Thai IDP in English

[diggledunc]

Good evening.

I have been wading through a lot of the many postings re licences but gave up trying to find helpful information. Can you help?

Although I have lived in Thailand for 9 years I have finally sold up in UK and moved here 'for good' as they say. I have a one year temporary licence for the second time as with my Non-immigrant O based on age 50 -64 (of which I have had two) they said I couldn't have five years this time. Wrong visa, not lived here long enough.

I need to get a Thai IDP written in English so that when I go to UK I can hire a car there. Not sure if I can off the one year temporary licence.

Won't go into it but UK licence is void, no bans or anything.

Does anybody know if I can get a IDP with a one year licence from Thailand?

If so where?

What do I need to show?

Many thanks to anybody who can help.

Diggledunc

[topt]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

[diggledunc]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

[topt]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

No sorry but if you read this short thread here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643920-international-drivers-permit-re-thai-licence-in-bangkok/?hl=%2Bidp#entry6528254 and see Old Gits post at the end where he says he never has a problem renting in UK with a Thai licence?

I think your issue may have been not getting the form before you went to the centre first and then having a form specifically stating a 1 year licence - don't know. However if you are now living in Thailand it may be worth getting a Yellow Book which will save the whole issue of letters from Immigration to prove your address.

[diggledunc]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

No sorry but if you read this short thread here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643920-international-drivers-permit-re-thai-licence-in-bangkok/?hl=%2Bidp#entry6528254 and see Old Gits post at the end where he says he never has a problem renting in UK with a Thai licence?

I think your issue may have been not getting the form before you went to the centre first and then having a form specifically stating a 1 year licence - don't know. However if you are now living in Thailand it may be worth getting a Yellow Book which will save the whole issue of letters from Immigration to prove your address.

Yes think you could be right about getting address thing first. It was usual Thai thing go and oh it will be ok.

Thanks very much for the link. I have asked them which company they use which could be useful to know.

Now I just have to get sorted and try and get my five year early for next renewal.

[Kwasaki]

Non immigrate visa is and should be OK.

Letter from your local police station usually good enough for prove of address in most DLT's.

Has the 1 year license expired ??

Don't know if a 1 year Thai license is OK for driving in England best check.

5 year Thai license OK in England no need for IDP.

When hiring car UK make sure you get confirmation of cover for insurance using a Thai license.

[Soutpeel]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

You would need a full 5 year Thai DL to get an IDP, not all offices issue IDP's, even Pattaya dont (they send them to BKK)....I normally get mine from Mo Chit in BKK....15 minutes to get arond THB 500 the last time...

The problem with the Thai 1 year license is legally a temporary license and a quick search on wiki will reveal that are not supposed to used outside Thailand, not that the BiB/insurance would know this in the UK, but if you did drive a car on a 1 year Thai DL had an accident and somehow the BiB or insurance found out you may find yourself in a sticky siutation.

BTW when you applied for your 5 year..your 1 year had expired ?....strange as it sounds some offices require that your 1 year has expired before they issue the 5 year...ie if you try to renew before it has expired they will give you another 1 year

[diggledunc]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

You would need a full 5 year Thai DL to get an IDP, not all offices issue IDP's, even Pattaya dont (they send them to BKK)....I normally get mine from Mo Chit in BKK....15 minutes to get arond THB 500 the last time...

The problem with the Thai 1 year license is legally a temporary license and a quick search on wiki will reveal that are not supposed to used outside Thailand, not that the BiB/insurance would know this in the UK, but if you did drive a car on a 1 year Thai DL had an accident and somehow the BiB or insurance found out you may find yourself in a sticky siutation.

BTW when you applied for your 5 year..your 1 year had expired ?....strange as it sounds some offices require that your 1 year has expired before they issue the 5 year...ie if you try to renew before it has expired they will give you another 1 year

Thanks you confirmed what I guessed and what I was worried about with the 1 year licence.

My 1 year licence was due to expire January this year and I went in December last year. I was advised by a Thai to go before it expired. Perhaps that is why they issued another one year only. Although I had to go to immigration for the proof of residence form the form given by the licencing office to take to them or guidance already said it was an application for a one year licence only. They had decided before I even went to immigration.

There are many posts on TV and some seem to say go before expiration and some say ok to go after which to me seems strange as if I was stopped by BiB then I would have an expired licence. I assume that would mean I had a problem.

As you say with variations between offices and I am in Sakon Nakhon province in a place where there aren't so many foreigners difficult to know what to do for the best and to try and get advice from them, well hard to say the least.

Great you took the time to reply, thanks, very helpful.

[Soutpeel]

There are many posts on TV and some seem to say go before expiration and some say ok to go after which to me seems strange as if I was stopped by BiB then I would have an expired licence. I assume that would mean I had a problem.

Let give you this gem of logic from Rayong traffic department....

