How And Where To Get A Thai Driving License In Bangkok With A Tourist Visa

[Soutpeel]

To answer to you guys above , if you get involved in a car accident by your fault , consequences will be worst .Much more money to pay with insurance if you own only a foreign and international driving license.

That's the reason why I want a get a Thai driving license.

Not true, if you are a legitimate tourist....and you do obviously understand how vehicle insurance work here...?

Soutie's advice

If legimate tourist....home license + IDP

If "resident" irrespective of the visa type.....get a Thai DL

[Yo Sup]

I had a one year license that was expiring. I went to Land Transport in Nonthaburi and talked nicely. I got a five year motorcycle license, on a tourist visa.

[ChrisB87]

Ok, not really answering the OP's question...but this is what I did today.

I went to the Department of Land Transportation for Area 3, which covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana. I took the BTS to Bang Chak. Walk out exit 3 going in the same direction as traffic for approximately 115 meters. There will be a LONG driveway on the left. Moto taxis are available if you don't want to walk. Go to the end of the drive, the office is to the left of the parking lot. All signage inside is in Thai except one sign that says "One Stop Window". By the way, I do not read or speak Thai. I asked the lady in English where I go to get the forms for a car and a motorcycle license. With a questioning look, she sent me to window 9. The lady there spoke no English but via hand jestures we communicated and she motioned me to window 10. The lady there spoke a FEW words of English and was preturbed I didn't speak Thai, but she was helpful. She gave me two applications to sign and double checked to make sure I had all of my supporting documents. I was applying for two licenses (car and motorcycle), hence the duplicates of everything. I gave her my original Passport, two copies each of the first page of my passport; the page with my visa; the page with my latest entry stamp; my TM card (Departure Card); a letter from the US Embassy establishing my residence address (the original and one photocopy); the Doctor's Certificate (the original and one photocopy); my original International Drivers License; two copies of main page and two copies showing the translation. No pictures are needed as they take a picture of you at the time the license is issued. She told me to sit and wait. Eight minutes later, she called me to the counter (I waited where I could watch her). She gave me back all of the forms I gave her plus a couple of extras already filled out. Remember, I only SIGNED the applications and did NOT fill in any spaces or answer any questions. She did it for me. She motioned me to wait at room 16. This is where you take your three physical tests... reflex test, depth perception test, and color blind test. I got there while the instructors were at lunch, so I had to wait 18 minutes before they came back. There was another group before me, so I had to wait and watch a movie in Thai that explains the three tests. Watching the video gives you the general idea of what is expected. I waited 20 more minutes, took my tests, got my forms checked and signed off and was told to go to window 18, the One Stop window. There I was told to sign both of the forms as directed and put my phone number on them. I was assigned a number. I waited 20 minutes while my number was in que. I went to the assigned desk as shown on the overhead monitor where all of the paperwork was rechecked and verified. My picture was taken, I paid 360 baht total for the licenses and they were issued on the spot. Total time was under an hour and a half and total English words spoken were under ten. They spoke a bunch of Thai, but I just looked stupid and that seemed to work for me. Everyone was cordial, not really friendly but I have no complaints.

So does that mean if i don't live in Phra Khanong (or one of the other areas mentioned) i can't do it at that particular office?

Did you see an area for driving tests? (for those who don't have an international drivers license)

Many thanks!

[Norlund]

First. PASSPORT WITH VISA (ORIGINAL AND PHOTO COPY)

I have a small problem with this sentence above from a link from the Department Of Land Transport. I know that I need a non-immigrant visa for a 1 year temporary driving license, but this sentence only says "with visa", NOT what kind of visa. The problem is that I have a friend that I can't convince that he needs a non-immigrant visa. And I cant't find an official site that can prove my claime. Can someone on the forum help me with this?

This is the link from the Department Of Land Transport.

http://www.dlt.go.th/th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3470:in-case-of-foreigner&catid=131:2011-09-08-02-09-23&Itemid=88

[andrewrooney]

do anybody now where to find the test questions or test material from the theory test for thai drivers licence.

