Applying For 1 & 5 Year Thai Driving Licences

[leemond]

Hi

Could you tell me what is the permitted amount of time allowed between renewing a one year and a 5 year licence, also is a person still considered a legal driver (albeit with full insurance) during this period?.

Many thanks in advance

L

[bangkokrick]

Obtaining a 1 Year Licence

What you need is:

1. Passport with a non-immigrant visa

2. Photos for each licence you intend to apply for

3. Medical certificate, from any small clinic - costs about 100 baht

4. Letter from Immigration confirming your address in the area. Just bring your rental agreement alt. house book (if you own your own home) with you.

5. 105 baht for car licence / 55 baht for motorbike - valid 1 year.

It is best if you already have an International Driving Permit,

otherwise you will have to take a written test and a driving test,

in you own vehicle.

After the first year you will be entitled to a licence for 5 years.

Once you have a Thai licence you can also use it to obtain an International Driving Permit.

It seem that these can only be issued it the Morchit Office, in Bangkok,

not at local offices, which is a shame.

Update.

I made an application for a Thai car and motorbike license at the Bangjak, Prakhanong Land transport office yesterday.

I took the folowing documents:

1. Passport with a non-immigrant B visa

2. Photos for each licence you intend to apply for. (Got them taken in the office 70 Baht)

4. Letter from Immigration confirming your address in the area.

5. 145 Baht for both - valid 1 year.

I did not take a medical certificate and although it stated on the English instruction board that one was required. I was never asked for one.

IMPORTANT: Take a Thai or very good Thai speaker as i would not have got passed that application desk without my Thai wife. The level of English is not good to say the least.

I had to take the standard 4 vision tests. 3 of which i completed easily but i could not understand what was required in the 4th 'depth of vision test. At this point you have to do the tests alone, so no help from the wife.

I managed to muddle through with the kind help of two young Thai guys that were behind me in the queue and passed all 4 tests.

That was it no written or driving rquired and i am now the proud owner of two licenses.

If you need more info mail me.

Cheers Rick

[Briggsy]

Just got my 1 year licence (motorbike) today from the Dept of Land Transport, Phahon Yothin Road (opposite Jatujak).

The following documents were required in my case

1. Passport showing current non-immigrant visa.

1a. Photocopies of the details page and the page showing current non-immigrant visa.

2. International Driving Permit.

2a. Photocopies of the front cover and the page showing the categories each with the back flap unfolded.

3. Work Permit.

3a. Full copy of the work permit.

4. Health Certificate

5. 2 Photos.

6. 55 Baht

Notes

Photocopying and laminating services are available at nominal prices.

Health Certificates are available at any clinic for 100 Baht.

Please note the "embassy letter" or its alternative, "the certificate of residency", were not required.

I first went to Building 4 which deals with driving licences and then went to the second floor. The receptionist checked my documents and told me to go and photocopy the visa page and the driving permit which I had not photocopied in advance. She noted I had not brought my original work permit, only a copy and decided to let the application proceed. She organised my papers. She told me to go round the corner to counter 15.

At counter 15, they also asked for my original work permit. They suggested I send a messenger to my office to go and pick it up. After consultation, they allowed the application to proceed with just a copy of the work permit. I waited here for 5 minutes and was then sent up to the fourth floor for the eye-test.

Up on the fourth floor was fun and games. There are 3 rooms helpfully labelled 1,2 and 3. In room 1, one is tested for colour blindness. The official points to green, red and yellow circles. The applicant stands behind a line and calls out the colours. So far so good. In room 2, the applicant is tested for reaction time and judging distances. There are two tests. The first one only uses the right foot. One presses an accelerator, a green light appears and when the red light comes on the applicant must use his right foot to tread on the brake pedal. If this is not done within 0.75 seconds, he fails. The second test uses 2 buttons to move a rod. The applicant must judge when the moveable pole is level with a fixed pole. When he is satisfied, he puts his hand up. The official in this room was very exasperated when the applicants, all Thai except me, did not understand the instructions. I always find it very nerve-wracking when government officials become harassed. If you get the chance to practise this section before you go, it may make things go more smoothly. In the third room, your peripheral vision is tested. The only difficulty is the yellow is quite dark and resembles green. The green is quite clearly a dark green. Having successfully got through the 3 tests, the applicant proceeds to the desk at the top of the stairs, still on the fourth floor. And is then directed back to the second floor, counter 15.

