international driving permits can no longer be used as proof for obtaining a driver’s licens

[zzzzz]

Used to be show a foreign license  and or a IDP no written test 
NOw

The Department of Land Transport has drafted new regulations stating that international driving permits can no longer be used as proof for obtaining a temporary driver’s license. Foreign nationals will now be required to pass a written test to qualify for the license.

• Temporary driver’s license: Applicants cannot use an international driving permit as evidence for obtaining a temporary driver’s license.
• Foreign nationals seeking temporary licenses: If a foreign applicant uses a valid foreign driver’s license for the same vehicle type, they will still be required to take the written test (previously exempted from the written and driving tests). The license will remain valid for two years, as before.
• The use of a foreign-issued driver’s license, which is still valid, or an international driving permit under agreements to which Thailand is a party, will no longer be accepted as evidence for obtaining a personal driver’s license. The validity of the personal driver’s license has been extended from two years to five years. This applies to cases where the applicant has previously held a temporary personal driver’s license that has expired. 
  
  https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/general/40051501

 

 

[0ffshore360]

An unspoken reveal of the proliferation of fake IDP's ?

No surprise  given that these booklets ( or at least the one I have recently renewed legitimately ) are not very sophisticated in any way and so open to fraudulent production as were passports in years past.

Or is it due to lobbying from disappointed investors in "Driver Training Schools " that have not experienced any lucrative stampede of compliance minded expats ? One that I drive past regularly rarely has any activity  and weeds are prolifically invading the tracks.

IDP's are nominally valid for 1 year from date of purchase but only 3 months recognition from date of last entry in(to)  Thailand. 

So that validity was always intended for tourist drivers  on maximum duration of "tourist " stay.

Various methods for extension of stay as a tourist have created some conflicts.

My experience in requested presentation of IDP and origin country Driving Licence usually results in confusion at the IDP and sometimes enthusiastic discussion about origin country. 

In many years  since I have had two attempts at  declining validity of my IDP . One was simply a denial due to ignorance and the other an attempt  to invalidate on the grounds it had no Thai translation page. That latter one was resolved by indicating the "International" title which gained a laughing dismissal of the request for Bht 100

and a wave to proceed. The former was resolved after a quick reference to a senior which resulted in a sulky wave of dismissal .

But in serious contemplation of real risk impact of foreign drivers from the US and Europe who drive on the opposite side of the road to Thai I do have some sympathy to the move !

 

 

 

[Gaccha]

42 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

The validity of the personal driver’s license has been extended from two years to five years

 

This is confusing. 

 

The law was that you would receive a 2-year driving licence and then receive a 5-year driving licence upon expiry of that one. What is getting extended from 2 to 5? 

 

43 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

The license will remain valid for two years, as before.

 

What is remaining valid for only 2 years? A 'temporary licence' is what? What legal distinction is this referencing?