Combined car+motorcycle Thai driver's license not possible?

[farrol]

Hello everyone,

I want to convert my Farang+international driving license (car+motorcycle on one license) into a Thai driving license with the help of an agency.

 

License is not in English, so needs to be translated.

The agency tells me, however, that there is no car+motorcycle driving license in Thailand, but that I have to apply for two driving license cards, one for a car and one for a motorcycle, and that this will double the costs (2 x 4000 THB) including all fees and translations.

Is that correct?

[MarkT63]

Yes, that is correct. Separate Thai license for both car and motorbike 🍻

[transam]

They are correct, but it doesn't cost 8,000bht, they are making good beer money........🤕

[BritManToo]

Separate licences, cost between 1kbht and 1k5bht for both.

No translations required, just UK licence, passport, medical certificate (any hospital 100-200bht) and proof of address from immigration.

 

No need for an agent, just turn up at any licence centre, and they'll give you an appointment or do it on the spot if not busy.

 

Takes all morning, mostly sitting watching a video.

[Tropicalevo]

Yes, two licences are a must.

I have no idea if the translation fees etc are good or not, but they do not seem too unreasonable.

First ones last two years and then renew every five years after that.

[Jimjim1]

19 minutes ago, farrol said:

The agency tells me, however, that there is no car+motorcycle driving license in Thailand, but that I have to apply for two driving license cards, one for a car and one for a motorcycle,

Someone is bound to knock this but when I applied for both licences I did submit two applications to Udon Thani immigration but when I went on to register them I was questioned as to why I did it when one would have got me both motorcycle and car on the same licence card.

This was before Covid so it may have changed in more recent years but I have not heard of any changes, However it may pay you to contact various departments to clarify before you commit.

Departments such as the Thai consulate, or immigration in Bangkok.

Interpretation differs across Thailand and you may have come up against someone who interpretes for gain instead of in the correct manner.

As for using an agency WHY!  If an agency can do it so can you.

DIY is a great learning curve and immigration can be very helpful if you are respectful to them.

[Negita43]

Do it yourself - when I did it (UK license) no translation needed (nor an International) you will need a proof of residence from immigration and unless you pay (at Korat at least) you have to wait 10 days for the free one so factor that in, also a medical letter (I think that's valid for 1 month) I did one for each but was also told one would have been enoughI don't know what they do with the UK license now but I kept mine.

[Negita43]

57 minutes ago, farrol said:

License is not in English, so needs to be translated.

 

Sorry just seen this if it's not in English then I'm not sure about translation needs

[transam]

1 hour ago, farrol said:

Hello everyone,

I want to convert my Farang+international driving license (car+motorcycle on one license) into a Thai driving license with the help of an agency.

 

License is not in English, so needs to be translated.

The agency tells me, however, that there is no car+motorcycle driving license in Thailand, but that I have to apply for two driving license cards, one for a car and one for a motorcycle, and that this will double the costs (2 x 4000 THB) including all fees and translations.

Is that correct?

Is your international driving 'permit' in English..?

[KhunBENQ]

If you have a valid IDP for car and motorcycle stamped then I doubt that a translation of your home country license is necessary.

8000 Baht, hell that's a nice pocket money.

Two licenses at the office done on your own is 505( ?) Baht.

[Ralf001]

Do it yourself.

Both icences will cost less than Bt500.00

[KhunBENQ]

Is your home country license a single document combined for car and motorbike?

In this case why should cost for translation double?

I think you are being ripped off.

[DrJack54]

OP, you don't need an agent.

Admittedly I used one during covid to be able to obtain que #.

 

In Bangkok you will need to obtain a certificate of residence, medical, etc.

PLENTY of threads providing details of process and required docs.

Which transport office do you plan to use in Bangkok.

My Oz license on one card is car and bike 

In Thailand it's two separate licenses.

If obtaining both at same time you can ask CW for one COR and photocopy.

If determined to use agent check with Fatboys or BSR bikes.

 

Form for COR

https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=439173

[gamb00ler]

1 hour ago, farrol said:

License is not in English, so needs to be translated.

 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

No translations required, just UK licence, passport, medical certificate (any hospital 100-200bht) and proof of address from immigration.

