Requirements For Obtaining And Renewing A 2 Year Driving Licence

[NONG CHOK]

Hi all, I've been on a 5 years drivers license for the past 20 years. As I need to renew it later this year I was wondering whats the latest requirements to do my renewal. Things seem to change in Thai government offices even when the system appears to be going ok. Thanks.

[TorBKK]

My experience with DLT and obtaining a 2 year drivers license.

1. Drivers license: I have license for car and motorbike from my home country, I had a certified translating company translate my license to English here in Bangkok at around 1000thb, original paper stamped and signed. - Check

2. Proof of home address in Bangkok: Got my embassy to send a confirmation with stamp and signature of my address here in Bangkok. Cost me around 1000THB. - Check

3. Passport: Bring a copy and the original passport. Also make a copy of your visa page in the passport. - Check

4. Medical: Have a medical checkup at the local clinic, cost 120thb and got the all approved letter from the doctor - Check

 

Now I get to the DLT around 12noon, they check the papers and I have to sign all the papers again. They give me a ticket number for the next desk.

 

Get to the second paper verification desk where they add another piece of paper, and tell me to go to the next counter. This counter checks my papers and tell me to do the 1 hour youtube video view on my phone.

The "course" consists of 4 videos â 15 mins where there's a question after 7 minutes and a confirmation button to click after the video is done. You have 3 minutes to answer the questions and to confirm at the end.

 

After your video training is complete you go check your reaction and sights, this consists of:

1. you need to align two pins placed about 3 meters from you

2. you need to check your reaction by pressing a gas pedal until a red light pops up, then you press brake.

3. you sit in a booth with a light on each side of your head. Call out the color you see when they turn on.

 

Now I've been here for about 3 hours and my last step is getting the drivers license YAY!

Get to the first desk and get a new number for the paying and issuing the license.

Got into the booth to take the photo and paid 350thb.

The woman at the booth checked my papers and said my drivers license translation needs to be stamped by my embassy, so cannot issue license.

Told her that my embassy does not do translate services and obviously don't confirm by stamping external translation papers.

 

End of the story; I have to go back and take a 5 hours training course to get my license. I just need to muster up enough optimism and energy to go back there..

 

NOTE: If you want to convert your car and motorbike license, you have to bring 2 sets of copies of the paper above.

[Gaccha]

I didn't know this, but according to an announcement (in tiny writing and in Thai) on the SmartQueue DLT App, so long as you have completed the e-learning course, and you are simply seeking to renew the licence, there is no requirement to book a Q number; you can walk straight in. 

 

 

I should also point out that no proof of address is required if you have a work permit.

[TorBKK]

I am getting my thai license the first time, this is not a renewal.

And I guess the required paper highly depends on who you meet behind the counters, this was a requirement from my "caretaker". 

 

I went back yesterday, and got sent back out.

The following is not sufficient for a new license:

1. Valid Work Visa

2. Original passport and passport copy

3. Copy of the visa section in your passport

4. Confirmation of Thailand address from immigration police or Embassy

5. Translation of your drivers license (if it's not in English already)

6. Medical health checkup

7. Completed the E-Training at DLT (Videos on mobile or pc)

8. Completed the reaction test/color check at DLT

 

End of the story is, I will go back tomorrow morning and do the full day training and tests. Will keep you posted how that goes.

[8X5ZD]

On 3/23/2023 at 12:32 PM, TorBKK said:

My experience with DLT and obtaining a 2 year drivers license.

1. Drivers license: I have license for car and motorbike from my home country, I had a certified translating company translate my license to English here in Bangkok at around 1000thb, original paper stamped and signed. - Check

2. Proof of home address in Bangkok: Got my embassy to send a confirmation with stamp and signature of my address here in Bangkok. Cost me around 1000THB. - Check

3. Passport: Bring a copy and the original passport. Also make a copy of your visa page in the passport. - Check

4. Medical: Have a medical checkup at the local clinic, cost 120thb and got the all approved letter from the doctor - Check

 

Now I get to the DLT around 12noon, they check the papers and I have to sign all the papers again. They give me a ticket number for the next desk.

 

Get to the second paper verification desk where they add another piece of paper, and tell me to go to the next counter. This counter checks my papers and tell me to do the 1 hour youtube video view on my phone.

The "course" consists of 4 videos â 15 mins where there's a question after 7 minutes and a confirmation button to click after the video is done. You have 3 minutes to answer the questions and to confirm at the end.