Back on the second floor, after paying the appropriate fee, in my case 55 Baht, the licence is issued after a 3-minute wait. I went straight to the laminating desk on the same floor and for 10 Baht, got the licence laminated.

Then, with a sigh of relief, I was able to go with my new licence in my hand.

I hope this is useful. For me, the fact that the embassy letter was not required was an interesting development.

[madjbs]

Your work permit was used instead of a embassy letter.

Jake

p.s Has anyone been to the Taling Chan transport department office? I was hoping it might not be as busy as the head office.

Edited July 5, 2007 by madjbs

[Thanh-BKK]

Hello

I've gotmy first thai driving licenses (car and motorbike) today at the Transportation Department at Sukhumvit Road (opposite the Soi 62).

My requirements were:

- Two photos for each license, size "1x1 inch"

- Photocopy of first passport page (one for each license)

- Photocopy of non-immigrant visa (one for each license)

- Photocopy of the page that shows the last entry stamp (one for each license)

- Medical certificate (obtained at small clinic in Bangna near my home), ONE FOR EACH LICENSE AND NO PHOTOCOPY! 50 Baht/each.

- Letter from embassy verifying my address (got that by showing a single letter addressed to me at the embassy), 920 Baht. Photocopy ok for 2nd license.

- Full translation of my local (german) driving license into thai language (photocopy ok for 2nd license, however that photocopy had, like the original, to be verified by the embassy!) 1.200 Baht for the translation (Goethe Institute), 450 Baht verification/original, 250 Baht verification/photocopy.

- Passport original

- German license original

Was at the place at 9 am, done with the paperwork by 9.25 (nobody spoke english at all! No help there). Then waiting for the tests which started at 11!

1st test: They pointed out green, red and yellow dots on a board. Yell the correct colour 5-6 times, pass.

2nd test: A mock-up gas and brake pedal. Sit on a chair, look at the box some 5 meters away. Step on the "gas" as long as the green light is on, if the red one comes on, step on the "brake". Reaction time is measured (and i was by far the quickest). Pass.

3rd test: Sit on a bench and stare at a yellow coloured sticker on the device. On the left and right side are additional dots that can be green, red and yellow depending what buttons the assistants press. Tell the correct colour (either left or right). I failed that one! Reason: The frame of my glasses obstructed the view... stupid. Had to go to the end of the que (some 30.000 people) to try again, this time without glasses - passed with no problems, but 45 minutes wasted for queing up again.

4th test: Sit on a bench, with a remote control Look into a fairly small box some 5 meters away in which there are two sticks, one that can move back and forward. The assistant will place it randomly, use the remote to get the two sticks lined up side-by-side. Do that twice and pass.

Then get a number and que up again. Another hour later i got my two licenses, 55 Baht/motorbike, 105 Baht/car. Laminating was done for 20 Baht each right there too.

Now my colleague told me that any thai insurance firm will STILL refuse to pay, should i cause an accident, during the first year that i am holding a thai license. IS THAT SO??? Then what would be the point of having a license in first place??? Cops are usually quite happy when i show my German one, they probably know it takes months of practical and theoretical training and thousands of Euros to obtain one such

Kind regards.....

Thanh

[DFCarlson]

If I already have a Thai license for autos, and want to to return to the same LTO to get a motorcycle license, do I have to start from the very beginning again or is there some advantage? My first one year Thai automobile driver's license was issued on June 14, 2550 in Chiang Kham.

For instance, will they take my address from the car license or will I have to go back to the embassy for another address statement? Do I have to get a new medical statement? Will I have to repeat the written (computer) test and the tests for reaction time, color blindness, etc.? I know I will still have to do the driving test for a motorcycle which is different, and will have to bring two more photos.