OP does require an IDP because his license is not in English so obviously not a UK license.  IDP serves as a translated version for him.

[farrol]

1 hour ago, transam said:

Is your international driving 'permit' in English..?

 

My IDP is in various languages, including English. But language on photo page is French.

 

But everything important including vehicle categories is translated to English, too.

 

So maybe I don't need a translation from my embassy. The agent told me I normally do need one but she knows someone in DLT so it will work without. This is in Hua Hin.

 

Main reason I use the agent though is I don't have a residency certificate. She can get me one by providing a rental contract in her house (where I don't really live).

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, farrol said:

Main reason I use the agent though is I don't have a residency certificate. She can get me one by providing a rental contract in her house (where I don't really live).

What is your status in Thailand.

Meaning Non immigrant etc OR tourist 

No offense however for future posts include location.

 

Your profile is Bangkok.

Like everything in Thailand location/immigration office is important. 

[farrol]

Yeah I was in BKK before, now Hua Hin.

 

Visa is DTV.

[BerndD]

German EU driver's license, international driver's license, passport with visa, proof of address, health certificate (100B), small tests, all together took about 1 hour, about 500B for the motorcycle driver's license and about 800B for the car driver's license. Is initially valid for 2 years. That was it. But that was already 10 years ago.

[Skeptic7]

Nope...simple little bits of common sense stuff are apparently reserved only for countries which actually have a shred of the stuff. Thailand disqualified. 

[scorecard]

19 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Yes, two licences are a must.

I have no idea if the translation fees etc are good or not, but they do not seem too unreasonable.

First ones last two years and then renew every five years after that.

 

Unless you have lifetime driving licenses (both car and m/cycle), but unfortunately no longer available. Lifetime licenses stopped more than 30 years ago. 

 

My licenses were issued at Rayong, process almost completed, suddenly the officer said, in good English 'will you live in Thailand for a long time?'I responded 'Yes', he continued 'do you want lifetime licenses?'

 

I didn't know they even existed. I quickly responded 'yes please', 10 minutes later I walked out with a car and a m/cycle lifetime licenses. 

[gargamon]

17 hours ago, farrol said:

Visa is DTV.

Please advise how they handle the DTV visa. Are you able to get a 5 year license after the two year initial one or is it every two years?

[bluemoon58]

20 hours ago, farrol said:

Hello everyone,

I want to convert my Farang+international driving license (car+motorcycle on one license) into a Thai driving license with the help of an agency.

 

License is not in English, so needs to be translated.

The agency tells me, however, that there is no car+motorcycle driving license in Thailand, but that I have to apply for two driving license cards, one for a car and one for a motorcycle, and that this will double the costs (2 x 4000 THB) including all fees and translations.

Is that correct?

Correct but do it yourself. Far cheaper and not difficult to do. 

[Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai]

19 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

 

OP does require an IDP because his license is not in English so obviously not a UK license.  IDP serves as a translated version for him.

Same with Australian license, l, just printed out what the R meant on my South Australian license . They issued both car and motorcycle licenses easily.

[alanrchase]

Haven't they changed the "watch a video" part to the requirement for an online test now? Thought you needed the QR code from that before they will continue to process the application?

[jchfriis]

I suggest you take your passport and all other documents you can imagine pertains to driving licenses. Go to the DLT office and ask them what you need to do. They are probably most helpful. At least they are in Chiang Mai.

Then you’ll get it from the horse’s mouth.
When I got my licenses (2007) I could not use my Norwegian license as it is not in English. I had no desire to travel to Bangkok for a translation, so the lady suggested I take the test. I went back the next and by 3 pm I had both licenses. The test is ridiculously easy.

[Kerryd]

There is an "e-learning" app that you can do before you go to the DLT.
https://www.dlt-elearning.com/forignerhome

(Not MY spelling.)

I renewed my motorcycle license last April. 
Resident Certificate.
Medical Certificate.
Passport.
Application (done at the DLT).
Fee - 505 baht

(From the DLT website: New License: (Fee 205 baht for car, Fee 105 baht for motorcycle)
https://www.dlt.go.th/en/new-license

(Funny how it's more expensive to renew the initial license (105 baht)  to a 5 year license (505 baht).

Had to watch the video. Amused myself by making notes of all the mistakes.