I went last year for my 5 year renewal in Rayong, as I work offshore and would be at work on the expiry date, used the same logic...let me renew it early....went to the traffic department and the girl behind the counter said your DL hasnt expired...yes I know, so explained to her that I would be offshore when it expired and would be back until some weeks after the due date...ok no problem renew it when you come back 5 year Thai DL can be renewed up to 1 year after the expiry date...

Left it there, went to work came home and took a trip to the traffic department, thinking I am really going to lose the plot, if they now tell me its expired and cant renew it....lo and behold....no problem walked out 45 minutes later with a renewed 5 year..

So one assumes if there is this lee way on a 5 year, there must be something similar on a 1 year ie you can renew it after it expires....and the BiB cant do anything legally for a pre-defined period after expiry

[stevenl]

And since it is renewed till your next birthday you get almost 6 years if you renew after it has expired.

Mine expires next year, I'm on a 10 year license at the moment. I'm afraid though the next one will be 5 years (plus the almost 1 year).

[Sophon]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

I think the issue is that the one year license is only a temporary license (it says so on the license), and you cannot get a regular license until you have held the temporary one for a whole year. I don't know why they have this distinction between temporary/regular license, but whatever the reason it wouldn't make any sense if you could just exchange the temporary for a regular one any time you wanted to.

As to the IDP, (as mentioned by others) no you cannot get an IDP on a temporary license. And only some DLT offices issue IDPs. In Bangkok I believe only the main office out by Mor Chit does.

One idea though. Since you have now had your Thai temporary license for more than one year (although split over two separate licenses), maybe they will now be willing to issue you a regular five year license (even though your current license will not expire for a while). Of course, you will have to pay the fees again, and I'm not sure whether it will work or not.

Sophon

[diggledunc]

Non immigrate visa is and should be OK.

Letter from your local police station usually good enough for prove of address in most DLT's.

Has the 1 year license expired ??

Don't know if a 1 year Thai license is OK for driving in England best check.

5 year Thai license OK in England no need for IDP.

When hiring car UK make sure you get confirmation of cover for insurance using a Thai license.

Think a good idea I get yellow book that would solve my address problems.

My second new year licence expires in January but I might try to convert to five year early as now I have held one year licences for over one year which I hadn't when I went for a new licence last time as I was told I should go before it expired.

Think 1 year no good for UK hiring. Easy to check with car hire companies re 5 year, I will email them before I hire so that I have something in print I can at least show if I had any problems.

Thanks for your reply.

[diggledunc]

OP if you already had a one year licence then I do not understand why with a long term visa they would not give you a 5 year? That does not seem to make any sense based on my understanding but as many people have mentioned every centre and every individual seems to interpret the rules differently.

My understanding is that for a Thai IDP you need to hold a 5 year licence but maybe you need to ring some different centres and ask around (or get a Thai to) and see what is possible.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

You would need a full 5 year Thai DL to get an IDP, not all offices issue IDP's, even Pattaya dont (they send them to BKK)....I normally get mine from Mo Chit in BKK....15 minutes to get arond THB 500 the last time...

The problem with the Thai 1 year license is legally a temporary license and a quick search on wiki will reveal that are not supposed to used outside Thailand, not that the BiB/insurance would know this in the UK, but if you did drive a car on a 1 year Thai DL had an accident and somehow the BiB or insurance found out you may find yourself in a sticky siutation.

BTW when you applied for your 5 year..your 1 year had expired ?....strange as it sounds some offices require that your 1 year has expired before they issue the 5 year...ie if you try to renew before it has expired they will give you another 1 year

Thanks for reply. One year licence not expired as I was advised to go early as if I went after it had expired I would have to do the tests etc. I didn't have to before I got the first one year licence apart from the eyesight tests. Very enlightening what you say about the one year licence. Wiki has everything hasn't it, I should have checked that.

[diggledunc]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

I think the issue is that the one year license is only a temporary license (it says so on the license), and you cannot get a regular license until you have held the temporary one for a whole year. I don't know why they have this distinction between temporary/regular license, but whatever the reason it wouldn't make any sense if you could just exchange the temporary for a regular one any time you wanted to.

As to the IDP, (as mentioned by others) no you cannot get an IDP on a temporary license. And only some DLT offices issue IDPs. In Bangkok I believe only the main office out by Mor Chit does.

One idea though. Since you have now had your Thai temporary license for more than one year (although split over two separate licenses), maybe they will now be willing to issue you a regular five year license (even though your current license will not expire for a while). Of course, you will have to pay the fees again, and I'm not sure whether it will work or not.

Sophon

Thanks for your suggestion re going back I think it is my only hope otherwise I have to wait til January. Will have a go at this but I think I will try and get yellow book before I go.

[diggledunc]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

Good evening again.

Just thought I would let you know I went into the local office today to ask them the question in line with your thoughts. At first they said I had to wait until the second one year licence was due for renewal What's the point of arguing with officialdom here.

