Thai Motorcycle riding license and IDP?

[CroBiker]

Need help from fellow TV members:

My motorcycle riding license (issued in European country) expires in few days time, therefore I decided to get Thai license.

1. For how long are these licenses valid these days? Is there such thing as 5 years or is it 1 year only?

2. Can I get IDP too? Someone said in order to get IDP, license has to be valid for at least 5 years but I couldn't verify this?

3. Are the rules still the same? Non-immigrant visa or work permit, medical certificate, photo, letter from immigration. Is there anything else I should bring with me?

Obviously, I am based in Phuket and any extra info how these things work out here would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[LivinginKata]

The initial licence is issued for 1 year. On renewal it's valid for 5 years on each renewal.

Good point about the IDP, it's my understanding needs to be the 5 year licence before you can apply for the IDP. But these days there should be no need for an IDP, the new Thai style licence is accepted in most countries. No doubt this will raise a big debate here on TV.

Documentation still still the same. A Certificate of Residence from Immigration (non Imm or tourist visa) or A Work Permit or a Yellow Tabian Baan, plus medical certificate, original passport, copies of passport. No photo required.

[NomadJoe]

The initial licence is issued for 1 year. On renewal it's valid for 5 years on each renewal.

Good point about the IDP, it's my understanding needs to be the 5 year licence before you can apply for the IDP. But these days there should be no need for an IDP, the new Thai style licence is accepted in most countries. No doubt this will raise a big debate here on TV.

Documentation still still the same. A Certificate of Residence from Immigration (non Imm or tourist visa) or A Work Permit or a Yellow Tabian Baan, plus medical certificate, original passport, copies of passport. No photo required.

And normally you can skip the driving and written tests if you have a license from back home, but with it expiring this probably isn't possible anymore.

When I got my my Thai licenses using my license from back home they asked me to printout the page from my home DMV website explaining the classes of license I was issued from home so they knew what classes they could issue me, which was motorcycle and car. An IDP for your home license also achieves this, but if your EU license has the little silhouette on the back of the classes you are permitted to drive, then you shouldn't need the IDP or DMV website printout.

[LivinginKata]

The initial Thai driving licence is considered a temporary licence and is only issued for one year. This tempirary licence can only be used inside Thailand.

[CroBiker]

Thank you for info guys, appreciate it.

[phuketrichard]

i have ONLY had a thai car license since i moved here in 1984, it has always been accepted when riding a motorcycle as well

first year 1 year

after that u get the 5 year and as its in English its good for Malaysia and Laos ( cambodia only wants $1-2 if ur stopped regardless what license u have)

Note; i have used my Thai license to rent cars in Europe an the states and when i was stopped once.

[NomadJoe]

The initial Thai driving licence is considered a temporary licence and is only issued for one year. This tempirary licence can only be used inside Thailand.

Which by default makes the 5 year a "permanent" license.

[Guest]

The initial Thai driving licence is considered a temporary licence and is only issued for one year. This tempirary licence can only be used inside Thailand.

Which by default makes the 5 year a "permanent" license.

I guess that spreads. Singapore had 5 year licenses and now I think also Finland has changed the "Till death do us part" license to 5 or 10 years licenses. I'm annoyed of these changes.

How is the licensing in other countries?

[Jerry Cornelius]

Need help from fellow TV members:

My motorcycle riding license (issued in European country) expires in few days time, therefore I decided to get Thai license.

1. For how long are these licenses valid these days? Is there such thing as 5 years or is it 1 year only?

2. Can I get IDP too? Someone said in order to get IDP, license has to be valid for at least 5 years but I couldn't verify this?

3. Are the rules still the same? Non-immigrant visa or work permit, medical certificate, photo, letter from immigration. Is there anything else I should bring with me?

Obviously, I am based in Phuket and any extra info how these things work out here would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

If your European licence is valid, get a Thai licence a.s.a.p. You may need to sit through a video and do a color blindness and optical depth of field test though.

First you'll get a licence for 12 months. When that expires you can renew it for a 5 year licence.