I have a Thai drivers license for car and want to take for Motorcycle. So I want to fresh up my memory...

Just remember that the correct place to park is in the middle of the street, and that a tank used in warfare is perfectly legal to drive on public roads.

As for OP's question, I would just show up with a stack of paperwork and ask. I've read before that driver's licenses won't be issued on a tourist visa, but then I've talked to plenty of people with first hand experience that shows otherwise. In all likelyhood it will depend on the mood of the person working at the land transport office on the day you show up. If they turn you away, try another one, there are five of them in Bangkok. Here's a map: http://www.bkkriders.com/lto/

[Norlund]

do anybody now where to find the test questions or test material from the theory test for thai drivers licence.

I have a Thai drivers license for car and want to take for Motorcycle. So I want to fresh up my memory...

Just remember that the correct place to park is in the middle of the street, and that a tank used in warfare is perfectly legal to drive on public roads.

As for OP's question, I would just show up with a stack of paperwork and ask. I've read before that driver's licenses won't be issued on a tourist visa, but then I've talked to plenty of people with first hand experience that shows otherwise. In all likelyhood it will depend on the mood of the person working at the land transport office on the day you show up. If they turn you away, try another one, there are five of them in Bangkok. Here's a map: http://www.bkkriders.com/lto/

After many years in Thailand I know you need a non-immigrant visa to have a thai drivers license. You have to trust me on that. I also know that officials in Thailand do whatever they wanna do when they wanna do. My problem is that I have to prove by showing my friend an official site on the net that my claim holds water.

Edited August 20, 2013 by soundman
Fixed quote tags.

[RupertIII]

Ok, not really answering the OP's question...but this is what I did today.

I went to the Department of Land Transportation for Area 3, which covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana. I took the BTS to Bang Chak. Walk out exit 3 going in the same direction as traffic for approximately 115 meters. There will be a LONG driveway on the left. Moto taxis are available if you don't want to walk. Go to the end of the drive, the office is to the left of the parking lot. All signage inside is in Thai except one sign that says "One Stop Window". By the way, I do not read or speak Thai. I asked the lady in English where I go to get the forms for a car and a motorcycle license. With a questioning look, she sent me to window 9. The lady there spoke no English but via hand jestures we communicated and she motioned me to window 10. The lady there spoke a FEW words of English and was preturbed I didn't speak Thai, but she was helpful. She gave me two applications to sign and double checked to make sure I had all of my supporting documents. I was applying for two licenses (car and motorcycle), hence the duplicates of everything. I gave her my original Passport, two copies each of the first page of my passport; the page with my visa; the page with my latest entry stamp; my TM card (Departure Card); a letter from the US Embassy establishing my residence address (the original and one photocopy); the Doctor's Certificate (the original and one photocopy); my original International Drivers License; two copies of main page and two copies showing the translation. No pictures are needed as they take a picture of you at the time the license is issued. She told me to sit and wait. Eight minutes later, she called me to the counter (I waited where I could watch her). She gave me back all of the forms I gave her plus a couple of extras already filled out. Remember, I only SIGNED the applications and did NOT fill in any spaces or answer any questions. She did it for me. She motioned me to wait at room 16. This is where you take your three physical tests... reflex test, depth perception test, and color blind test. I got there while the instructors were at lunch, so I had to wait 18 minutes before they came back. There was another group before me, so I had to wait and watch a movie in Thai that explains the three tests. Watching the video gives you the general idea of what is expected. I waited 20 more minutes, took my tests, got my forms checked and signed off and was told to go to window 18, the One Stop window. There I was told to sign both of the forms as directed and put my phone number on them. I was assigned a number. I waited 20 minutes while my number was in que. I went to the assigned desk as shown on the overhead monitor where all of the paperwork was rechecked and verified. My picture was taken, I paid 360 baht total for the licenses and they were issued on the spot. Total time was under an hour and a half and total English words spoken were under ten. They spoke a bunch of Thai, but I just looked stupid and that seemed to work for me. Everyone was cordial, not really friendly but I have no complaints.

