Went To Renew My Both My Licenses...

[Rancid]

...and was confronted with a line of cars out the driveway and down Hang Dong road, however after cunningly bypassing all them went in to renew. No doubt this routine is known to many however for those that don't know I was told I had to firstly get a medical certificate. You know the ones, you pay 30 baht, the doctor asks if you are dying of anything terran, you say "errh, not sure but don't think so, now about this red rash on my...", he then stamps the medical certificate. Thus you are pronounced medically fit to drive, ride and scratch.

Then the real joy began when I was told I would have to watch an hours' video (presumably in Thai about how to ride a bike up the wrong side of the road or how to ignore that irritating indicator lever) that would help teach me to drive better, at this I started laughing and the girl at the desk actually joined in. I don't think I need add further comment to this.

I am heading home soon anyway so I don't think I'll bother, cops never pull me over in the car or the bike if I have the plastic on my mellon, they will both then expire before I come back. I'll sort it all out on my triumphant return, I'll be older and uglier, medical in hand and maybe the more wrinkled, mellow me will get a few laughs from the video.

[Pormax]

So you have never been stopped in your car and asked to see your licence. Oh well now that yours is expired I anticipate soon that will happen.

I have been stopped (mainly because they see I am a farang) 4 times in the last month at road side checks. Which I might add are becoming very frequent lately. Must be because Happy New Year looming on the horizon so more tea (or is to beer) money required. Today drove to Korat 4 road, side checks in 80kms, got stopped one and asked to produce licence. Agreed I don't live in Chang Mai. Being stopped doesnot bother me in fact the more road side checks hopefully the safer the roads will become and of course I am legal.

However it is always best to live by the laws of the country you ae living in even though many locals do not do the same.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Expired license isn't a huge issue; there's a grace period.

[Semper]

Expired license isn't a huge issue; there's a grace period.

In case of an accindent, I don't think so.

[mcgriffith]

I'm not sure about this, Rancid, but my understanding is that your previous expired licenses would have to have been expired for a year or more, for you to have to take the written test again.

If you go in immediately after your licenses expire, all that is required is the certificate of residence (verifying your address), the health certificate (certifying you are not blind or infirm), the old licenses, and copies of your passport with the current visa and/or extension (certifying who you are and that you are here legally). And of course you have to do the physical tests for reaction time, color blindness, etc.

I've never heard this before, about having to take the full written test for both auto and motorcycle, on renewal, for either a temporary 1 year license, or a 5 yr. license, if done shortly after expiry.

Perhaps some other member with a recent renewal can clarify this?

[Tywais]

I've never heard this before, about having to take the full written test for both auto and motorcycle, on renewal, for either a temporary 1 year license, or a 5 yr. license, if done shortly after expiry.

Don't believe he mentioned having to retake the tests, just that he would have to sit through a one hour video which is standard now. BTW, the video is in English. Also, if he is going from a 1 year to 5 year, the 1 year normally needs to have expired first. He didn't mention 1 to 5 or just renewal of the 5 year. If 5 year, you are allowed up to 90 days before expiration to renew. You may get some leeway if the 5 year expires before renewing but I wouldn't chance it.

[mcgriffith]

Ah, my bad.

Assumed watching the 1 hr. video was preparatory to a written test...

[ignis]

just that he would have to sit through a one hour video which is standard now

went 20 months ago, 22 days early, and went 40 mins before closing, did paperwork, eye test, re-action test, then shown into room to watch video, 1 man watching, he was called straight away, and about 5 mins later I was called. ..... less then 30 mins in total out with my next 2x 5 year licences.

[mamborobert]

Now that you have prompted me I see that one of my licenses expired on 30 June (1 year) so up for 5 year renewal.

I know you have to wait until license is expired before doing first renewal but don't think 4 months expiry is what they had in mind

Anybody know if I have to sit the test again or just do the medical and residence cert and watch the video?

Thankee

[Semper]

Now that you have prompted me I see that one of my licenses expired on 30 June (1 year) so up for 5 year renewal.

I know you have to wait until license is expired before doing first renewal but don't think 4 months expiry is what they had in mind

Anybody know if I have to sit the test again or just do the medical and residence cert and watch the video?

Thankee

No video or test last time I did it.

[naboo]

I was 11 months late for my 1 year to 5 year. She told me I was just in time, would have not been able to go to 5 year if it was over 12 months.

[mamborobert]

Thank Semper, Naboo....now if I can just drag my arse off the sofa

[Rancid]

If I was staying I would organise it all, turned up with passport, yellow tabian baan, just didn't realise I needed one of those useless medicals or I probably would have watched the video and finally learned how to drive as professionally and safely as the Thais. My car and real bike are sold now anyway so not really a major issue, just keeping a scooter for running around. I was after a 5 year car and 1 year bike, no I wasn't told to do the written test again.

[jonwilly]

When I renewed my Licences I did the eyesight test, colour & Field of vision, the reaction test and the depth of perception.

Then I had to watch the English language video and no test but picked my licences that afternoon.