If your European licence has expired, you'll need to take the ful test as well as the above. Don't worry if you've ridden a bike before you'll pass. The theory test is so simple. Then you'll get a 12 month licence as above.

Good Luck

Jerry

[NomadJoe]

The initial Thai driving licence is considered a temporary licence and is only issued for one year. This tempirary licence can only be used inside Thailand.

Which by default makes the 5 year a "permanent" license.

I guess that spreads. Singapore had 5 year licenses and now I think also Finland has changed the "Till death do us part" license to 5 or 10 years licenses. I'm annoyed of these changes.

How is the licensing in other countries?

In the states it varies as it's governed by each state. In California it's on the drivers 5th birthday following the application for the license, but you can renew once by mail. After 10 years you need to go in for a new picture. In Texas its' 6 years, New york; 8.

It seems to me that in countries where national ID cards are required, or passports ownership is near 100%, drivers licenses are valid for longer times, sometimes life long. In the UK the "life long" license (until 70) will always be valid. It has no photo. In the states everyone screams socialism when the idea of a national ID card is brought up, therefore in America the DL is the default ID card. All US vehicle departments can also issue state ID cards for those that don't want a license, but it's not required.

Edited August 3, 2013 by NomadJoe

[phuketrichard]

in Cambodia its one year an cost $35-60/year!!!

I have renew'd my Ca license 3 times /mail!!! Had not been into the office (since last year) for nearly 14 years

[grumpyoldman]

The initial licence is issued for 1 year. On renewal it's valid for 5 years on each renewal.

Good point about the IDP, it's my understanding needs to be the 5 year licence before you can apply for the IDP. But these days there should be no need for an IDP, the new Thai style licence is accepted in most countries. No doubt this will raise a big debate here on TV.

Documentation still still the same. A Certificate of Residence from Immigration (non Imm or tourist visa) or A Work Permit or a Yellow Tabian Baan, plus medical certificate, original passport, copies of passport. No photo required.

Digging up an oldie here as dubious Dave the brownshirt farang busted me with my USA license which I've used for years to ride here, but yes, just a car license but the BIBs always used to let me fly with it. Doogie Dave and I had a bit of a row over the fine,he said I had to pay 500thb but as an income tax payer here, I pay 300..... but anyway probably time for me to get the license.

Question on the certificate of residence, does my work permit suffice?

Sorry and reason for edit I do now see the "or", but anyway, this still valid regarding needed docs?

Edited May 24, 2014 by grumpyoldman

[LivinginKata]

Yes, WP will be OK, original WP for inspection and copies of every page for their file, each licence.

[grumpyoldman]

Yes, original WP for inspection and copies of every page for their file, each licence.

Copies of every page of the work permit LIK?

[NomadJoe]

The initial licence is issued for 1 year. On renewal it's valid for 5 years on each renewal.

Good point about the IDP, it's my understanding needs to be the 5 year licence before you can apply for the IDP. But these days there should be no need for an IDP, the new Thai style licence is accepted in most countries. No doubt this will raise a big debate here on TV.

Documentation still still the same. A Certificate of Residence from Immigration (non Imm or tourist visa) or A Work Permit or a Yellow Tabian Baan, plus medical certificate, original passport, copies of passport. No photo required.

Digging up an oldie here as dubious Dave the brownshirt farang busted me with my USA license which I've used for years to ride here, but yes, just a car license but the BIBs always used to let me fly with it. Doogie Dave and I had a bit of a row over the fine,he said I had to pay 500thb but as an income tax payer here, I pay 300..... but anyway probably time for me to get the license.

Question on the certificate of residence, does my work permit suffice?

Sorry and reason for edit I do now see the "or", but anyway, this still valid regarding needed docs?

The statutes give a min and max but with in those parameters, the fine is at the desk officers discretion. Thai cops aren't going to bother trying to find out if you are a resident or a tourist. We all look alike to them, but Dave seems to know his stuff and in this case he is right. You live here so you need a Thai drivers license to be legal. I bet it was your unique motorbike. I think I see you or your bike or both nearly every day. I know a lot of people have issue with the farangs helping with the checking of licenses, but I know if opposite situations where the BIB wanted to cite a driver but Dave, who was also a rozzie back home, told them that the license was legal, and prevented the foreigner from getting cited. Getting it right can only be a good thing, right?

