Applying For 1 & 5 Year Thai Driving Licences

[meatboy]

come to think about it 4x 5yr.licences each with a res idents letter[4x500bht=2,000bht] thats a better deal than having to get a yellow book.

Errmmm.. yellow book is free... but if you are happy and everything turn out all right then no plomplem.

totster

freeeeeeeeee,2 witnesses,1 local ++,head of the village,+ + + + +,more than happy

[pilm]

Question:

If one already has a 5 year motorbike license, do they still have to do all the computer tests and everything else if applying for their first 1 year car license??

I would presume everything is the same except for the driving around a course part, but wouldn't be surprised if one has to watch all the videos and do all the multiple choice tests again.

Anyone know what they usually do in such a situation?

[MTH]

Question:

If one already has a 5 year motorbike license, do they still have to do all the computer tests and everything else if applying for their first 1 year car license??

I would presume everything is the same except for the driving around a course part, but wouldn't be surprised if one has to watch all the videos and do all the multiple choice tests again.

Anyone know what they usually do in such a situation?

Yes you assume correctly, you will have to go through the same process as you did getting your initial motorcycle license.

However there are shortcuts. If you’re already in possession of a car license from another country, where it’s clearly stated in English that you’re licensed to drive a car. You can get the Thai license with just the required paperwork and copies of that license. If your car license isn’t in English, you can still do this, but it would require you to be in possession of a valid IDP.

Edited April 18, 2013 by MTH

[Kwasaki]

Question:

If one already has a 5 year motorbike license, do they still have to do all the computer tests and everything else if applying for their first 1 year car license??

I would presume everything is the same except for the driving around a course part, but wouldn't be surprised if one has to watch all the videos and do all the multiple choice tests again.

Anyone know what they usually do in such a situation?

Yep !! you could right, depends on the DLT office where you live, my second 5 year was just watching a trafic movie while waiting to have my photo taken and icense renewal issued.

One year license is temporary, maybe you could say a provisional a 5 year license is a Thai full license as is your second issue.

[DeeMaiDee]

I want to apply for a licence, I have a cert of residence from immigration that is three months old, will the licencing authority accept it as current or will they require a new certificate.

Thanks

[Kwasaki]

I want to apply for a licence, I have a cert of residence from immigration that is three months old, will the licencing authority accept it as current or will they require a new certificate.

Thanks

It depends on what your local DLT decides, I refer to my post back aways on this page.

" I would go along to your local DLT and find out for yourself they are not allowed eat you."

[Khun Watchaporn]

I went to the DoLT at Chatujak in BKK yesterday to get a Car license from scratch. (Already have a 5 yr motosai license, but no current car license from home).

Went with all docs, Monday morning.

Did the physical exams, eyesight etc. Was told the English video will be playing Tuesday and Wednesday morning. So come back then to continue.

Went in this morning (Tuesday) watched one 1 hour video with subtitles, told to come back at 1pm. Came back to watch another 2 hour video with English subtitles. Then at 3pm into the computer testing room. Scored 26/30. I think 23 is a pass. Told to come back tomorrow for the driving practical test.

At 9am, no 8am, yes 8am.

8am?

Yes, 8am.

Didn't think they even opened until 8:30.

No one there was polite or in any way proficient in English.

So two days in, one to go.

[Kwasaki]

I went to the DoLT at Chatujak in BKK yesterday to get a Car license from scratch. (Already have a 5 yr motosai license, but no current car license from home).

Went with all docs, Monday morning.

Did the physical exams, eyesight etc. Was told the English video will be playing Tuesday and Wednesday morning. So come back then to continue.

Went in this morning (Tuesday) watched one 1 hour video with subtitles, told to come back at 1pm. Came back to watch another 2 hour video with English subtitles. Then at 3pm into the computer testing room. Scored 26/30. I think 23 is a pass. Told to come back tomorrow for the driving practical test.

At 9am, no 8am, yes 8am.

8am?

Yes, 8am.

Didn't think they even opened until 8:30.

No one there was polite or in any way proficient in English.

So two days in, one to go.

Well in my experience if they were not polite, I would say you wasn't but anyway, got your license, well done.

Edited April 23, 2013 by Kwasaki

[Khun Watchaporn]

Well in my experience if they were not polite, I would say you wasn't but anyway, got your license, well done.

