OK! OK! I GIVE UP! I AM A BROKEN MAN! I will now get my Thai license.

[DeeMockMark]

Thai police has worn me out.

Ok all ye know it alls.

Just give me step by step instructions to do this. PLEASE.

What do I need and where to get it? Can I do it all in one day?

I am a Motosai Man right now. Can't afford a car like all you rich guys.

So don't rub it in.

And I don't want to hear, "You should have done this before."

NOT EVEN ONCE.

(Now I am asking for it.)

I have been here a year and have a retirement visa.

Happy New Year!

[ubonjoe]

Have a look at this topic: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/27462-Applying-For-1-&-5-Year-Thai-Driving-Licences

[DeeMockMark]

Have a look at this topic: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/27462-Applying-For-1-&-5-Year-Thai-Driving-Licences

Thx

[Tywais]

And a copy of the instructions in this CM topic - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689460-5-year-driving-licence-renewal-question/#entry7167775

[DeeMockMark]

And a copy of the instructions in this CM topic - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689460-5-year-driving-licence-renewal-question/#entry7167775

Thx.

[Tywais]

My first off topic post removals of the year.

[eyecatcher]

How about explaining why you are a broken man....what finally tipped you over the edge into thinking "you should have done this before"

Don't be embarrassed.

[Frank James]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

[DeeMockMark]

How about explaining why you are a broken man....what finally tipped you over the edge into thinking "you should have done this before"

Don't be embarrassed.

Actually i haven't been popped that many times. Sorry for the hyperbole. But I have been sick since just before Christmas. And I am feeling better at last so the post came out a little goofy and giddy because IT IS SO GRAND TO BE ALIVE! We know there is a crackdown going on. They warned us in Oct. So i have been strategically going places at certain times. But they seem to be popping up everyplace. I went to the American consulate Monday and there was one in front of the APO! I went to Rimping Mee Chok today! Yes... there is one there too! Both times they did not flag me over. But I am living on borrowed time. It's a new era in CM. Its the era of GETTING YOUR DARN THAI LICENSE FARLANGS. That's the writing on the wall. And it is in English.

[taotoo]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

• Get crushed

[mesquite]

I'm in the same position as the O.P. Got popped a couple of weeks ago using an expired California license and had to pay up.

If i don't speak or read Thai language adequately yet, is it possible to go through the exam processes without bringing along someone who

can interpret for me?

I read a while back that in Bangkok they have made provisions so that English only speakers can get a Thai license.

The exam is in English for us farangs. It might be good if you have a Thai friend who can go there with you to help you navigate the DMV maze, but not necessary.

But expect to be confused with the exam English. It's not 100% correct, like most things in Thailand.

[SpokaneAl]

The test is via computer, which means your results are provided instantly. And if you fail the written test the first time, you can immediately retake it. Many of the questions the second time around will be different, and many will be identical.

And if you have no car for the road portion (actually conducted in a parking lot here in Korat) they will rent you a vehicle very cheaply. The same goes for obtaining a motorcycle license.

[Briggsy]

Do you have a foreign full motorcycle licence?

If so, you might consider just getting an international driving licence which is also valid.

[PoorSucker]

Practice here:

http://apps.dlt.go.th/driving_hp/ELearnning/E-Learning2.swf

[dave2]

re

We know there is a crackdown going on

hes right ! ... on xmas day

dave2

[FolkGuitar]

Here's a tip for you... if a word to the wise is truly sufficient... As has been said, if you fail the test, they will let you retake it immediately.

Study the street signs and study where you can and can't park. Both of these are covered in the book they will let you read ( it's in English, Thai, and Japanese)

When you take the computer test (in English ) answer as best you can. At the end of the test, if you do fail, the machine has a button you can push to show you the questions you missed and their correct answers. READ THEM. You WILL see those same question again when you re-take the test. The exact same questions. Often the same question is asked 2-3 times in the same test. Strange but true. Having been given all the correct answers, if you get less than 90% the second time around, you shouldn't be driving anyway...

[Genericnic]

@DeeMockMark,

Good way to start out the new year.

I too am a motorsai man and have no desire to get a car. For me, at least, my Honda Wave is much more practical and fun.

Just another retired old geezer having a good life.

David

[Genericnic]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

• Get crushed

Sweat like crazy at 40 C.

David

[jackr]

Do you have a foreign full motorcycle licence?

If so, you might consider just getting an international driving licence which is also valid.

... for 12 months only.

and which may not sway some coppers and likely won't get one into an NP, or similar, for Thai price. That full motosai license from West could be converted to Thai license (2 hours tops--minus written test) quite easily.

[ignis]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

OK is a bit off topic, but where can you get a bicycle ?