Edited May 24, 2014 by NomadJoe

[grumpyoldman]

The initial licence is issued for 1 year. On renewal it's valid for 5 years on each renewal.

Good point about the IDP, it's my understanding needs to be the 5 year licence before you can apply for the IDP. But these days there should be no need for an IDP, the new Thai style licence is accepted in most countries. No doubt this will raise a big debate here on TV.

Documentation still still the same. A Certificate of Residence from Immigration (non Imm or tourist visa) or A Work Permit or a Yellow Tabian Baan, plus medical certificate, original passport, copies of passport. No photo required.

Digging up an oldie here as dubious Dave the brownshirt farang busted me with my USA license which I've used for years to ride here, but yes, just a car license but the BIBs always used to let me fly with it. Doogie Dave and I had a bit of a row over the fine,he said I had to pay 500thb but as an income tax payer here, I pay 300..... but anyway probably time for me to get the license.

Question on the certificate of residence, does my work permit suffice?

Sorry and reason for edit I do now see the "or", but anyway, this still valid regarding needed docs?

The statutes give a min and max but with in those parameters, the fine is at the desk officers discretion. Thai cops aren't going to bother trying to find out if you are a resident or a tourist. We all look alike to them, but Dave seems to know his stuff and in this case he is right. You live here so you need a Thai drivers license to be legal. I bet it was your unique motorbike. I think I see you or your bike or both nearly every day. I know a lot of people have issue with the farangs helping with the checking of licenses, but I know if opposite situations where the BIB wanted to cite a driver but Dave, who was also a rozzie back home, told them that the license was legal, and prevented the foreigner from getting cited. Getting it right can only be a good thing, right?

Hi Joe,

loved the Army Bangla shot on the other thread.

You're right, Dave had me on the license, but he was wrong about the fine. That was the only problem I expressed to him and that I had with him. 500thb for foreigner holiday maker, 300thb for the guy that paid 70,000thb+ in income taxes last year. Show the WP get a discount.

And yes, officer's discretion was 300thb, fair enough.

[LivinginKata]

Yes, original WP for inspection and copies of every page for their file, each licence.

Copies of every page of the work permit LIK?

Just yesterday I was reading a post about a member who used his WP for licence renewal and he reported that every page needed photocopy. OK, maybe not Phuket office, but you have been advised.

[grumpyoldman]

Yes, original WP for inspection and copies of every page for their file, each licence.

Copies of every page of the work permit LIK?

Just yesterday I was reading a post about a member who used his WP for licence renewal and he reported that every page needed photocopy. OK, maybe not Phuket office, but you have been advised.

O.K. thanks. GOM

[falkan]

who is this Dave the brownshirt farang, does he have authority to waive you over, write out tickets etc etc? here to help or to bust farangs? a regular down in rawai? or what's his story?

Edited May 24, 2014 by falkan

[grumpyoldman]

who is this Dave the brownshirt farang ? here to help or to bust farangs? a regular down in rawai? or what's his story?

falkan, as my friend NomadJoe has posted, the man does do some good, so I'd prefer not to turn this into a thread on him. yes, he is a farang traffic cop at Chalong circle and nearby cop stops.

In the long run, as Joe says, there will be good out of my experience with Dave as I will get the proper license I should probably have gotten years ago.

[Kimera]

The best advice is to simple go to the Phuket office with your licence and ask the girl at the desk by the door exactly what you will need, she speaks English and it's her job to inform you and check you have all the docs. Before you get inside.

Then come back when you have all they want...

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[grumpyoldman]

The best advice is to simple go to the Phuket office with your licence and ask the girl at the desk by the door exactly what you will need, she speaks English and it's her job to inform you and check you have all the docs. Before you get inside.

Then come back when you have all they want...

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Time-wise I think I would prefer to already know what I need, have it all with me.

Sure Kimera, good advice, I'll be sure to check with the girl at the door before proceeding.

