I’ve been living in Thailand for just over 2 years. When I first arrived, I was on an OA retirement visa and obtained a 2-year temporary Thai driver’s licence. A couple of months ago, I switched to a 5-year DTV visa. Today, I went to the DLT in Pran Buri to renew my car and motorcycle licences and expected to receive 5-year licences. Instead, I was issued new 2-year temporary licences. The officer explained that eligibility for a 5-year licence is based on the validity of your current permission to stay, not the validity of the visa itself. Although my DTV is valid for 5 years, my current entry stamp only runs until mid-September, so they would only issue a 2-year licence.

Renewing every 2 years isn’t a major concern, but my understanding is that a 2-year temporary licence may create problems for:

• Obtaining a Thai IDP (International Driving Permit)

• Temporarily exporting a Thai-registered motorcycle

• Riding legally in Malaysia, Singapore, and other neighbouring countries

I had hoped to take my bike on a road trip to Singapore later this year, so I’m trying to understand the real-world implications.

A few questions:

1. Has anyone on a DTV visa been able to obtain a 5-year Thai driver’s licence?

2. Has anyone successfully upgraded from a 2-year licence to a 5-year licence without waiting for the next renewal?

3. Has anyone temporarily exported a Thai-registered motorcycle while holding only a 2-year Thai licence?

4. Has anyone ridden in Malaysia or Singapore using only a 2-year Thai licence? Any issues with police, insurance, customs, or border crossings?

Any first-hand experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

1. As a DTV visa is officially a tourist visa most DLT offices will not issue a full 5 year DL.

2. Do you mean to upgrade to a 5 year full license before your 2 year DL is expired or close to expiring, If so then no you cannot to that.

3. Don't know.

4. You can not use your 2 year temporary DL to drive in Malaysia as it is not a full license.

I also heard for DTV visa they only give 2 year licence..., it doesn't matter what entry or expiry stamp is on the passport, it's the type of visa that is important...