 

After your video training is complete you go check your reaction and sights, this consists of:

1. you need to align two pins placed about 3 meters from you

2. you need to check your reaction by pressing a gas pedal until a red light pops up, then you press brake.

3. you sit in a booth with a light on each side of your head. Call out the color you see when they turn on.

 

Now I've been here for about 3 hours and my last step is getting the drivers license YAY!

Get to the first desk and get a new number for the paying and issuing the license.

Got into the booth to take the photo and paid 350thb.

The woman at the booth checked my papers and said my drivers license translation needs to be stamped by my embassy, so cannot issue license.

Told her that my embassy does not do translate services and obviously don't confirm by stamping external translation papers.

 

End of the story; I have to go back and take a 5 hours training course to get my license. I just need to muster up enough optimism and energy to go back there..

 

NOTE: If you want to convert your car and motorbike license, you have to bring 2 sets of copies of the paper above.

 

On 3/28/2023 at 10:32 AM, TorBKK said:

I am getting my thai license the first time, this is not a renewal.

And I guess the required paper highly depends on who you meet behind the counters, this was a requirement from my "caretaker". 

 

I went back yesterday, and got sent back out.

The following is not sufficient for a new license:

1. Valid Work Visa

2. Original passport and passport copy

3. Copy of the visa section in your passport

4. Confirmation of Thailand address from immigration police or Embassy

5. Translation of your drivers license (if it's not in English already)

6. Medical health checkup

7. Completed the E-Training at DLT (Videos on mobile or pc)

8. Completed the reaction test/color check at DLT

 

End of the story is, I will go back tomorrow morning and do the full day training and tests. Will keep you posted how that goes.

Did you finally get the licenses? 

 

So what paperwork was lacking?  Is a copy of the arrival stamp page also required?  And which DLT office did you go to? 

[TorBKK]

On 4/9/2023 at 2:32 AM, 8X5ZD said:

 

Did you finally get the licenses? 

 

So what paperwork was lacking?  Is a copy of the arrival stamp page also required?  And which DLT office did you go to? 

I did finally get my license, not smooth and the end was a bit of a anticlimax.

So I came to the DLT office (Bang Chak) in Bangkok, and told them I was there for the drivers license for car and motorbike.

Was sent up to a classroom and made to watch a movie for about 2 hours on road safety etc - same stuff as you go through on the mobile phone when converting the license - half the classroom was asleep and the rest was playing on their mobile phones.

After about 2 hours the instructor came in and pulled aside me and another farang and told us to get back in 2 hours.

We came back after two hours and was placed infront of a TV to see the same movie again..we told the lady that we've already seen this twice. This didn't matter, we had to do it again.

After about 30 mins she saw we weren't very interested in the movie, so she turned it off gave us a stamped paper and told us we could go downstairs and get the license. Then I waited in the queue for about 30 mins to get my picture taken and paid 300 baht for my car and motorbike license. 

Note that I had already done the cognitive tests and had all my paperwork from before - the other farang was sent out again because he was missing a copy of something.

 

 

[NONG CHOK]

I will need to renew my 5 years licence soon. I've held my Thai licence for the past 22 years. What will I need to do to get my renewal. Thanks.

[thailandsgreat]

I often used to rent bikes around Thailand over the years. I never had a problem with the police. But I have now heard they check foreigners for driver's  licenses.

 

I have got an EU driver's license for car. Will that help in case I get stopped?

 

Is there any simple way I can obtain a Thai license?

 

I stay in Pattaya on non-O visa and may go to Chiang Mai.

 

Asked in agency Maneerat on soi Post Office, but they didn't do driver's licenses. 

[Lucky Bones]

12 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

I often used to rent bikes around Thailand over the years. I never had a problem with the police. But I have now heard they check foreigners for driver's  licenses.

 

I have got an EU driver's license for car. Will that help in case I get stopped?

 

Is there any simple way I can obtain a Thai license?

 

I stay in Pattaya on non-O visa and may go to Chiang Mai.

 

Asked in agency Maneerat on soi Post Office, but they didn't do driver's licenses. 

I think it is safe to say, based on your questions, that you need an agent or a driving school to hold your hand.

You would get trampled at DLT.????????

[thailandsgreat]

4 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

I think it is safe to say, based on your questions, that you need an agent or a driving school to hold your hand.

You would get trampled at DLT.????????

