Is it possible to get the Thai Driver’s license and International Permit in Bangkok even with a personal Chonburi address, or does this have to be done in Chonburi? The reason being that Chonburi takes a few days to issue the International Permit, whereas Chatuchak Dept of Land Transport can issue it in a few minutes. Also, I have the same question for the Thai license, as Chatuchak seems more efficient for getting this done as well.

Thanks for advice

I´ve done it recently in Pattaya. It takes you a whole day. Testing colour blindness, reaction speed, testing theory (rules) by using computers (English language) and driving test. I found it efficient. I needed a whole day, cause most of the time you are just waiting, cause there were so many other costumers. I think, having many working place at computer (about 20) and having the test in English (at the computer) is a standard you will hardly find in another non English speaking country. They even have a special education-video in english and a special room to watch this one. Even to rent a car for the driving test was easy and with no problems. So I found the organisation very good.

The knowledge of the Thais and her driving abilities ....

The test consists of about 64 questions and you just need to answer about 40 right !!! And even this, many Thais are not able to do. I think in my home country, it is like , if you make 4 (!!!) wrong answers of about 50, you fail!

Most Thais do this test without learning before (even without learning theory). The all get a book for learning after (!) the test.... And if they fail, they will come back. They can repeat it as long as they want. No extra money. If they fail for the third time, they normally get the license despite this !!!!!!!!!!!!! As far as I could see it, you have a chance to get the license, even if you fail the reaction test, the colour blindness test and the test of theory(rules). So in fact, even if you are nearly blind and brainless, you will get the license. No joke !

But even if you know the rules, can drive and still have a functional brain (and functional glasses), there is a big chance to get the license! I did prove it!

Oh, I forgot: If you make a car AND a motorbike license, you have to do the computer test twice ! It is the same test with the same questions ! Yes, it is still (amazing) Thailand ... ;-))

The answer is yes you can make the Thai license anywhere does not need to be in the local office where you live.

Ah - something I can comment on!

Avoid Pattaya!

You don't need an IDP if you have a Thai licence.

THere are several other offices in \chonburi province who will issue a Thai DL.

Some nationalities are required to take a test.

May I suggest you go to either Ao Udom or Chonburi itself?

THese places are usually quieter.

I'm told that the best time to go to Chonburi is on a Friday afternoon straight after lunch - it is quietest then - why I don't know.

you can get the required photos done there etc etc and it shouldn't take ore than 30 to 60 minutes if you don't require a test.

If you don't speak Thai it might help to take a Thai speaker with you.

Thanks for your helpful response.

I actually also need an International Permit for other countries…..do you know if Chonburi will issue this and do you have any simple directions on how to find the Chonburi office.

Also re Thai license, how many months before expiration of my Thai license can I apply for a renewal?

Cheers!

Ah - something I can comment on!

Avoid Pattaya!

You don't need an IDP if you have a Thai licence.

THere are several other offices in \chonburi province who will issue a Thai DL.

Some nationalities are required to take a test.

May I suggest you go to either Ao Udom or Chonburi itself?

THese places are usually quieter.

I'm told that the best time to go to Chonburi is on a Friday afternoon straight after lunch - it is quietest then - why I don't know.

you can get the required photos done there etc etc and it shouldn't take ore than 30 to 60 minutes if you don't require a test.

If you don't speak Thai it might help to take a Thai speaker with you.

I have done my Thai lic. in 35 minutes, walked in with all paperwork complete, lic from U.S., did the tests and was in and out, no driver test required, no written test required, just Depth Perception (strings attached to two pencil objects) and colored numbers mixed in a field, wala one year smart card lic. A year later I returned same, same, 5 year lic. BUT..........the 5 year became a little "dog eared" so I brought the lic back since I had 3.5 years left on the present lic figuring 10min. replace same...no,no, no. The whole procedure all over including eye, health, and immigration visit. Go Figuire..........