Got My Driving License

[Firefan]

Well after being rather surprised about the actual location of the office that handles Sathorn I got a friend to call and ask if one REALLY needed to go there - or whether I could use the head office (near weekend market) or orhter office.

Was informed that I could use ANY office....

So I went to the weekend market armed with(original+copies):

passport+visa

International drivers license (1949 convention)

Proof of residence in Thai by embassy

Yellow Tabien bahn (house book) with my name in it

2 pics

Health certificate (100 Baht at walk-in clinic)

The pics had to be redone as too big - the shop out side fixed that for 70 baht.

They handed me back my embassy proof of recidence and was rather impressed about my yellow tabien bahn - so will only bring that for renewal next year.

I did the 4 tests(upstairs): reaction test, depth perception, color test and "side view" test.

Waited a bit - and paid 105 B + 10 baht for lamination and I walked away with my new drivers license.

Cheers!

[BambinA]

Congrat...!!!!!

Bambi

[COBBER]

Well done Firefan.

It's always a piece of cake once youve done it.

[Firefan]

Thanks Bambi and Cob! I need to celebrate it tonight I think....

Cheers!

[Crossy]

Thanks Bambi and Cob! I need to celebrate it tonight I think....

Cheers!

Well done on the licence, it really is not difficult even if you have to take the test. I fail to understand why so many people drive around on expired IDPs, Belgian ID cards etc etc.

Remember not to drive after celebrating, don't want to lose our shiny new licence do we.

[Firefan]

Crossy; I personally agree - but if one includes preparation (getting the docs/IDPs Etc.) as well as transport it will take about a work day to get it - and I can understand why some decides to not go for it.

Also some have a hard time obtaining the needed docs. Some embassies will not issue the address confirmation that easily, IDPs will have to be made in home country, visa has to be a long stay visa (not a tourist visa) which there are actually many that do not qualify for (yes - there are ways, but none of them are truely straight forward as Thai embassies/consulates on many countries are tough on the rules) Etc.

I will actually do the trip again in the future in order to get a motorcycle license from scratch - so there I would have to pass the theory and practical tests, but am also not really worried about that.

Cheers!

[MikeRay]

I was really offered a Thai license the day I registered my marriage at the amphoe.They just asked me "you want Thai license?", took pictures and that was it.Perhaps the tea money was thát high they offered a package?