No Medical cert.

john

[koratjohn]

I renewed both my cycle and auto licenses (1 year to 5 Year) in Chiang Mai today. Requirements were Medical Cert, Residency Cert from Immigration, Passport pages (photo page, current entry stamp page, current visa extension stamp page). The cost for both licenses came to 1060 THB and this included a fee for an address change as well. No additional tests or watching of videos of any kind were required. I went about 1130 and the line was quite long, I was given a queue number of 191 and they were on 135 when I arrived. The wait was about 1 hour, not so bad considering how things work. Overall the process was easy, painless and I'm good until Nov 2018. Don't ask me how I got what seems to be a license term of 6 years but I actually put my glasses on and verified the date.

[Tywais]

Overall the process was easy, painless and I'm good until Nov 2018. Don't ask me how I got what seems to be a license term of 6 years but I actually put my glasses on and verified the date.

If you just had a birthday prior to applying then you will get 6 years minus the number of days past your birthday. They count 5 years based on birthday. I have the same, 5 years 364 days - I renewed 1 day after my birthday. Some other members had the same.

[ignis]

Yep changed to 5 yr one in March 2004 and got 5 years 91/2 months, 2nd one was just 5 years.

[seedy]

How soon before your 5 year licenses expire can you renew ?

Can you renew 4 months early ?

[Tywais]

How soon before your 5 year licenses expire can you renew ?

Can you renew 4 months early ?

Maximum of 90 days before expiration you can renew. Always can try it though.

[TheVicar]

I'm not sure about this, Rancid, but my understanding is that your previous expired licenses would have to have been expired for a year or more, for you to have to take the written test again.

If you go in immediately after your licenses expire, all that is required is the certificate of residence (verifying your address), the health certificate (certifying you are not blind or infirm), the old licenses, and copies of your passport with the current visa and/or extension (certifying who you are and that you are here legally). And of course you have to do the physical tests for reaction time, color blindness, etc.

I've never heard this before, about having to take the full written test for both auto and motorcycle, on renewal, for either a temporary 1 year license, or a 5 yr. license, if done shortly after expiry.

Perhaps some other member with a recent renewal can clarify this?

I was told by the authorities at the Motor Vehicle Dept. that all you need do to renew is: 1) bring in your passport with visa; 2) have copies of all relevant pages; 3) have med. certificate (easily obtainable for B 100 or under); 4) have a certificate of residence (obtainable from Immigration Dept.). I do not believe you have to take any kind of test including written and even the eye/reaction tests. 5) bring in your temporary (1 year license) 6) pay the fee.

But my understanding is that you should renew BEFORE your licenses expire, not after.

[PoodMaiDai]

Been driving here for 10 years without a license. I tried to get one a few times and it was such a cluster <deleted> each time that it didn't happen. In that time I think I've paid a total of 800b in fines for not having one. Any time I'm pulled over I always have 100b in my international drivers license that is 6 years expired. They take that every time without fail and send me on my way.

Now I've relocated, I may give it another shot soon as it sounds the CM location is somewhat organized. Not because I want a license to drive, but because I can get a discount on entry into many places. :-) Paying 200b for park entry is for the birds.

[Semper]

Been driving here for 10 years without a license. I tried to get one a few times and it was such a cluster <deleted> each time that it didn't happen. In that time I think I've paid a total of 800b in fines for not having one. Any time I'm pulled over I always have 100b in my international drivers license that is 6 years expired. They take that every time without fail and send me on my way.

Now I've relocated, I may give it another shot soon as it sounds the CM location is somewhat organized. Not because I want a license to drive, but because I can get a discount on entry into many places. :-) Paying 200b for park entry is for the birds.

Yes, it's a real hassle getting a Thai DL. During your alledged 10 years here, was there a nanny or another helpful (paid) person that get you through all the " cluster <deleted>"?

[Pormax]

Semper, 'I can get a discount on entry into many places. :-) Paying 200b for park entry'

Yes very true well worth the hassle of getting a Thai DL for this reason alone. Over 5 years can save you a lot of money. However does not apply in every place, as I went to Korat Zoo and waterpark two days ago and they insisted I pay foreigner price. My wife tried to argue the point that everywhere else we had been the shown DL allowed me the same price as a THai. but with no luck. Win some lose some.

[purushanti]

I am understanding that one can renew the 5 year license up to 90 days before expiration.

How about the one year license; how many days before expiration can it be renewed?

[Tywais]

I am understanding that one can renew the 5 year license up to 90 days before expiration.

How about the one year license; how many days before expiration can it be renewed?

The one year has to be renewed after it has expired as per regulations. Actually you will be renewing from a 1 year to a 5 year license as the 1 year is essentially a temporary license. 5 year to 5 year renewal, up to 90 days before is correct.

[onthedarkside]

Been driving here for 10 years without a license. I tried to get one a few times and it was such a cluster <deleted> each time that it didn't happen. In that time I think I've paid a total of 800b in fines for not having one. Any time I'm pulled over I always have 100b in my international drivers license that is 6 years expired. They take that every time without fail and send me on my way.

Now I've relocated, I may give it another shot soon as it sounds the CM location is somewhat organized. Not because I want a license to drive, but because I can get a discount on entry into many places. :-) Paying 200b for park entry is for the birds.

Yes, it's a real hassle getting a Thai DL. During your alledged 10 years here, was there a nanny or another helpful (paid) person that get you through all the " cluster <deleted>"?

It's not just the fines, what about the liability of having an accident without a valid Thai driving license or valid IDP. Just not worth that risk IMO.