Odd comment. No I haven't got my license, and no I wasn't impolite.

In fact, I had almost no one on one time with them, they were very impolite dealing with the group of English speakers there to do it in English. Constantly grunting and waving their hand at us... instead of pointing out which room we were to go to. A grunt and throw of the arm then immediately turn their back and walk away while it was clear that almost no one understood what or where we were supposed to go and do.

But this is Thailand, and they are Thais, so being here for years it is expected.

[stevenl]

Well in my experience if they were not polite, I would say you wasn't but anyway, got your license, well done.

Odd comment. No I haven't got my license, and no I wasn't impolite.

In fact, I had almost no one on one time with them, they were very impolite dealing with the group of English speakers there to do it in English. Constantly grunting and waving their hand at us... instead of pointing out which room we were to go to. A grunt and throw of the arm then immediately turn their back and walk away while it was clear that almost no one understood what or where we were supposed to go and do.

But this is Thailand, and they are Thais, so being here for years it is expected.

I would expect that after being here for years you at least speak the language.

[Totster]

... or in any way proficient in English.

How DARE they !!!! That's disgusting.

totster

[Khun Watchaporn]

I would expect that after being here for years you at least speak the language.

I listen far batter than I speak. There wasn't any opportunity though. We were all in a group. They come shout out at us from behind the counter, wave their hand in the direction of a room and grunt.

Went back today for the practical test, it was embarrassing for the Thais. The lady (term used loosely) came down to everyone (I was the only non-Thai in the group today) and grunted ชื่ออะไร ,'Your name?' (for those who can't read Thai) the local would say their name and it would immediately be followed by a 'Uhhhh?' from the nice lady, then they would have to repeat their name again. By the 3rd row most of the Thais were giving her their dissatisfied looks.

Anyway, some failed and were told they couldn't come back to try again until the 29th. 5 days away. Even had it printed out on their slip of paper.

Edited April 24, 2013 by Khun Watchaporn

[cardholder]

A friend just called me from somewhere in Khon Kaen. He went to renew his 5 year licence, armed with residence letter etc.

He was told he needed to have the certificate of residence AND a yellow tabien ban.

Despite knowing that this was not correct he decided he would get a yellow - so of he went.

Later he returned with the yellow book and proudly slapped in the table. The official then told him that they would need to also see the actual owner's yellow book. He duly called his wife over who produced her house book. The officer then told his wife that because the house was built on land owned by her father they would need to see FIL's yellow book.

My friend is not a novice at these things - he has had a Thai driving licence for over 15 years. He is debating on the 3 options:-

1. Get FIL in.

2. Give the obstructive officer a slap.

3. Call 1155 and see what help they are prepared to provide..

[Kwasaki]

A friend just called me from somewhere in Khon Kaen. He went to renew his 5 year licence, armed with residence letter etc.

He was told he needed to have the certificate of residence AND a yellow tabien ban.

Despite knowing that this was not correct he decided he would get a yellow - so of he went.

Later he returned with the yellow book and proudly slapped in the table. The official then told him that they would need to also see the actual owner's yellow book. He duly called his wife over who produced her house book. The officer then told his wife that because the house was built on land owned by her father they would need to see FIL's yellow book.

My friend is not a novice at these things - he has had a Thai driving licence for over 15 years. He is debating on the 3 options:-

1. Get FIL in.

2. Give the obstructive officer a slap.

3. Call 1155 and see what help they are prepared to provide..

No. 2 in private with no witnesses.

Then go back and ask to see the senior manager.

[yabbra]

I just renewed my 5 year Driver's Licence at the Morchit office today so thought I'd give a quick rundown on how it went.

I arrived just after 8:30 armed with these documents,

• Passport
• Old Licence
• Letter of Residence from the Australian Embassy (only 600 Baht!)
• Copies of passport photo, visa, extension and TM6 pages

Went to the information counter on the 2nd floor with all this. The lady told me to write my name on an application form she gave me and then I was sent to counter 17-18. The man there checked all my stuff again and told me to go up to the 3rd floor to do the tests that I had previously done 6 and half years earlier, when I first got the licence. Bumma!

So I go up there and every man and his dog are waiting to do the tests. There is probably 120 or so people in front of me. My number is finally called and I go into this room to do the 4 tests.

