5 Year Thai Driving Licence Renewal

[denboy]

I am that there are several posts on the 5 year licence renewal topic, however I thought I would give you my the latest experience of today the 19th Jan 2009.

I reached the ripe old farts age of 70 on the 17th of this month which cpincides with my 5 year licence renewal. Wether the 70 years of age has any bearing I am not sure but I will reiterate my half days outing.

I arrived at the government driving centre on the outskirts of Patttya at 1pm to coincide with the end of their lunch break.

The layout and format has changed somewhat from my latter renewal.

You go up the stairs on the right hand side of the entrance and enter a large room. On the right hand side their is a desk where you must first fill out a small form stating what it is you require (ie car, motorbike licence). It is better to fill out thiss form before joining the queue. Iwas there promptly at 1pm but I was still about 40th in the queue.

Ticket number 142 was flashing when I wntered and I recieved ticket number 183.

Tje lady at the desk will check all your docs before issueing you a ticket

Docs needed:

1 Letter of residence from Jontiem, not more than 30 days old

2 Medical certificate from doctor/Hospital,

3 face page passport, signed copy.

4 Last entry date, signed copy.

5 Tm7 signed copy.

6 Visa page signed copy.

If that is in order you sit around waiting for your number to come up on the flashing board. They are actually quite quick as it took about 1 hour to reach my number of 183. So don't wander to far as they will not come looking for you.

When you number comes up, you report to desk number 1 and hand your paers to the lady sitting there, she will tell to sit down and list for your nme being called.

You have to be attentive as the room is full of people chattering away ( chicken farm style).

A lady sitting behind the front desks and behind a shoulder high partition will shout out you name and invite you to her area.

Now the testing begins. Yes one thinks why do I need a test for a renewal.

First. of colour blind test, a simple chart where th colours are indicated with a long pointer for you to identify.

Second. A colour blind periphery test is done.

Third. A reaction test, this entails moving your foot from the gas pedal to the brake in a given time. Now this test can be a little arkward as I found out. You are sitting on a staight back chair with the pedals horizontal on the floor. On the first try I snagged my sandal on the pedal and failed at which time the lady screamed, one more try or come back tomorrow. I found it very easy by taking of my shoe for the second attempt so take note.

Forth. You have to line up two post at 90 degrees with a remote from about 3mts distance. There again you only get two chances.

Having got through that I thought that would be it, well imagine my dismay when she said. Now you sit down and read book on road signs for one hour.

Now I am talking about a licence renewal and aftet 50 years of driving all over the world I kind of felt insulted, but what to do but grin amd bear it.

Whilst I was sitting reading I was observing other Farangs ( no Thai) taking the same tests. Some had difficulty with the colour test but where assisted through it ( no more to say)

I also noticed that not all falngs had to sit and read the road sign book. Now I was wondering is that because I am 70 years old or what?.

Anyway after one hour my name was called by the guy taking the computerised photos. I paid my fees had my photo taken and given my licences 10 minutes later.

There where only 3 people left waiting when I exited at 3.30pm.

So a total of 2.5 hours which is not to bad to endure.

Car licence 500 baht

Motorbike licence 250 baht

Plus 200 baht I presume for the new style licence

A further 20 bht for plastic wallets.

Note you need a complete set of docs for each licence you apply for.

I hope somone finds this useful in the future. Remember this is Thailand, take it easy, go with the flow and don't get agitated or you will hear the magic words

COME BACK TOMORROW

Cheers

[Asianrider]

thanks for posting this up-to-date info,

doing mine shortly !

[frodo77]

I received my first 5 year car licence last week in Pattaya and my experience was a little different. Line up to get documents checked and get a number. Go to desk 2 when number flashed, give documents and pay 605 baht. Sit down and wait for your name to be called by lady at desk behind desk 2. Photo taken and sit down again. Same lady calls you, pay another 10 baht and receive licence. Whole process about 30 minutes. I had done all the tests last year to receive my 1 year licence.

[davyboy]

Today I renewed my 5 year driving licenses for both car and m/cycle in Nakon Sawan, 2 days after they ran out, (expired 28 Jan 2009). No problems at all.

As I was leaving the office I was reading my new style cards, and to my surprise (pleasant one), I saw that I have now licenses for 2 days short of 6 years. ( expires on 28 Jan 2015)

[barryofthailand]

I have five yr license,and both good for six yrs. depends when your birthday is, as both expire on my birthday.

Barry

[BEDBANDIT]

good info . thanks

Can anyone tell me if just pay the 200 b and get a new style licence , i have a 5 year one now , but the old paper one ?

or have i got to go through the whole process again

[alibaba123]

Hi:

Your information is useful. However, as I´m not too familiar with Thai ways, I need some clarification:

1. Do you get the letter of residence at Immigration in soi 5, Jomtien, and if so, what is required to get it?

2. When you say "signed copy" in nos. 3-6, signed by whom?

3. What is Tm7?

4. Do you need two original doctor´s certificates if you are applying for both car and bike licence?

Thanks in advance,

Valdimar

[Langsuan Man]

Hi:

Your information is useful. However, as I´m not too familiar with Thai ways, I need some clarification:

1. Do you get the letter of residence at Immigration in soi 5, Jomtien, and if so, what is required to get it?

2. When you say "signed copy" in nos. 3-6, signed by whom?

3. What is Tm7?

4. Do you need two original doctor´s certificates if you are applying for both car and bike licence?

Thanks in advance,

Valdimar

1. Yes you can get the "residence certificate" at Jomtien Immigration, all they want is a copy of your Passport face page and your entry stamp and some type of utility bill or lease showing where you live, and fill out their form, and the fee, which I think is either 300 or 500 THB

2. You sign the copy, like most places in Thailand they want a copy that is signed by you

3. TM 7, is your 90 day check in paper that is attached to the back of your passport after you do your 90 day checkin at Immigration

4. Only one "original" copy of the Medical Certificate is required BUT you may have to provide additional copies since Thais love paper