DLT Drops Color Vision, Brake-Reaction Tests for Many License Renewals

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has removed color vision tests for all driver’s license renewals and waived brake-reaction tests for drivers aged 55 or younger whose licenses have been expired for less than one year.

Under the revised rules, color vision testing is now required only for first-time applicants.

Eligible renewal applicants will only need to complete peripheral vision and depth perception tests.

Drivers over 55, as well as those renewing licenses that have been expired for more than one year, must continue to take the brake-reaction, peripheral vision and depth perception tests.

The DLT said the changes are aimed at reducing processing time and easing the renewal process for drivers with suitable physical fitness.

The agency is also continuing development of an online license renewal system, which has been delayed pending integration of electronic medical certificate data with the Ministry of Public Health’s system.

Worth changing the title to for 55 and under

56 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Worth changing the title to for 55 and under

Why? It's accurate as it is.

1 hour ago, Upnotover said:

Why? It's accurate as it is.

You're right, that's different to what i read elsewhere

6 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

DLT Drops Color Vision, Brake-Reaction Tests for Many License Renewals

Well that gets a green/Red light from me.

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Well that gets a green/Red light from me.

As I've really struggled to get through the colourblindness test twice (I'm colourblind), this is very welcome news for me.🫡

6 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

As I've really struggled to get through the colourblindness test twice (I'm colourblind), this is very welcome news for me.🫡

Your age, is under 55 ?

20 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Your age, is under 55 ?

No.

10 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

No.

You sheet outta luck then.... colour blind test for you!

3 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

You sheet outta luck then.... colour blind test for you!

Under the revised rules, color vision testing is now required only for first-time applicants. Copied from the news article in the opening post.

I am not a first-time applicant, but a renewal of 5 year licence.

6 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Under the revised rules, color vision testing is now required only for first-time applicants. Copied from the news article in the opening post.

I am not a first-time applicant, but a renewal of 5 year licence.

Me thinks you may suffer more than a colour vision issue.

10 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Me thinks you may suffer more than a colour vision issue.

From the Nation article 'DLT eases 2026 driving licence renewal rules'

The new rules will remove colour-vision tests for driving licence renewals and waive the foot-reaction, or brake-response, test for some drivers. The changes are aimed at reducing procedures and making services more convenient for the public.

Color-vision test scrapped for renewals

Drivers renewing their licenses will no longer be required to take the colour-vision test.

The test will now be required only for first-time driving license applicants.

Brake-reaction test waived for some drivers

Drivers aged 55 or under whose driving licenses have expired by no more than one year will be exempt from the foot-reaction, or brake-response, test.

They will be required to take only the peripheral vision and depth perception tests.

Drivers over 55 must still take brake-reaction test

Despite the relaxed rules, the DLT said road safety remains a priority.

Drivers aged over 55 will still be required to undergo the foot-reaction test, along with peripheral vision and depth perception tests. Officials will check applicants' age details carefully during the renewal process.

11 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Me thinks you may suffer more than a colour vision issue.

two different things;

has removed color vision tests for all driver’s license renewals

and waived brake-reaction tests for drivers aged 55 or younger whose licenses have been expired for less than one year.

Maybe the long-term plan is to move renewals online.

Depth perception test is where I struggle. don't know why, always have. I have 5 years left though on the licence.

I did the renewal last week for both licences. I did the depth perception, brake reaction and peripheral vision tests. No colour vision test. I'm over 55.

When doing the brake reaction test I was asked to be more gentle with the pedal because I was using exactly the same reaction I would use in an emergency brake situation. I ignored them because if I was less immediate my score wouldn't have been so good.

Has anyone else noticed the depth perception rods align halfway along the extent of travel? You can get in the right ballpark quickly by counting how long it takes to move from one end to the other then moving from one end for half that time. Also, the light is offset so the Illumination should be expected to be uneven on both rods. Have a close look at the machine before the test to see this.

Edited June 18Jun 18 by IsaanT

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

Maybe the long-term plan is to move renewals online.

........ and once established, continue and make the initial driving test also online, or permit the use of an autonomous vehicle......

I failed my first color test bc the machine was so old that the yellow light was already orange and I interpreted wrong and pressed red. Explaining it, caused that all people in the queue were laughing 🤣 I finally was able to try it again!

6 hours ago, Upnotover said:

two different things;

has removed color vision tests for all driver’s license renewals

and waived brake-reaction tests for drivers aged 55 or younger whose licenses have been expired for less than one year.

I renewed my 5 year license on 8th June on Samui and had to do all the tests including the colour test. (72 years).

Also the ishihara test was part of the medical.

22 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Well that gets a green/Red light from me.

It produces a gray light for me... :(

If you look at a Roadrunner's eyes you will see the problem we have with the peripheral vision test. I also cannot pass the depth of field test, I swear that machine is inaccurate. Naturally I also have problems obtaining glasses....... anyone know a good optician in Pattaya?

IsaanT reported above that he did a renewal and "No colour vision test. I'm over 55".

Has anyone else over 55 renewed their licence (since the DLTs mid-June announcement) and they didn't have to do a colour vision test?