Yes. I was hoping for a recommendation of an agent that could help me convert my EU license. Maneerat did not do this.

 

Reliable agent, procedure, prices etc.

 

When I  check the Internet I see different information on whether my EU driver's license would suffice if I was stopped.

[jacko45k]

16 hours ago, thailandsgreat said:

Yes. I was hoping for a recommendation of an agent that could help me convert my EU license. Maneerat did not do this.

 

Reliable agent, procedure, prices etc.

 

When I  check the Internet I see different information on whether my EU driver's license would suffice if I was stopped.

Give Mots a try perhaps.... https://www.mots-services.com/

[thailandsgreat]

40 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Give Mots a try perhaps.... https://www.mots-services.com/

Thank you. I also found this

 

https://www.conciergepattaya.com/thailand-driving-licence/thailand-driving-licence-pattaya/

[thailandsgreat]

But what is the situation like in Pattaya and Thailand in general now? Some years ago and earlier I used to rent bikes sporadically without problem. Has this changed? I use a helmet but I see many drivers without a helmet in Pattaya.

 

Is a careful foreign motorbike driver (Honda Wave 125i style) likely to be pulled over by the police? Will an EU driver's license for car be useful then?

 

Formally I think you need to convert your license if your visa is longer than 60 days? But is this necessary? The bureaucracy can be time consuming.

 

 

 

[Peterw42]

11 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

Some years ago and earlier I used to rent bikes sporadically without problem. Has this changed?

No, you can still rent a bike, with or without a license, most rental guys dont care less about the license.

 

12 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

I use a helmet but I see many drivers without a helmet in Pattaya.

 

You wont see that many without helmets nowadays (maybe around at jomtien as thats a different station), The Thais tend to know when the checkpoints are set up and wear accordingly.

 

15 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

Is a careful foreign motorbike driver (Honda Wave 125i style) likely to be pulled over by the police?

Just as likely as anyone else.

How carefully you ride has nothing to do with getting stopped. Most of the time they setup a checkpoint and pull over everyone.

 

17 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

Will an EU driver's license for car be useful then?

No, thats a car license. You need a bike license (IDP) to ride a bike

 

20 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

Formally I think you need to convert your license if your visa is longer than 60 days? But is this necessary?

The legislation says, you are required to get a Thai license once you are on a long stay visa (by default is 90 days). Its not checked but could be if you have a serious accident and it turns out you didnt get a thai license when required.

[jacko45k]

17 minutes ago, thailandsgreat said:

But what is the situation like in Pattaya and Thailand in general now? Some years ago and earlier I used to rent bikes sporadically without problem. Has this changed? I use a helmet but I see many drivers without a helmet in Pattaya.

 

Is a careful foreign motorbike driver (Honda Wave 125i style) likely to be pulled over by the police? Will an EU driver's license for car be useful then?

 

Formally I think you need to convert your license if your visa is longer than 60 days? But is this necessary? The bureaucracy can be time consuming.

 

 

 

Well we cannot speak generally of Thailand as it varies place to place....

As far as Pattaya is concerned, it is not the liberal place where many whizzed around freely in the 1980s, without helmet between beaches and hotels. The police are more active... it is of course a money making exercise for them, and visiting tourists are a good source of it. The renters do not check your documents and rent out easily, they do not do the job of the police. The police will stop and fine you for not wearing a helmet, and also randomly to check you have an IDP. And possibly other infringements, real or imagined. 

You will likely get pulled over on Beach Rd, Dolphin roundabout, 3rd Rd, and other places the police are active.... they want to see an IDP I believe. An IDP can only be used up to 90 days after which  a local licence is needed.

[discrete]

On 7/28/2023 at 1:10 AM, thailandsgreat said:

Thank you. I also found this

 

https://www.conciergepattaya.com/thailand-driving-licence/thailand-driving-licence-pattaya/

I used them ... they were excellent 

[Banana7]

As at January 2024, that attached photos show what is required, at Pattaya department of land transportation (DLT),  to obtain a new Thai driver's license.

[brianthainess]

On 4/30/2020 at 6:27 AM, dallen52 said:

Use an agent or VIP concierge service. 

But you still have to get the photo shots done at DLT.

Alternatively you sit there for the best part of a day.

Does the agent do the reaction tests/eyesight for you ?