[Kimera]

The best advice is to simple go to the Phuket office with your licence and ask the girl at the desk by the door exactly what you will need, she speaks English and it's her job to inform you and check you have all the docs. Before you get inside.

Then come back when you have all they want...

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Time-wise I think I would prefer to already know what I need, have it all with me.

Sure Kimera, good advice, I'll be sure to check with the girl at the door before proceeding.

The thing is, you have to go to the girl for her to check your papers if you need something you will be turned away and as there are time periods allocated to each specific task, for example to renew a 5 year licence is 8.30 to 9 am at one minute passed nine you will be turned away to return another day.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Just Destiny]

I have 90 days Non-Immigrant O visa (not yet extended) and currently in Bangkok (my wife has a house) can I get residence certificate without extension and what is the cost?

Another thing is that we are going to Hua Hin for couple of months and will stay in a rental accommodation.Can the residence certificate be used in Hua Hin if I get it in Bangkok or should I get it in Hua Hin and get the motorcycle licence and driving licence there based on my address in Hua Hin?

[ubonjoe]

I have 90 days Non-Immigrant O visa (not yet extended) and currently in Bangkok (my wife has a house) can I get residence certificate without extension and what is the cost?

Another thing is that we are going to Hua Hin for couple of months and will stay in a rental accommodation.Can the residence certificate be used in Hua Hin if I get it in Bangkok or should I get it in Hua Hin and get the motorcycle licence and driving licence there based on my address in Hua Hin?

You posted in the wrong forum.

You need to be on extension of stay to get it in Bangkok.

You could try in Hua Hin.

Another option is to get one from your embassy.

[NomadJoe]

who is this Dave the brownshirt farang, does he have authority to waive you over, write out tickets etc etc? here to help or to bust farangs? a regular down in rawai? or what's his story?

OT but loosely related to drivers licenses so....

The foreigners in brown are called a police assistants. They are not part of a group but attached directly to one station. From what I am told he and the others like him (there are 3 between Chalong and Karon/Kata that I am aware of) are volunteers the same as the tourist police volunteers and region 8 volunteers. I am unaware of any foreigner that is a paid, "sworn" Thai police officer. But, having said that, generally volunteers work under the direct supervision and direction of RTP officers and when they are, the officers powers extend to the volunteers. So assume that if there is one working a checkpoint he is doing so under the direct supervision of a RTP officer. There is no reason they can't write tickets if working with a RTP officer. If volunteers are working alone then they work under citizen arrest laws which are very similar to those in most of our home countries.

[Just Destiny]

I have 90 days Non-Immigrant O visa (not yet extended) and currently in Bangkok (my wife has a house) can I get residence certificate without extension and what is the cost?

Another thing is that we are going to Hua Hin for couple of months and will stay in a rental accommodation.Can the residence certificate be used in Hua Hin if I get it in Bangkok or should I get it in Hua Hin and get the motorcycle licence and driving licence there based on my address in Hua Hin?

You posted in the wrong forum.

You need to be on extension of stay to get it in Bangkok.

You could try in Hua Hin.

Another option is to get one from your embassy.

I thought it was related to motorcycle licence. Anyway thank for your advice.

[stevenl]

I have 90 days Non-Immigrant O visa (not yet extended) and currently in Bangkok (my wife has a house) can I get residence certificate without extension and what is the cost?

Another thing is that we are going to Hua Hin for couple of months and will stay in a rental accommodation.Can the residence certificate be used in Hua Hin if I get it in Bangkok or should I get it in Hua Hin and get the motorcycle licence and driving licence there based on my address in Hua Hin?

You posted in the wrong forum.

You need to be on extension of stay to get it in Bangkok.

You could try in Hua Hin.

Another option is to get one from your embassy.

I thought it was related to motorcycle licence. Anyway thank for your advice.

Check the motoring forum, special thread about DL's with information all over Thailand (not just Phuket like in this forum) here, http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/27462-applying-for-1-5-year-thai-driving-licences/page-50.

[NomadJoe]

...here to help or to bust farangs?..

I consider anyone busting foriegners that deserve to be busted as "helping," as there are far to many scumbag foreigners here.