"This is where you take your three physical tests... reflex test, depth perception test, and color blind test." Was there also a peripheral vision test? I know of a couple of guys who failed on that and I had some problems with it 5 years back, have to go again next month to renew so appreciate if anyone knows if they are still conducting this test.

[JimsKnight]

It is possible on a tourist visa BUT you need a sponsor and there are company's out there that provide them. You'll pay a few thousand baht for the 'service' but you can get the DL doing it this way.

I got my latest one outside of Bangkok which is probably why it was easier there.

[Norlund]

This is some og the sites that I found after "5 min. work". And they all say the same thing. It's no doubt that you need a non-immigrant visa to obtain a thai drivers license. But how can I prove it when my friend doesn't believe what it says on these sites? He says that he has some friends in Pattaya and that they have gotten theirs drivers licenses on a tourist visa so what I'm saying is only "bullshit".

http://driving.information.in.th/driving-licence.html

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

http://phuketdir.com/pkttransport/

http://www.nzembassy.com/thailand/nzers-overseas/living-in-thailand/requirements-for-obtaining-a-thai-drivers-licence

http://www.siam-info.com/english/driving-licence.html

http://thailand.angloinfo.com/transport/driving-licences/

http://www.keyvisathailand.com/our-services/thai-drivers-license/

http://www.knowphuket.com/drivinglicense.htm

http://www.pattayaretired.com/license.html

http://www.thailand50.com/pages/obtaining-a-driving-license.html

Edited August 22, 2013 by Norlund

[andrewrooney]

This is some og the sites that I found after "5 min. work". And they all say the same thing. It's no doubt that you need a non-immigrant visa to obtain a thai drivers license. But how can I prove it when my friend doesn't believe what it says on these sites? He says that he has some friends in Pattaya and that they have gotten theirs drivers licenses on a tourist visa so what I'm saying is only "bullshit".

http://driving.information.in.th/driving-licence.html

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

http://phuketdir.com/pkttransport/

http://www.nzembassy.com/thailand/nzers-overseas/living-in-thailand/requirements-for-obtaining-a-thai-drivers-licence

http://www.siam-info.com/english/driving-licence.html

http://thailand.angloinfo.com/transport/driving-licences/

http://www.keyvisathailand.com/our-services/thai-drivers-license/

http://www.knowphuket.com/drivinglicense.htm

http://www.pattayaretired.com/license.html

http://www.thailand50.com/pages/obtaining-a-driving-license.html

Well, if he's convinced, tell him to go down to the DLT and try for himself. Either he'll get a license, or you'll get to say, "I told you so."

[Norlund]

I've found it now.

http://www.motorcycle.in.th/wiki/doku.php/driver_s_license

[rgs2001uk]

Ok, not really answering the OP's question...but this is what I did today.