[Lost Nomad]

Living in Pattaya and trying to decide if I want to get car/moto licenses at Chonburi DLT or possibly travel to Bangkok if those DLT locations are easier to use without resorting to an agent.  I have a valid US car/moto license, but do not have an IDP.  I have taken the 1-hour DLT e-training, although this may only be helpful for renewals.

 

I've looked at the Chonburi requirements as shown on the PCEC website.  Am I forced to get my license validated by the US embassy (not sure if they still do this) or attend a 5-hour training session and also take a written test and driving test? If I have to do all those things then I'm inclined to just pay an agent the 6k baht (haven't shopped this around yet) and be done with it.

 

I don't really need either of these licenses, but figure it's good to have one as a form of ID and if I ever do decide to rent/buy a moto then at least I'll be covered.

 

I've seen various YT videos of people breezing through the process w/o the IDP but I realize it's very location dependent (as well as DLT officer dependent).  Has anyone on this forum gotten a 1st time 2-year license w/o an IDP and w/o using an agent?

 

 

[Lost Nomad]

To close the loop on my previous question as a data poiint for anyone interested:

 

I found my International Drivers Permit so that changed the scenario.  I decided to head to Bangkok and try my luck at the Chatachuk DLT (Building 4) rather than go to Chonburi 2x. 

 

The Foreigner information desk (level 1) examined my paperwork and all was in order.

Head up to level 2 where the DLT person entered my data into the computer. 

Go to level 3 where I waited maybe 10-15 minutes while watching a repeating video that explains the physical tests.  (1) color blindness test (just tell the DLT rep what color the lights are as she changes them (2) depth perception test - move 1 stick to line it up next to a stationary stick (3) brake test.  Step on gas pedal until red light shows then quickly step on brake (4) peripheral vision test - button press to indicate right or left side as a white light illuminates. 

 

Once completed, go back to level 2 to have picture taken/pay fee/receive licenses.  I'd estimate I was in the building 1.5 hours.  All in all, not too painful and I do not think an agent fee of 5000-6000 baht is warranted.

[MART]

On 1/14/2024 at 5:22 PM, Banana7 said:

As at January 2024, that attached photos show what is required, at Pattaya department of land transportation (DLT),  to obtain a new Thai driver's license.

 

 

I'm curious what "If you own a Thai driving license and have previously shown a driving license from your country to exchange. You will not be able to use it again." could mean. Anyone has a clue?

Does it mean that, if I got a Thai driving license on the basis of a license from another country (+IDP?), I cannot renew my Thai driving license without showing again the license from the other country?

 

Furthermore, I thought they don't really exchange the license from another country but issue a Thai license and let you keep the other license. Am I wrong?

 

[gamb00ler]

12 minutes ago, MART said:

I'm curious what "If you own a Thai driving license and have previously shown a driving license from your country to exchange. You will not be able to use it again." could mean. Anyone has a clue?

In my case, I had the initial two year Thai license that was issued easily when I showed them my valid US license.

I didn't pay attention and my Thai license expired more than a year before I went to renew it.

 

In this scenario I would have to waste most of a day sitting through those boring videos to renew my license.  They told me I couldn't use my still valid US license as a shortcut to getting my Thai license re-issued.  I believe that is what the sentence I quoted above is telling us.

[MART]

3 minutes ago, gamb00ler said:

In my case, I had the initial two year Thai license that was issued easily when I showed them my valid US license.

I didn't pay attention and my Thai license expired more than a year before I went to renew it.

 

In this scenario I would have to waste most of a day sitting through those boring videos to renew my license.  They told me I couldn't use my still valid US license as a shortcut to getting my Thai license re-issued.  I believe that is what the sentence I quoted above is telling us.

 

I see, thank you. Could be what is meant, indeed.

[Upnotover]

45 minutes ago, MART said:

 

I see, thank you. Could be what is meant, indeed.

Yes, exactly that.  I recently renewed my 3 years+ expired license and tried using my still valid UK license to avoid excessive tests, etc but to no avail.  So I had to start from fresh, including the theory and driving tests, etc.  Curiously I did speak to an "agent" who claimed that there was a new DLT rule that should have meant my still valid UK license would give me a pass on those but she said it was up to the office in question if they followed that rule or not.  Mine didn't.  Luckily the tests are easy.  

[MART]

52 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Yes, exactly that.  I recently renewed my 3 years+ expired license and tried using my still valid UK license to avoid excessive tests, etc but to no avail.  So I had to start from fresh, including the theory and driving tests, etc.  Curiously I did speak to an "agent" who claimed that there was a new DLT rule that should have meant my still valid UK license would give me a pass on those but she said it was up to the office in question if they followed that rule or not.  Mine didn't.  Luckily the tests are easy.  