1. Colour blindness

2. Pedal reaction

3. Depth perception

4. Peripheral vision

There all straight forward and I get ticked off. Thinking that's it, I'm about to head back down to the 2nd floor when I'm told to go up to the 4th floor. It turns out I have to watch a safety video as well (which I've never had to do before at that office). It started at 10 and dragged on for an incredibly boring hour - did have English subtitles though. When the video finished a lady came in and babbled away for 10 minutes and then everyone had to pay 50 Baht for this road safety book that is written in Thai only.

I was first out the door, grabbed my application and raced back down to the information counter on the 2nd floor. They gave me another ticket for counter 17-18. My number came up quite quickly. I went into the cubicle, paid the fee, got my photo taken and then a new driver's licence was given to me not long after.

11:30 and 3 hours later, I was finally done!

605 Baht for the 5 year licence and 50 Baht for the book. Since my old card had only just expired a couple of days ago I basically got 6 years (5 May 2019) That was a small win I guess. Seems silly to have to go through all that every 5-6 year renewal but probably the case, at that office anyway.

Just for the record, I went by myself and I have limited Thai language skills. Didnt have any problems and there are signs in English. I would say all that is needed is a little patience!

Cheers and good day.

[anon210]

I also renewed my 1 yr license for a 5 yr one this week. It took a whole half-day.

Many farangs were there with guides... but I was one of the few alone. Registering wasn't not really an issue (was not requested a medical certificate), instead it took two different booths to do so. First one gave me the form and checked the copies (passport, VISA page, departure card, last entry stamp and work permit) I brought... second one rechecked it all.

Thereafter I was given a number and had to wait my turn for the exercises. It was actually a joke. Depth and distance were a real issue. Nevertheless, passed that exam. The peripheral vision test were even worst. Not only I could not see the lights without twisting my eyes around... but I could not even distinguish between yellow and red! The examiner kept on repeating the colors orally... and I repeated after him. Should have failed, but passed.

Thereafter came the moment of getting the papers. Long wait, but once done, I asked if I could have my international permit. The lady there told me I had to wait for the expiration of my current 1 yr license! Another farang quite fluent in Thai pointed out the right booth. And obviously I could request the international permit. Another set of copies of passport and work permit and the 5 yr license and 505 thb later, I can drive abroad!

The office I have been to (Suk. 99) does not speak a lot of English but receives a lot of farangs - obviously most with their Thai translator). When you renew a 5-yr license you get to watch an "entertaining " movie about road safety.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Kwasaki]

I also renewed my 1 yr license for a 5 yr one this week. It took a whole half-day.

Many farangs were there with guides... but I was one of the few alone. Registering wasn't not really an issue (was not requested a medical certificate), instead it took two different booths to do so. First one gave me the form and checked the copies (passport, VISA page, departure card, last entry stamp and work permit) I brought... second one rechecked it all.

Thereafter I was given a number and had to wait my turn for the exercises. It was actually a joke. Depth and distance were a real issue. Nevertheless, passed that exam. The peripheral vision test were even worst. Not only I could not see the lights without twisting my eyes around... but I could not even distinguish between yellow and red! The examiner kept on repeating the colors orally... and I repeated after him. Should have failed, but passed.

Thereafter came the moment of getting the papers. Long wait, but once done, I asked if I could have my international permit. The lady there told me I had to wait for the expiration of my current 1 yr license! Another farang quite fluent in Thai pointed out the right booth. And obviously I could request the international permit. Another set of copies of passport and work permit and the 5 yr license and 505 thb later, I can drive abroad!

The office I have been to (Suk. 99) does not speak a lot of English but receives a lot of farangs - obviously most with their Thai translator). When you renew a 5-yr license you get to watch an "entertaining " movie about road safety.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Well you have your Thai 5 year license with an IDP but for others wanting to save a few bob you can drive a car in England UK without a IDP but not a motorbike.

You only have to check with your country of origin or the country you want to drive in to know if you need a IDP.

[griffinz]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

[stevenl]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

Thai DL.

[Kwasaki]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

[Totster]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

[stevenl]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

No, you don't need an IDP in Thailand. Please check the many discussions here on the subject.

[Kwasaki]

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

Well technically maybe at one time but as Stevie said I think you find I am right about the IDP no need for a IDP with a UK license in Thailand because written in English and the Thailand license has English as well as Thai of course.