What will I need to bring with me when I return to the LTO?

[bazmlb]

Renewed my licenses (car and motorbike) today

Both licenses expired about 2 weeks ago

Went with the following :

1. Expired license

2. got copies at copy shop across the road of passport and 1 year extension page (both signed)

3. got work permit also copied

4. Two ID pictures

5: Medical certificate (200 baht)

Filled in form, was issued both licenses within 40 minutes

Cost860 baht for both car and motorbike + 20 baht each to have them both laminated

Did the application in Pattaya

[Filer]

I've heard in one or two places that 5 year renewal licenses for expats are going to be phased out and that there will be only 1 year licenses in future. I can't see anything about this in this thread. Anybody have any news on this?

[DMG333]

I've heard in one or two places that 5 year renewal licenses for expats are going to be phased out and that there will be only 1 year licenses in future. I can't see anything about this in this thread. Anybody have any news on this?

heard on the morning 2 days ago that they are changing the Thai license into one that contain digital photo and microchip.....so they going "digital"

[fruit]

I just got my licence, and I can confirm that effective today they have upgraded to the new "digital" photo licence, however there is no microchip. The rules and tests are all the same as before and as posted by the OP. The only changes I can tell are that (a) you don't need photos as they will take them for you, and ( the fee has increased to 160baht.

The lady I spoke with said I would be eligible for a 5 year licence upon expiry of my current licence, so no changes in that regard (yet).

Cheers,

I've heard in one or two places that 5 year renewal licenses for expats are going to be phased out and that there will be only 1 year licenses in future. I can't see anything about this in this thread. Anybody have any news on this?

heard on the morning 2 days ago that they are changing the Thai license into one that contain digital photo and microchip.....so they going "digital"

[moneyshot]

Does it matter what time you apply for the licence?

Will they still give you the tests (not practical) in the afternoon?

[fruit]

I should correct that I got both a car and motorcycle licence (2 seperate cards) which cost 360b in total, so actually am not sure what the price differential is now between the 2...

[PeaceBlondie]

You might double check the expiry date of your one year license. We were going through my wallet today for other reasons and my partner said, "Both these licenses expired two days ago!" So we'll be off to get renewal on Monday...or maybe Tuesday.

First, I guess I need to get a medical cert (easy to get tomorrow), and go to immigration in Chiang Mai on Monday. Those folks in the left building in CMai have always been good, so I guess they'll give me one or two residence certs, again (I'll bring my lease, which technically was only for a year, plus month to month, and I'm still here). Also, my embassy certification of pension income states my address, as of last October.

Assuming I'll also bring my passport with all kinds of photocopies of applicable pages, and we have lots of correct size photos left from last year, do you think that should do it?

[fruit]

You won't need to bother with the medical certificate this time round! Also you don't need photos as they have cameras on the desk to take photos now. They have a photocopy desk who will copy pages for you at 1baht per page too.

All in all should be a breeze for you now that you have had the initial licence for 1 year already.

[ignis]

You might double check the expiry date of your one year license. We were going through my wallet today for other reasons and my partner said, "Both these licenses expired two days ago!" So we'll be off to get renewal on Monday...or maybe Tuesday.

First, I guess I need to get a medical cert (easy to get tomorrow), and go to immigration in Chiang Mai on Monday. Those folks in the left building in CMai have always been good, so I guess they'll give me one or two residence certs, again (I'll bring my lease, which technically was only for a year, plus month to month, and I'm still here). Also, my embassy certification of pension income states my address, as of last October.

Assuming I'll also bring my passport with all kinds of photocopies of applicable pages, and we have lots of correct size photos left from last year, do you think that should do it?

Don't understand this Letter from my embassy address certification....... when i renewed my 5 year car license I took a letter from the local Junta, in the town hall........ FREE

Anyway you have your 90 day reporting slip in your passport which is proof of address... already stamped by Immergration

[gmac]

Obtaining a 1 Year Licence

What you need is:

1. Passport with a non-immigrant visa

2. Photos for each licence you intend to apply for

3. Medical certificate, from any small clinic - costs about 100 baht

4. Letter from Immigration confirming your address in the area. Just bring your rental agreement alt. house book (if you own your own home) with you.