I went to the Department of Land Transportation for Area 3, which covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana. I took the BTS to Bang Chak. Walk out exit 3 going in the same direction as traffic for approximately 115 meters. There will be a LONG driveway on the left. Moto taxis are available if you don't want to walk. Go to the end of the drive, the office is to the left of the parking lot. All signage inside is in Thai except one sign that says "One Stop Window". By the way, I do not read or speak Thai. I asked the lady in English where I go to get the forms for a car and a motorcycle license. With a questioning look, she sent me to window 9. The lady there spoke no English but via hand jestures we communicated and she motioned me to window 10. The lady there spoke a FEW words of English and was preturbed I didn't speak Thai, but she was helpful. She gave me two applications to sign and double checked to make sure I had all of my supporting documents. I was applying for two licenses (car and motorcycle), hence the duplicates of everything. I gave her my original Passport, two copies each of the first page of my passport; the page with my visa; the page with my latest entry stamp; my TM card (Departure Card); a letter from the US Embassy establishing my residence address (the original and one photocopy); the Doctor's Certificate (the original and one photocopy); my original International Drivers License; two copies of main page and two copies showing the translation. No pictures are needed as they take a picture of you at the time the license is issued. She told me to sit and wait. Eight minutes later, she called me to the counter (I waited where I could watch her). She gave me back all of the forms I gave her plus a couple of extras already filled out. Remember, I only SIGNED the applications and did NOT fill in any spaces or answer any questions. She did it for me. She motioned me to wait at room 16. This is where you take your three physical tests... reflex test, depth perception test, and color blind test. I got there while the instructors were at lunch, so I had to wait 18 minutes before they came back. There was another group before me, so I had to wait and watch a movie in Thai that explains the three tests. Watching the video gives you the general idea of what is expected. I waited 20 more minutes, took my tests, got my forms checked and signed off and was told to go to window 18, the One Stop window. There I was told to sign both of the forms as directed and put my phone number on them. I was assigned a number. I waited 20 minutes while my number was in que. I went to the assigned desk as shown on the overhead monitor where all of the paperwork was rechecked and verified. My picture was taken, I paid 360 baht total for the licenses and they were issued on the spot. Total time was under an hour and a half and total English words spoken were under ten. They spoke a bunch of Thai, but I just looked stupid and that seemed to work for me. Everyone was cordial, not really friendly but I have no complaints.

So does that mean if i don't live in Phra Khanong (or one of the other areas mentioned) i can't do it at that particular office?

Did you see an area for driving tests? (for those who don't have an international drivers license)

Many thanks!

I dont live in any of those areas and I renewed my 5 year license there last month.

[rgs2001uk]

Ok, not really answering the OP's question...but this is what I did today.

I went to the Department of Land Transportation for Area 3, which covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana. I took the BTS to Bang Chak. Walk out exit 3 going in the same direction as traffic for approximately 115 meters. There will be a LONG driveway on the left. Moto taxis are available if you don't want to walk. Go to the end of the drive, the office is to the left of the parking lot. All signage inside is in Thai except one sign that says "One Stop Window". By the way, I do not read or speak Thai. I asked the lady in English where I go to get the forms for a car and a motorcycle license. With a questioning look, she sent me to window 9. The lady there spoke no English but via hand jestures we communicated and she motioned me to window 10. The lady there spoke a FEW words of English and was preturbed I didn't speak Thai, but she was helpful. She gave me two applications to sign and double checked to make sure I had all of my supporting documents. I was applying for two licenses (car and motorcycle), hence the duplicates of everything. I gave her my original Passport, two copies each of the first page of my passport; the page with my visa; the page with my latest entry stamp; my TM card (Departure Card); a letter from the US Embassy establishing my residence address (the original and one photocopy); the Doctor's Certificate (the original and one photocopy); my original International Drivers License; two copies of main page and two copies showing the translation. No pictures are needed as they take a picture of you at the time the license is issued. She told me to sit and wait. Eight minutes later, she called me to the counter (I waited where I could watch her). She gave me back all of the forms I gave her plus a couple of extras already filled out. Remember, I only SIGNED the applications and did NOT fill in any spaces or answer any questions. She did it for me. She motioned me to wait at room 16. This is where you take your three physical tests... reflex test, depth perception test, and color blind test. I got there while the instructors were at lunch, so I had to wait 18 minutes before they came back. There was another group before me, so I had to wait and watch a movie in Thai that explains the three tests. Watching the video gives you the general idea of what is expected. I waited 20 more minutes, took my tests, got my forms checked and signed off and was told to go to window 18, the One Stop window. There I was told to sign both of the forms as directed and put my phone number on them. I was assigned a number. I waited 20 minutes while my number was in que. I went to the assigned desk as shown on the overhead monitor where all of the paperwork was rechecked and verified. My picture was taken, I paid 360 baht total for the licenses and they were issued on the spot. Total time was under an hour and a half and total English words spoken were under ten. They spoke a bunch of Thai, but I just looked stupid and that seemed to work for me. Everyone was cordial, not really friendly but I have no complaints.