Did the tests (4 of them now). Reaction, Perception, Colour and Peripheral Vision (the new one) tests.

And yes - it is still 2 separate licenses. More if you wanted to drive something else (like a transport vehicle or bus).

I was told I if I made copies of the medical certificate and Residency Certificate, I could get both licenses issued that day. I had plans and didn't want to spend an hour running around trying to find a place to make copies (I was not in Pattaya at the time) so I just did the motorcycle license.

I think it took me 2 1/2 hours in total, including the initial wait, the paperwork, the video, the tests and then getting the new license printed. In hindsight, I should have bit the bullet and got the copies made. Even if it took an hour it would have been worth it to get both licenses at the same time (but would have still been two separate cards).

Pattaya is a nightmare though. Buddy of mine went there and they gave him an appointment time - for 3 weeks later - just to submit the paperwork. Old forum threads mentioned some people were given appointments 6 weeks down the road.

I go to Chachoengsao as it's never so busy that you can't be done in a couple hours from walking in to walking out with the new license.
My buddy gave up on Pattaya and went to a DLT in Rayong. Same thing, in and out in an afternoon.

He used an "agent" - which basically just meant someone drove him to an office they are used to dealing with and then the agent waits while you do the video and tests. (They don't really do much at all except drive you there and back. Unless you need to do a driving test for your first license. Then they can take you to a "school" and have someone sign off on a paper saying you  passed the test. A red note later and you are on your way to the DLT.)

A lot of people will use an agent because they don't understand the paperwork or process, or even where to go. The "agent" is more like a guide, showing you where to go.


But you don't really need one.
Look at google maps for "Department of Land Transport" offices near you (and outside of major cities if possible).

Go there with your (certificates mentioned above, passport, home license, certificate from a driving school if it's your first time).
They'll usually have someone who can fill out the application for you in a couple minutes.

They'll make you sit through the hour long, somewhat funny, video (with English subtitles) that you never get questioned on. Make note of how many people take a nap during the video.

Do the (3 or 4) tests. Pay the fee. Wait for them to call you to get your photo taken and a few minutes later you'll have your new license.
The tests are pretty simple.

1. Standard colour vision test (differs from place to place as to how they do it).
2. Reaction test (push a pedal on the floor while the "light" is green then SLAM on the brake pedal as fast as you can when the light suddenly turns red).
3. Perception test (2 "light sticks" in a box 10' in front of you. Staff sets one stick in front or behind the other. You use a button to move the stick so it is beside the other one and they measure how close you got it. Repeat the test the opposite way.)
4. Peripheral vision test. (This was a new one for me last year. There was a column on each side of the testing chair with a "light" around head-level. Instructor keys a light and you have to identify if it's red, green or yellow. Light might appear on your left or right side and be whatever colour the staff pick of the three.)

Pro tip: the "testing chair" at the place I went to was inside a marked off square so you could move the chair forward or backward a bit.
After you do the perception and reaction tests, move the chair back as far as allowable for the perception test so the lights are a bit further ahead of you.

I had the chair fully forward and it ended up the lights were inline with my ears and hard to see. I could have moved the chair back almost a foot.

First license is only good for two years. If I recall, unless you have a "yearly Visa" (i.e a Non-O or Non-B for example) you will only ever get a 2 year license.
If you have a Non-O or Non-B (or other "long stay" Visa) then your first license will still be for 2 years but then you can renew it for 5 years after that.

Also, fun fact, I recall that if you go to renew your license, do it around 11 months before your birthday. They will renew it to expire 5 years after your next birthday. So if your birthday is in November for example and you go to renew the license now, the new expiry date will be 5 years after your next birthday.

Also note - it seems each DLT is it's own little "kingdom" with it's own interpretation of the rules. Just like Immigration, they have the laws and guidelines to follow, but the procedures at each place can be a little different.

For example, one place might use a "colour wheel" for the colour vision test and another place may use the "traffic light" box.

When I got my first (2 year) license, I didn't have to watch "the video).
When I renewed it to get my 5 year license I didn't have to watch the video.
But when I went to renew the 5 year license - I had to sit through the video.

And just like a bank - if you have a problem getting a license at one DLT - try a different one.

You can apply for your license - or renew it - at any DLT office no matter what your actual address is.