5. 105 baht for car licence / 55 baht for motorbike - valid 1 year.

It is best if you already have an International Driving Permit,

otherwise you will have to take a written test and a driving test,

in you own vehicle.

After the first year you will be entitled to a licence for 5 years.

Once you have a Thai licence you can also use it to obtain an International Driving Permit.

It seem that these can only be issued it the Morchit Office, in Bangkok,

not at local offices, which is a shame.

I have 5 year m/c and car licences but since the time I obtained them 2/3 years ago my details have changed i.e. address, passport number - this is in addition to the incorrect spelling of my first Christian name and a 3 year error in my date of birth made by the local (Pattaya) office. It it necessary to notify a change of address and if so does anyone know the procedure.

Thanks

gmac

[PeaceBlondie]

You won't need to bother with the medical certificate this time round! Also you don't need photos as they have cameras on the desk to take photos now. They have a photocopy desk who will copy pages for you at 1baht per page too.

All in all should be a breeze for you now that you have had the initial licence for 1 year already.

Oh yeah, it should be a breeze, but this is bureaucracy and this is Thailand.

I left the house at 8:45 to go to Immigration to get my residency certificate. Took wrong turn for 'shortcut' and got lost. Found Inmigration after two detours and 4 U-turns, and they would not accept last year's annual lease, which contained a paragraph #9 in English saying it automatically renews. Back home to call the landlady, who wants me to fax her the old lease contract. Forgot my passport and went to fax shop in town. Then landlady calls me and says fine, now just go back to Immigracion. Four U-turns later I return to Imigration and this time don't need to run in circles to park the bike. Four phone calls later, they say okay, but where's your passport? I run home again and this time go back to Immigracion by the usual shortcut. Big problem parking, and bike almost gets hit by huge falling tree branch. Inside, perhaps because my incredibly rich landlady is married to a police general, there's no problem, no charge, and I have my residency certificate. Only had to stand in one queue for photocopies.

I go home, smelling like overly ripe cabbage, and take a cold shower. Partner arrives home and insists we go to the DL office now. We jump on his chopper, and partner goes by a real shortcut that really is short. One U-turn later, we arrive at DL office and stand in the photocopy queue. The DL folks say no, we have to have the extra special peripheral eye exam that's required for monocular commoners. We go home, call the only place in Chiang Mai that gives the test to commoners, and they say go to the queue for the ophthalmologist (spell that!!) who will send me to the examiner. So, tune in tomorrow. I'm knackered, and think inmigracion is a word in Thai or Burmese. Maybe I'll renew my license in the next one or two days and 9 U-turns.

[tutsiwarrior]

does a certificate of residence from the US embassy have to be translated into Thai before it is presented with a driver's license application? What is required by the embassy for them to issue the cert. of residence?...thanks

[PeaceBlondie]

tutsi, I got my residency certificate FREE at my local immigration office. That's cheap! But perhaps some local immigration offices don't grant them.

[maprao]

I heard there is a new law. In the future everybody (thai and farrang) are only allowed to get issued 1 year driving license.

Furthermore the renewal has to be done before the driving license expires. Or the whole test has to be taken again.

This is suposed to be a new law. I am confused....

One little quirk here.

You need to let the first one year licence expire by one day before you can get the 5 year.

The rules say you must have had a one year licence for more than one

year to qualify, and this is the Thai way of dealing with the rule.

Follow the instructions here. I did took 20 minutes!

http://driving.information.in.th/extending...rs-license.html

[tutsiwarrior]

tutsi, I got my residency certificate FREE at my local immigration office. That's cheap! But perhaps some local immigration offices don't grant them.

PB...what documentation did you have to show the immigration folks to get your residency certificate?

[PeaceBlondie]

tutsi, I got my residency certificate FREE at my local immigration office. That's cheap! But perhaps some local immigration offices don't grant them.