They were doing tests round the back so I thought I would go round for a bit, it's a good laugh. Here they do them on a track no larger than a football pitch. After a few minutes no pickups had turned over and no crashes so I got bored. Started walking back to the car.

The lady we had spoken to shouted from the window for me to come back. When I got in the office they said yes they could change it early as it was obviously a mistake before. Just need proof of address.

Thanks for your prompt. I thought interesting they would admit they did it wrong. Will get back as quick as I can.

I think the issue is that the one year license is only a temporary license (it says so on the license), and you cannot get a regular license until you have held the temporary one for a whole year. I don't know why they have this distinction between temporary/regular license, but whatever the reason it wouldn't make any sense if you could just exchange the temporary for a regular one any time you wanted to.

As to the IDP, (as mentioned by others) no you cannot get an IDP on a temporary license. And only some DLT offices issue IDPs. In Bangkok I believe only the main office out by Mor Chit does.

One idea though. Since you have now had your Thai temporary license for more than one year (although split over two separate licenses), maybe they will now be willing to issue you a regular five year license (even though your current license will not expire for a while). Of course, you will have to pay the fees again, and I'm not sure whether it will work or not.

Sophon

[Sophon]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

I think the issue is that the one year license is only a temporary license (it says so on the license), and you cannot get a regular license until you have held the temporary one for a whole year. I don't know why they have this distinction between temporary/regular license, but whatever the reason it wouldn't make any sense if you could just exchange the temporary for a regular one any time you wanted to.

As to the IDP, (as mentioned by others) no you cannot get an IDP on a temporary license. And only some DLT offices issue IDPs. In Bangkok I believe only the main office out by Mor Chit does.

One idea though. Since you have now had your Thai temporary license for more than one year (although split over two separate licenses), maybe they will now be willing to issue you a regular five year license (even though your current license will not expire for a while). Of course, you will have to pay the fees again, and I'm not sure whether it will work or not.

Sophon

Good evening again.

Just thought I would let you know I went into the local office today to ask them the question in line with your thoughts. At first they said I had to wait until the second one year licence was due for renewal What's the point of arguing with officialdom here.

They were doing tests round the back so I thought I would go round for a bit, it's a good laugh. Here they do them on a track no larger than a football pitch. After a few minutes no pickups had turned over and no crashes so I got bored. Started walking back to the car.

The lady we had spoken to shouted from the window for me to come back. When I got in the office they said yes they could change it early as it was obviously a mistake before. Just need proof of address.

Thanks for your prompt. I thought interesting they would admit they did it wrong. Will get back as quick as I can.

Glad to hear that it seems like you will be able to get your 5 year license before your trip back home.

Sophon

[diggledunc]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't understand either why they would not issue a 5 year licence. When I went to the local office they wouldn't process my application for a new 5 year licence. Instead they gave me a form to take to immigration which was for confirmation of address for the purposes of applying for a 1 year temporary licence. It actually said this on it in English. I toddled off to immigration, no problem but of course when I went back to the local office they only processed me for another one year licence. They knew this was a renewal because there was no mention of doing tests or watching videos and I had my current 1 year licence with me.

I thought I would need a 5 year licence for the IDP. As I said I need this and/or the 5 year to hire a car in UK. I assume IDPs are issued by the local offices do you know any different to this.

I think the issue is that the one year license is only a temporary license (it says so on the license), and you cannot get a regular license until you have held the temporary one for a whole year. I don't know why they have this distinction between temporary/regular license, but whatever the reason it wouldn't make any sense if you could just exchange the temporary for a regular one any time you wanted to.

As to the IDP, (as mentioned by others) no you cannot get an IDP on a temporary license. And only some DLT offices issue IDPs. In Bangkok I believe only the main office out by Mor Chit does.

One idea though. Since you have now had your Thai temporary license for more than one year (although split over two separate licenses), maybe they will now be willing to issue you a regular five year license (even though your current license will not expire for a while). Of course, you will have to pay the fees again, and I'm not sure whether it will work or not.

Sophon

Good evening again.

Just thought I would let you know I went into the local office today to ask them the question in line with your thoughts. At first they said I had to wait until the second one year licence was due for renewal What's the point of arguing with officialdom here.

They were doing tests round the back so I thought I would go round for a bit, it's a good laugh. Here they do them on a track no larger than a football pitch. After a few minutes no pickups had turned over and no crashes so I got bored. Started walking back to the car.

The lady we had spoken to shouted from the window for me to come back. When I got in the office they said yes they could change it early as it was obviously a mistake before. Just need proof of address.

Thanks for your prompt. I thought interesting they would admit they did it wrong. Will get back as quick as I can.

Glad to hear that it seems like you will be able to get your 5 year license before your trip back home.

Sophon

Got it. Cheers