13 hours ago, JoePai said:

Strange, have never found the present 'system' difficult to renew ?

 

Failed the perception depth test the last time. This is my 4th license renewal in Thailand. Eye sight isn't what it used to be but good enough to drive without glasses. My glasses are set for optimum vision at a distance different than the test machine. So, people who wear glasses, beware. Buy a pair that is perfect at that machine distance. 

 

Compare to my U.S. license: Expired 6 years ago. I just need to come in for a new photo (since the last one was 20 years ago). I kinda agree with Thailand to do occasional checks, rather than keep sending the license in the mail.  But I think it is excessive at the moment. 

6 hours ago, CecilM said:

Will this lead to an improvement in road safety?

 

No...  As this doesn't include any changes or improvement in driver education / training etc...   Its just an easier way to replace a 'card'.

 

9 hours ago, Joseph98765 said:

I think I would like to stick to the old plastic DL....I need it for check in a hotel, flights,...

 

I don't think there is any plan to stop issuing the physical card - it is the renewal process itself that will be online.  I'm 'guessing' that the renewal card will arrive via post.

14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Some unhinged bumf going on there fella..  Now you are trying to turn this into a Brit bash thread ?... Strange behavior.

 

 

Hi Richard, I missed you. Can´t you babble for 3-4 more comments.

Surprised there is a  Thai national with a driving licence. Not one of them would ever pass a western driving test. 

Instead of issuing a 5 year license - lengthening that to a specific set age limit (i.e. 65) would make more sense if they wanted to ease the burden at the DLT.

 

I wonder what the reasoning is to limit the licensing to 5 years... 

1 minute ago, Toby1947 said:

Surprised there is a  Thai national with a driving licence. Not one of them would ever pass a western driving test. 

 

To be fair, if you I, or most others on this forum took UK test right now, we'd very likely fail... 

 

I know of a handful of posters who think they are the 'best drivers' who'd never admit to such !!! 

3 minutes ago, Toby1947 said:

Surprised there is a  Thai national with a driving licence. Not one of them would ever pass a western driving test. 

But this is Thailand. You know, a part of Asia. Geography was not a big thing for you, right?
 

 

4 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the reasoning is to limit the licensing to 5 years... 

O can help you here as you seem to struggle. That´s for you to find out, and hopefully it will keep you very busy.

3 hours ago, liddelljohn said:

I went to renew my   Thai license in pattaya in November ,, done it before 6 times over last 24 years , so thought it would be a breeze.... er NO    ..total nightmare   ,, got run around, refused , bribe demanded ,, get another, medical,, blah blah   got another medical,,  then immigration letter now out of time,,,,  blah blah  ,,,gave up  and using my EU licence ....

Okey dokey. 

With the current renewal system, every cement bag can get a new DL...so, why not make it even easier?

18 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

23 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the reasoning is to limit the licensing to 5 years... 

O can help you here as you seem to struggle. That´s for you to find out, and hopefully it will keep you very busy.

 

Have you been hitting the bottle today Mr Angry ?

 

It seems you're doing your best to turn every thread you stumble upon into an argument....

 

 

Seems like another scheme subject to corruption, everyone will be getting a license without ever being physically checked or evaluated in anyway. Though it should excite those who can make a few extra Baht getting the blind a driver license.

5 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

Seems like another scheme subject to corruption, everyone will be getting a license without ever being physically checked or evaluated in anyway. Though it should excite those who can make a few extra Baht getting the blind a driver license.

 

Do we really need those checks every 5 years ???  perhaps once older than a certain age... i.e. 65 etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

Seems like another scheme subject to corruption, everyone will be getting a license without ever being physically checked or evaluated in anyway. Though it should excite those who can make a few extra Baht getting the blind a driver license.

How much corruption have you seen in the drivers license application process? You must have been extorted a lot to have your negative view, tell us about it. 

Glad I got my all of life driving licence when they were still available in 2003, if I remember correctly.  Never took a test in Thailand, except colour blind test.  Just showed my overseas licence and was given a one year licence.  When that expired I got a 3 year licence.  When that expired I got an all of life licence which was only available for Thais and PRs.  About 2 years after that no more all of life licences were given but 5 year licences were issued in place of 3 year licences.  I think the cost of the all of life one was 3,000 baht and a lot of people didn't apply because they felt it was too expensive.  I suppose it depended on how much cash you had on hand and how long you estimated you might live.

15 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Do we really need those checks every 5 years ???  perhaps once older than a certain age... i.e. 65 etc.

 

Maybe they can base it off the new point system, those with no infractions or accidents can renew online every 10 years (Upload photo?). Those with infractions or at-fault accidents will be notified to renew in-person, and be required to retest as well. 

14 hours ago, Joseph98765 said:

I think I would like to stick to the old plastic DL....I need it for check in a hotel, flights,...