[TRASHE]

Dear All,

Where does one find all the traffic rules and regs for Thailand? My cousin is taking the exam in a couple of weeks and she wants to read up on it.

Thanks

[siam58]

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

Well technically maybe at one time but as Stevie said I think you find I am right about the IDP no need for a IDP with a UK license in Thailand because written in English and the Thailand license has English as well as Thai of course.

I assume that if the original DL is from Germany (written only in German) then the International Drivers License is needed. The German one needs not to be translated into Thai, right? The International one will suffice?

[Totster]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

No, you don't need an IDP in Thailand. Please check the many discussions here on the subject.

Why don't you be a good fellow and re-read my post, and while you are at it stop misleading people.

totster

[stevenl]

hi all

i currenttly live in Rayong travel back to the Uk every three weeks to work offshore for two weeks then back lol.im buying a toyota vigo next week ,what do i need to drive there,i have a full uk licence.cheers all peter.

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

No, you don't need an IDP in Thailand. Please check the many discussions here on the subject.

Why don't you be a good fellow and re-read my post, and while you are at it stop misleading people.

totster

Naw, just read what has been written about thisd and stop writing 'IDP is technically required', when it is not for a vast majority of people.

[Totster]

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

No, you don't need an IDP in Thailand. Please check the many discussions here on the subject.

Why don't you be a good fellow and re-read my post, and while you are at it stop misleading people.

totster

Naw, just read what has been written about thisd and stop writing 'IDP is technically required', when it is not for a vast majority of people.

Now c'mon Steve, don't be a narky little so and so, let's not quibble over a trivial point (I'll overlook that you contradicted yourself in your last statement). We both know that a requirement in Thailand does not necessarily mean it is needed.

The point however is that I prefer to make sure others know the complete and correct information which they can then use to decide whether to use or not based on what they have read. It's surely got to be better than taking as gospel what some nutcracker has said his experience has been.

It's my attention to crossing the t's and dotting the i's that ensures I always have a positive experience when dealing with Thai bureaucracy, in and out with minimum fuss and no coming Thaivisa crying because I didn't take the correct paperwork...

Back to the IDP - well, the worst that can happen when applying for a DL without it is that you may have to to the tests rather than just being issued your license, and for the princely sum of £5.50 for the IDP.. well it's a no brainer (no dig intended btw Steve)

One wonders what the Insurance company's stance is on the IDP, as we all know they delight in using technicalities to renege on paying, certainly worth a dotted i and a crossed t I should say !

totster

Edited May 18, 2013 by Totster

[anon210]

Dear All,

 

Where does one find all the traffic rules and regs for Thailand? My cousin is taking the exam in a couple of weeks and she wants to read up on it. 

 

Thanks

Just do a research on "highway code" on this forum. I think you will find a thread where posters placed a copy of the highway code.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Kwasaki]

This is an old red herring, and been kicked around so many times, always best to get a Thai driving license when driving in Thailand and easier enough to do if you have a full UK one.

Anyway, can drive with a full Uk license DL it is valid up to 90 days in Thailand from point of entry, don't know how they count the days here though after that 90 days you will have to get a Thai one.

In 1 year I would guess they would count that 4 x 21 days is 85 days.

Well, not technically true.

You will need an IDP to be legal with your UK license... will it matter ? Possibly, depending on who stops you, realistically it'll cost 100bt and a nice smile if you get stopped.

Insurance ? Don't expect to get any payout using a UK license, you'll be on yer own!

totster

Well technically maybe at one time but as Stevie said I think you find I am right about the IDP no need for a IDP with a UK license in Thailand because written in English and the Thailand license has English as well as Thai of course.

I assume that if the original DL is from Germany (written only in German) then the International Drivers License is needed. The German one needs not to be translated into Thai, right? The International one will suffice?

Yes you will need an IDP and the IDP will have all your entitlements in English which is sufficient for Thailand.

The IDP will have your picture on it which is a requirement if your original license does not.

You can drive in Thailand with your german license and IDP for up to 90 days but only on a tourist visa.

If you have a non-immigrant visa you will need to get a Thai driving license from your nearest DLT office.

It is always best to get a Thai DL if you stay and are driving in Thailand for a long time anyway as always and many people don't check it, make sure your insurance company honours the policy if the vehicle is driven by someone with a foreign license as some of them do not.