Can I Get A Drivers License In Tourist Visa? How?

[chris1dna]

Sorry if this has been addressed already. I did skim the last five or so pages in a related thread and did not see my question addressed. I have a valid US drivers license with motorcycle endorsement. I also have an international drivers permit. I visit the Los frequently with my thai wife and son. I would like to apply for a Thai dl this trip. I will be on a 90 multi entry visa for family visitation. Not sure of the type of visa. Maybe tourist? Maybe i should apply for a certain type of visa from the Thai embassy this time? Anyway, can I get this dl using this type of visa? And how can I get residency documentation? Do I use my wife's family home address? I read on one of the forums that it is advisable to get a thai dl when here for extended periods. I rent cars and motorbikes frequently while here. I also plan to retire here in another five years. Any help or guidance would be great.

[JohnC]

You do not say where you will be living so this info is only relevant to Pattaya.

In the land transport office they have a large sign on English and Thai which states that those on Tourist or Sports visa can only apply for one year provisional licence.

Now it gets difficult! You need proof of address, here it is obtained from immigration and you should have reported your arrival there within 24 hours! Not sure then what documentation will be needed to get this but suggest a visit to immigration with wife to clarify.

[chris1dna]

Sorry. I will be Traveling to several different locations around the LOS. But my home base will be in my wife's village near Sakon Nakhon. Baan non Kung. Just outside of Waritchaphum.

[chris1dna]

I'm not in Thailand at present. Will be in December. So is my understanding correct in that I should start getting a residency certificate at the nearest immigration office before going to get the drivers license? Understanding that I will only be able to get a one year provisional?

[poanoi]

Yes, but remember to also go to a government clinic to get a Dr '60 baht check up'

before you go to immigration

[jbrain]

.

Anyone can only apply for a 1 year license, even Thai people.The 5 year license ,or is it still 3 year first renewal and 5 year the next time (?), you can only get on renewal.

If you have a 90 day visa it will be a Non-immigrant visa of any kind, since tourist visas are only 30 days,and yes you can get a driver license on a Non immigrant visa.

To get a certificate of residence, which you get at the local immigration for 500 Baht or at your Embassy at an inflated price , just take a name card and a receipt from the hotel you are staying.If you are staying at a private house, just take a receipt from a recent utility bill. Bill doesn't have to be in your name.

As another poster said already, you will need a medical certificate, which you can get a any roadside clinic even if you're half dead as long as you have 60-100 Baht

[chris1dna]

Thank you all for the clarifications. One more please. One poster said government clinic and another said any roadside clinic. Are either one ok or is a govt. dr the only one who does this med check?

Thanks again you guys. Great help!

[topt]

Thank you all for the clarifications. One more please. One poster said government clinic and another said any roadside clinic. Are either one ok or is a govt. dr the only one who does this med check?

Thanks again you guys. Great help!

Any clinic that issues a medical sertificate is ok.

[chris1dna]

Thanks topt.