most correct" answer.  There are online training apps to teach you which is "correct", using logic will not be enough.

[Greenwich Boy]

Agree with above posts regarding original licence needed. I got both my Thai car and bike licences before Christmas in Chiang Mai. Easy enough. My requirement list was.

Passport, Visa, Original licence, IDP, Cert of Res ( as CM involves 2 trips to immi and I am only on a Tourist Visa I used an agent. Tell them it is for a driving licence as the reason is written on the Cert of Res) Medical Cert (mine was 30B and completed by receptionist!) Photocopies of just about everything.

Some of the above may not be required but it is what I took.

At DLT colour blindness test and 40 min video. I had to hang around to watch the video as I hadn't booked a slot on line. Still done and dusted same day and walked out with both licences. 105B each from memory. Good luck.

[EVENKEEL]

16 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, where are applying for your TDL also which immigration office? 

I have detailed report of obtaining TDL as have many others.

Here is link to general guidelines 

https://motogirlthailand.com/riding-thailand/

 

I notice from other threads that you are located Pattaya and have visa exempt entry. 

I just came from Land Office in Pattaya and next available time is 21 Jan for appointment 

[EVENKEEL]

17 hours ago, driveout said:

Okey! Have to go to immigration then 

Also bring copy of passport including stamp in date and visa

[thaipo7]

18 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

You can get the health check at a clinic for a few 100 b.

 

You will also need a resident certificate which is obtained at immigration. 

I just paid 50 Baht, and all I had to do was give my weight, how tall, and how do I feel.

[newbee2022]

18 hours ago, driveout said:

Hi everyone,

I need some help clarifying a few things before heading to the DLT (Department of Land Transport) to get my Thai driving license.

1. Driving License Requirements:

   • Do I need to bring my original EU driving license together with my International Driving Permit (IDP), or will just the IDP be sufficient? Unfortunately, I only have my International Driving Permit with me, as I didn’t bring my original EU driving license. Will that cause any issues?

2. Health Check:

   • Does the health check need to be done at a government hospital, or can it be done at a regular clinic? 

3. Visa Requirements:

   • Is there a specific visa required for applying for a Thai driving license, or can it be done with any type of visa?

4. Other Documents:

   • Besides my passport, what else do I need to prepare? Are there any additional documents I should bring to avoid delays?

Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate any advice you can offer.

You need a proof of address. And the health check you can do in a regular clinic. Both docets are required: original license plus international. Sometimes you need a translation if it's not in English. (Chiang Mai)

[UWEB]

19 hours ago, driveout said:

Hi everyone,

I need some help clarifying a few things before heading to the DLT (Department of Land Transport) to get my Thai driving license.

1. Driving License Requirements:

   • Do I need to bring my original EU driving license together with my International Driving Permit (IDP), or will just the IDP be sufficient? Unfortunately, I only have my International Driving Permit with me, as I didn’t bring my original EU driving license. Will that cause any issues?

2. Health Check:

   • Does the health check need to be done at a government hospital, or can it be done at a regular clinic? 

3. Visa Requirements:

   • Is there a specific visa required for applying for a Thai driving license, or can it be done with any type of visa?

4. Other Documents:

   • Besides my passport, what else do I need to prepare? Are there any additional documents I should bring to avoid delays?

Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate any advice you can offer.

If you want to get Car and Motorbike License you need all Documents like CoR,Medical etc. double.

[driveout]

As for 2025 in chonburi DLT

[driveout]

19 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I suggest go there in person and ask.

Some time ago I looked at their website and try to do everything exactly according to what they want. And then I visited them and half the things I did were not necessary but cost me time and money. 

Went there and I need at least 30 days on my visa to do it 🙂

[driveout]

18 minutes ago, UWEB said:

If you want to get Car and Motorbike License you need all Documents like CoR,Medical etc. double.

Good to know, thanks 

[driveout]

18 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The best option is to get your home license posted out here - or just go ahead and do the full test.

 

 

1. Driving License Requirements:

   • Do I need to bring my original EU driving license together with my International Driving Permit (IDP), or will just the IDP be sufficient? Unfortunately, I only have my International Driving Permit with me, as I didn’t bring my original EU driving license. Will that cause any issues?
   • You need only the Original license

2. Health Check:

   • Does the health check need to be done at a government hospital, or can it be done at a regular clinic? 
   • Any clinic will do, tell them its for a driving license, most carry the basic form.

3. Visa Requirements:

   • Is there a specific visa required for applying for a Thai driving license, or can it be done with any type of visa?
   • Any visa is ok - the important part is getting the Letter of Residence (which is often dependant on visa)

4. Other Documents:

   • Besides my passport, what else do I need to prepare? Are there any additional documents I should bring to avoid delays?
   • You will need either:
   • a) Affirmation of Residence from your Embassy (if they do it)
   • b) Certificate of Address from Immigration (if you have done a 90 day report - but this depends where you are, some immigration offices issue it anyway, others require a 90 day report).

Thank you for the info! 

[richard_smith237]

25 minutes ago, driveout said:

Went there and I need at least 30 days on my visa to do it 🙂

 

Its likely this changes from office to office, from officer to officer and from day to day... 

 

Ultimately, the variable 'grey area' of bureaucracy in Thailand means consistency is not a strong point - this is one of the main reasons so much advice on here is varied and some get into arguments because someone else's information is different from theres and both parties are right based on their own individual experiences. 

 

Ultimately: 

- Get your EU License sent over

- Get your Certificate of Residence (from Immigration)

- Get the Medical Check Up certificate (from a local clinic - about 150 baht)

 

- Go to DLT and take your chances on whatever Visa or entry Stamp you have.

- If you have an IDP, its not necessary, but won't hurt either.

 

------------

 

Also note: 

- IF your EU (home country) diving license has a Motorcycle Endorsement (i.e. even for a 50cc motorcycle etc - and has some sort of 'silhouette' that looks like a motorcycle on the rear - you may also be able to get a Motorcycle License as well as a Driving License if you so wish.