 

use the DLT QR app on a phone ..   it pops up your car and or MC license  ( Front & Back )

14 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

I don´t know your situation, but usually one needs to have a permanent address as well as been in the country for a certain amount of time, or have a job. That basically standard norm in Europe. 

Looking at Thailand, you actually have it easier here. You only need a 1 year visa or more of any kind and an address.

I got my first license(s) while on a  vacation from the US ...Visa Exempt entry ...

  showed my International License /  2 Cert of Res from Immigration / Samut Prakan ( used the hotel address where I was staying ) one for car one for M/C and a med cert /clinic was literally across the street from DLT BangChak  got my 2 year ...   5yr renewals done with Yellow House book

My wife got her license with "training" from a driving school .. they did all the physical tests color/reaction at the school and all she had to do was show up at a DLT and present the paperwork and then get photographed and pay ..  voila  done .   another unqualified license holder legally able to access the roads.

22 hours ago, 2long said:

Surely if these Muppets aren't reminded about the dangers, the roads will not be safe!

Are the roads safe now???

What the people need is proper instruction and a more stringent test.

Not self righteous people calling them muppets

1 hour ago, jwl53 said:

Are the roads safe now???

What the people need is proper instruction and a more stringent test.

Not self righteous people calling them muppets

Self-righteous before a noun needs a hyphen.

Muppets needs a capital letter, as far as I know.

 

Thanks for your input.

 

As for your points on proper instruction and testing, I couldn't agree more. Aint gonna happen though, is it?

21 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Poor little Brit. It´s always so sad and unfair for you........

I don't care as I am not there. I would suggest though you try and get a life

11 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

 

use the DLT QR app on a phone ..   it pops up your car and or MC license  ( Front & Back )

no I mean...every time I check in at a hotel...I pass them my DL plastic piece instead my passport that I never bring with me. I use more my DL for that than for it real use..

1 hour ago, Photoguy21 said:

I don't care as I am not there. I would suggest though you try and get a life

So, I don´t have a life? How do you know that. Went to the British second hand shop, where they fooled you to buy a fake crystal ball?

I will tell you my life. A beautiful house, with a pool on 1,5 rai of land. A perfect wife and 2 daughters. Cars, motorbikes. We are running an online business as well as a shop and a restaurant. Making enough to live. 

So, when did you have your next 14 day holiday?😂

On 4/23/2025 at 9:20 AM, NE1 said:

Sneaky feelings don't have evidence . I am just going on previous experience when an online something or other is rolled out you get the odd one or two that states , Not available to foreigners .

So it's just an assumption on your part.

8 minutes ago, scorecard said:

So it's just an assumption on your part.

 

Of course , but this is a forum not a court of law , but you wouldn't know it the way some people have posted.....😀

On 4/23/2025 at 10:19 PM, Toby1947 said:

Surprised there is a  Thai national with a driving licence. Not one of them would ever pass a western driving test. 

Meaning that you're not up to date with newer procedures / tests, just any opportunity for Thai bashing. 

20 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

So, I don´t have a life? How do you know that. Went to the British second hand shop, where they fooled you to buy a fake crystal ball?

I will tell you my life. A beautiful house, with a pool on 1,5 rai of land. A perfect wife and 2 daughters. Cars, motorbikes. We are running an online business as well as a shop and a restaurant. Making enough to live. 

So, when did you have your next 14 day holiday?😂

Evidently not. Try spending your time in a useful manner you will find it a better way of passing time and you may learn something. 14 day holiday? Wow you really do have a tiny mind don't you.

32 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Evidently not. Try spending your time in a useful manner you will find it a better way of passing time and you may learn something. 14 day holiday? Wow you really do have a tiny mind don't you.

What are you on about? Do you have a problem with that I find it relaxing to take regular breaks while working in front of the computer to check and comment on AN? Or, do you believe you have the right to tell people to spend their time according to how you want it to be? Seems to me, you have a big chip on your shoulder. Better not take any chances, as somebody might whip it away. 😂

On 4/23/2025 at 10:37 PM, ujayujay said:

With the current renewal system, every cement bag can get a new DL...so, why not make it even easier?

Sure is a demanding renewal practical...........😉 

On 4/23/2025 at 8:49 AM, watchcat said:

 

Same hear, yes you'll lose a few hours, but as an expat on retirement I've got all the time I want for a renewal once every 5  or 6 year.

As a retired person, you are statistically closer to dying, so why not value your time a little more? I am also retired, but I highly appreciate the time I have left and have always hated to waste most of a day to renew my drivers license. 

In Bangkok I was once denied renewal, because I was wearing knee long cargo shorts instead of long pants, which I otherwise never wear. Now I will no longer have to worry, if the long pants will still fit my body, next time my license is up for renewal 😆😆😆

On 4/23/2025 at 8:02 AM, NE1 said:

Got a sneaky feeling this will be " Not available for foreigners "

 

 

Agreed. In addition to age restrictions......