"This is where you take your three physical tests... reflex test, depth perception test, and color blind test." Was there also a peripheral vision test? I know of a couple of guys who failed on that and I had some problems with it 5 years back, have to go again next month to renew so appreciate if anyone knows if they are still conducting this test.

Last month at this very same office they were conducting all the tests.

The order I completed them in was, colour blind test, peripheral vision test, reflex test and finally depth perception test.

Some of the clowns I witnessed were unbelievable, I doubt if some had ever driven a car, there was one who had his left foot on the brake and his right foot on the accelerator when attempting the reflex test.

Be advised, do not wear shorts, there is a sign on the door of the room you go into to take these tests saying they are not permitted.

[lujanit]

I received both my one year and then five year licenses at MOT, near Mo Chit. Documents required:

1. Passport + copy

2. WP + copy

3. Completed Application Form

4. Doctors Certificate (100 baht)

5. Current Australian Drivers License

Neither time was I asked for a letter from my embassy. I know of one case where an american went to his embassy and got the letter and the MOT didn't want it.

No written test. Just the vision and reaction tests.

Total time each time less than 45 minutes. Five year license fee was 505 baht. Quick efficient service, no hassles.

Even though I live a lot closer to the Taling Chan MOT office I was told only go there if you speak thai or take a thai who can translate for you.

[andrewrooney]

I received both my one year and then five year licenses at MOT, near Mo Chit. Documents required:

1. Passport + copy

2. WP + copy

3. Completed Application Form

4. Doctors Certificate (100 baht)

5. Current Australian Drivers License

Neither time was I asked for a letter from my embassy. I know of one case where an american went to his embassy and got the letter and the MOT didn't want it.

No written test. Just the vision and reaction tests.

Total time each time less than 45 minutes. Five year license fee was 505 baht. Quick efficient service, no hassles.

Even though I live a lot closer to the Taling Chan MOT office I was told only go there if you speak thai or take a thai who can translate for you.

Re: language skills, I had an interesting experience at the Nong Jok office. Nobody there spoke English, but they were all very helpful and very patient with my Thai. In fact, when I told them I could speak Thai but not read it, they filled out the application form for me (all I had to do was sign it).

[SteeleJoe]

Most grateful to anyone who might be able to help ASAP (Id really rather not be taking someone to the transport office tomorrow): If an initial one year license is expired, how much time has the driver got to go for the 5 year license? Is it still the case that he/she has one full year in which to do it without having to do all the driving and/or written test again?

Many thanks in advance for posters kind enough to respond to such a boring question with some urgency...

[beechguy]

Most grateful to anyone who might be able to help ASAP (Id really rather not be taking someone to the transport office tomorrow): If an initial one year license is expired, how much time has the driver got to go for the 5 year license? Is it still the case that he/she has one full year in which to do it without having to do all the driving and/or written test again?

Many thanks in advance for posters kind enough to respond to such a boring question with some urgency...

I waited well over a year and did not have any problems at all, when I went in September, 2013. I received both car and motorcycle licenses, at the DLT near Mo Chit.

[MrHammer]

This is the perfect example of why it is so difficult to find information on anyting here on Thaivisa. Everyone uses their limited experience and hearsay to make broad sweeping statements as if they were facts. Some say you can do it on tourist visa, some say you can't, so what is the reality of it?

[beechguy]

This is the perfect example of why it is so difficult to find information on anyting here on Thaivisa. Everyone uses their limited experience and hearsay to make broad sweeping statements as if they were facts. Some say you can do it on tourist visa, some say you can't, so what is the reality of it?

I understand what you are saying, but the reality often has to do with which office one is trying to use. That's why I mentioned the location where I received good service, on two different occasions.