PB...what documentation did you have to show the immigration folks to get your residency certificate?

It's posted right on the counter when you go into the Chiang Mai office. I showed them my original passport, copies of my entry visa into Thailand, its most recent extension, and my most recent (reentry permitted) entry card, and the photo page of the passport. Then I showed my rental contract (which had to be updated as current; mine had expired), my landlady's Thai ID (photocopy). That was about all. However, the list on the counter stresses that they only give these certs to long term residents, such as O and B visas, not to tourists. Of course, every office is different.

[tutsiwarrior]

tutsi, I got my residency certificate FREE at my local immigration office. That's cheap! But perhaps some local immigration offices don't grant them.

PB...what documentation did you have to show the immigration folks to get your residency certificate?

It's posted right on the counter when you go into the Chiang Mai office. I showed them my original passport, copies of my entry visa into Thailand, its most recent extension, and my most recent (reentry permitted) entry card, and the photo page of the passport. Then I showed my rental contract (which had to be updated as current; mine had expired), my landlady's Thai ID (photocopy). That was about all. However, the list on the counter stresses that they only give these certs to long term residents, such as O and B visas, not to tourists. Of course, every office is different.

I wonder if house registration in the wife's name, marriage cert. and wifes ID card will suffice? I've got correspondence sent to my Suphanburi P.O. box but nothing that demonstrates that I live at my street address. Will probably go thru contortions to get a thai certificate later to have the licensing people demand a letter from the US embassy...

[maprao]

does a certificate of residence from the US embassy have to be translated into Thai before it is presented with a driver's license application? What is required by the embassy for them to issue the cert. of residence?...thanks

No it does not need to be translated into Thai. At the USA embassy you sign an Affidavit pay the fees and wait for the document.

[PeaceBlondie]

One week later, four trips to the hospital for the eye exams, and 1,686 baht later, I have my two licenses for 5 years. I had to watch an English language video for about 45 minutes, take more color and visual tests, etc. (as if an ophthalmologist's certification wasn't good enough). Nice people, though.

[marquess]

Having spent all day going from pillar to post, ie from Immigration at the Novotel to Suan Phu, and and having paid my 2k for not reporting on time; and being told by the woman upstairs that once I had done that I could get the letter confirming my address. Then being told that I will have to wait for a month once I went back, is there an alternative immigration place to go to get the address confirmation? I am in the Don Muang area. Moreover are there any insurarers who will pay on on a full UK licence?

[Crossy]

The least hassle way to the residence document is the British embassy, not cheap though (about 25 Quid), to be quite honest, it's money well spent for a stress free job.

Your UK licence is not a valid driving document in Thailand without an IDP so any insurer will be quite happy to use that as an excuse not to cough up. The good news is that the Land Transport Office at Mo Chit will issue you a Thai licence with no IDP and no driving test

Edited October 23, 2007 by Maestro

[ElectricNorth]

Went to Nakhon Sawan office this morning. Took letter from immigration, passport, IDL, letter from Doctor, 2 photos and I was done in little over an hour. Man at the desk photocopied everything and got me to sign the copies.

Had to take the colour blindness test, reaction test and the peripheral vision test. All that was done in 5 minutes.

Happy new licence for 1 year... yippee.

Edited August 29, 2007 by ElectricNorth

[ElectricNorth]

I thought I would add this link to the pinned topic. Where to apply

Tis, I think that link maybe needs updating. When the g/f called some of the numbers listed for Nakhon Sawan this morning, they were peoples home numbers. They were not best pleased at receiving calls with regard to DOT information.

Not sure if it is the same situation for other areas or not.

In the end the g/f phoned the head office in BKK and got the correct local number and all went smoothly after that.

[brizzle]

If I am allowed to drive on a UK or IDP for up to 3 months on each visit to Thailand and my non immigrant O visa forces me to leave the country within each 3 month stay then what is the problem?

On each return to Thailand am I not able to start another 3 month driving licence allowance?

I'm sure there must be a catch or some Thai driving law small print prohibiting this but please someone tell me what it is!

Many thanks.