Dear all,

I've recently arrived in Thailand on a Non-O marriage visa and am now trying to work through the practicalities of obtaining a Thai driving licence.

As seems to be the theme of my first week here, I've received several pieces of advice, some of which appear to contradict each other.

One person has told me that transferring a UK driving licence to a Thai licence is relatively straightforward and largely an administrative process. Someone else has told me that I will definitely need to make a fresh application and will probably have to undertake some form of driving test before a Thai licence can be issued.

To add to the confusion, I've also been advised that I would be better off driving from Phuket, where I am based, to Phang Nga to make the application, as the process is supposedly much quicker and more straightforward there.

I'd be very grateful to hear from anyone who has gone through this process recently, particularly if you have done so in either Phuket or Phang Nga.

How straightforward was the process in practice? What documentation was required? Were any tests involved? And is there any truth to the suggestion that Phang Nga is easier to deal with than Phuket?

Any insights, tips or warnings would be greatly appreciated before I start another round of wandering between government offices trying to work out which version of the story is correct.

Many thanks in advance,

Paul

Applying for your first Thai licence from a UK licence, you will not be required to take the 'full' driving test, as would be the case if you had no licence.

Instead you will be required to watch some short videos, then answer some questions, after which you take 4 mandatory physical tests of colour blindness, peripheral vision, emergency stop and distance awareness tests.

The first licence is a temporary 2 year licence, thereafter they are valid for 5 years.
The expiry dates use your DOB, so it's possible to get almost 3 and 6 years respectively depending on the date of application.

Required documents;
Passport + copy of biodata page
Non O visa + copy

COR (from Immigration) as proof of address)
Medical certificate (obtainable from local clinics)

2 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

To add to the confusion, I've also been advised that I would be better off driving from Phuket, where I am based, to Phang Nga to make the application, as the process is supposedly much quicker and more straightforward there.

I've read as much from local Phuket residents.

Originally, you'd just walk into a DLT Centre with documents and queue your turn.
I renewed my 5 year licence recently in March and the system has now changed, enabling the facility to take the video theory test and answer questions from home, after which it produces a QR code which you print and add to your other documents. Failing that, the theory test can still be taken at any DLT Centre.

Some links:

Main DLT website: https://www.dlt.go.th/en

DLT Smart Queue: https://gecc.dlt.go.th/dltsmartqueue/main
You can take the video theory tests online from this site and book an appointment, although the appointment booking system appears to be temporarily suspended.

I'd ask a moderator to move your topic to the Phuket forum https://aseannow.com/forum/31-phuket/ for more local advice.
I note some topics about the DLT already posted there.

the first 2 year license is 2 years from when u apply
the 5 year permanent u can get nearly 6 years if u do it the day AFTER ur birthday

I just made a appt today using the app to renew my license in phuket, so it works BUT only the 1 day was available

ONLY 1 day was available was Nov 27th
1st date for Phang Nga was Oct 15th
https://gecc.dlt.go.th/dltsmartqueue/main

since ur changing from ur UK to thai

U need sit a 2 hour video, take the stop /reaction and color test (Only these 2 in Phuket) and thats it
you cant do the online video for ur first license

Yuo can risk it an go at 6:30 am an line up at the door and they will give you an appt which will be about 6 weeks out ( from what i have read)

welcome to Thailand

Edited June 1Jun 1 by zzzzz

I suggest you head over to the Department Of Land Transport Office and ask them which requirements they have.