 

Thanks for sharing your experience too!

I did the motorbike license from scratch back in 2008. The tests are pretty straightforward, but still a bit of a pain / waste of time.

[bbi1]

Coming in on a DTV, will a Thai licence be renewable for only 2 years or 5 years?

 

Also, if a temporary 2 year licence is up for renewal in Jan 2025 but your birth month is July 2025, if you renew your licence before the Jan 2025 expiry and you only get an extra 2 years, will the new licence expire in Jan 2027 or July 2027?

[bbi1]

Seems like someone got a 5 year licence on a DTV, but they originally had a 5 year licence prior to renewal and this was the Nan provincial office.

. Anyone here on a DTV have experience in the Pattaya office if they also do 5 year for DTV holders?

 

 

[bbi1]

On 3/26/2023 at 5:12 PM, Gaccha said:

I didn't know this, but according to an announcement (in tiny writing and in Thai) on the SmartQueue DLT App, so long as you have completed the e-learning course, and you are simply seeking to renew the licence, there is no requirement to book a Q number; you can walk straight in. 

 

 

I should also point out that no proof of address is required if you have a work permit.

Is this also true for Pattaya? No need to book a queue number anymore for licence renewals? If so, this is great news.

[Briggsy]

This thread is about obtaining and renewing a 2-year driving licence. There is a separate thread for renewing a 5-year licence.

 

Since my last 2-year Thai licence ran out in 2015, I had to start from scratch. I put together 2 packs of documents which were essentially identical. They contained the following.

 

Passport details page (see note below)

Evisa printout

Passport entry stamp

British driving licence front

British driving licence back

International driving licence front cover (not wanted)

International driving licence details (not wanted)

Certificate of Residence from Immigration (1 original, 1 copy)

Medical certificate (1 original, 1 copy)

Printout of 1 hour training video completion QR code

 

I also took

My UK passport

My British driving licence

My International driving licence (not wanted)

 

Regarding the passport details page, they wanted both pages, not just the details page but also the blank page above with just your photo on it, all on one sheet.

 

Since the reports from Bang Lamung DLT suggested long delays and difficulty in getting appointments for new 2-year licences, I headed to Sri Racha. I have used Sri Racha DLT many times in the past and have found it to be efficient.

 

Warning

Sri Racha DLT is 99% Thai. If you are not comfortable outside of the main tourist/foreigner centres, it will not be for you. Similarly if your ability in Thai language consists of speaking loudly in ungrammatical English, I would not suggest going to Sri Racha. If you are confident, carry on.

 

So I headed to Sri Racha around lunch time. I had to wait for a clinic to open to get the medical certificate. However I would suggest going at opening time from listening to recommendations from the staff.

 

The notice tells everybody to go to Information on the ground floor irrespective of whether their business concerns a driving licence or a vehicle registration. However, I will save you the time. If you do not have an appointment and you are after a new 2 year licence, just go upstairs. Upstairs is licences, downstairs is vehicle registrations. Do not worry that you do not have a queue ticket. Go straight to Counter 3. The man there deals with foreigner (and Thai) new registrations. He can speak English if you require.

 

He will check your documents, package, staple and add a form on top, tell you if anything further is required and give you an appointment. I got mine for 7 days hence.

 

No fuss.

[bbi1]

On 12/13/2024 at 4:19 PM, Briggsy said:

 

 

Since the reports from Bang Lamung DLT suggested long delays and difficulty in getting appointments for new 2-year licences, I headed to Sri Racha. I have used Sri Racha DLT many times in the past and have found it to be efficient.

 

Warning

Sri Racha DLT is 99% Thai. If you are not comfortable outside of the main tourist/foreigner centres, it will not be for you. Similarly if your ability in Thai language consists of speaking loudly in ungrammatical English, I would not suggest going to Sri R

So I headed to Sri Racha around lunch time. I had to wait for a clinic to open to get the medical certificate. However I would suggest going at opening time from listening to recommendations from the staff.

 

 

He will check your documents, package, staple and add a form on top, tell you if anything further is required and give you an appointment. I got mine for 7 days hence.

Travelling all the way to Sri Racha to get an appointment in 7 days rather than 14 days in Banglamung seems hardly worth it, but to each their own if you wish to save one week.