Thought about it, but they are a crazy price for something for a non Thai size person.... looking at Classified they appear to sell between 15 - 47,000 baht, for a second hand Push Bike !! I did ask in a Supermarket a while ago, they implyed that a Thai bicycle would fall to bits within a year, and I was to heavy and large for any Thai push bike

You can buy a decent scooter + tax, insure and petrol for a few years for that sort of price...... still non to clear on the electric bike/scooters, they also appear not to get stopped and a lot cheaper then a bicycle

Edit: Just found a new Advert for a 2nd hand push bike 150,000 baht !!! http://www.bahtsold.com/view/storck-scenero-racing-bicycle-for-sale--159785?doqs=1

[dave2]

re

still non to clear on the electric bike/scooters, they also appear not to get stopped and a lot cheaper then a bicycle

hes right !

their only 23000 at amorn in icon plaza

dave2

ps .. thats about 424 quid english for a bike

[PaulHamon]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

• Get crushed

rubbish...road 12,000km last year on my bicycle in Thailand no problems.

[jacko45k]

I read a while back that in Bangkok they have made provisions so that English only speakers can get a Thai license.

Not only in Bangkok, I assure you there are many English speakers who have had Thai licence(s) for some time.

[Frank James]

re

still non to clear on the electric bike/scooters, they also appear not to get stopped and a lot cheaper then a bicycle

hes right !

their only 23000 at amorn in icon plaza

dave2

ps .. thats about 424 quid english for a bike

Junk. You can see that just by looking at them.

I found my used Trek 7200 hybrid bike at a shop on the n. side of the moat. Paid 11,000 baht. This is veering away from the topic, of OP wanting to get driving license, tired of being shook down by the police. Bicycles are an alternative, although not feasible for many, it seems.

[lmaxv]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

OK is a bit off topic, but where can you get a bicycle ?

Thought about it, but they are a crazy price for something for a non Thai size person.... looking at Classified they appear to sell between 15 - 47,000 baht, for a second hand Push Bike !! I did ask in a Supermarket a while ago, they implyed that a Thai bicycle would fall to bits within a year, and I was to heavy and large for any Thai push bike

You can buy a decent scooter + tax, insure and petrol for a few years for that sort of price...... still non to clear on the electric bike/scooters, they also appear not to get stopped and a lot cheaper then a bicycle

Edit: Just found a new Advert for a 2nd hand push bike 150,000 baht !!! http://www.bahtsold.com/view/storck-scenero-racing-bicycle-for-sale--159785?doqs=1

Try a bicycle shop....?! I bought mine over 2 years ago in Krabi Town. Paid 7900 baht. Mountain bike. Still works fine. There is another shop nearby with more expensive bikes...depends on your needs.

I got my first DL, both auto and motorcycle, when I first arrived in Thailand. I had a valid US license PLUS an international DL. The DMV liked the Int'l DL best for some reason. To take the "written" test, they gave me a booklet to study, in English. A little bit later I took the test. For the motorcycle DL, I showed up with a bike to take a driving test. It was communicated to me to watch others complete the course. I drove the course, given a pass, went back in and had my pic taken and was issued both DL's. There's nothing difficult or complicated about the process. Whatever country I lived in, I would expect to get a DL if I intended to drive. Do people think Thailand is different?

And the "written" test has little to do with a person's ability to drive! One must get used to the practiced "rules of the road", they don't necessarily match the booklet.

[CBR250]

Hey DeeMock:

If you ride a bicycle you:

• Don't hafta wear no stinking helmet. (Still a good idea, though.)
• Cruise past the cops who are busy shaking down the moto sai-clists, smiling your heinie off.
• Slip though holes in traffic that motorbikes cannot. Laugh at gridlock!
• No license required, no insurance.
• Good method of fitness/exercise.
• Safest form of personal transport, as long as you keep your eyes & ears open for danger.
• No petrol bill.

Something to consider, anyway. Be prepared to waste several hours and maybe two trips, getting your license. Chok dee, Happy New year.

• Get crushed

rubbish...road 12,000km last year on my bicycle in Thailand no problems.

Glad you are still in one piece. And probably healthy! The first fatal I saw on arriving to live here was a bicycle. They do have advantages in some circumstances, but overall are probably more dangerous than a motorcycle. Less visible unless you add LOTS of lights and wear a fluoro vest (Thais are trained from birth to allow for motorcycles - everyone's got someone they love currently riding one around. Not so with bicycles). Bugger all acceleration on a bicycle to get away from drunken / mad / untrained car drivers, even if you have thighs like Jonah Lomu. I will only ride a bike on very quiet roads. Limits the transport potential.

[DGIE]

Is your motocy CBR? How much have you bought it?

Off-topic...

[wanderluster]

go to a place called an airport buy a one way ticket back to britain get on the plane.. everything else will be done for you

[davidwa]

DRIVING IN THAILAND

Do It Legally!

Many ask questions about some specific legal issues that need to be considered when living in Thailand. This time the question is:

What sort of driving license is needed to legally drive in Thailand?

A. International Driving Licence

Any foreigner wishing to drive in Thailand must hold a valid international license issued by the authorities of a country that has signed a bilateral agreement with Thailand or acceded to an international treaty to which Thailand is a signatory. In our experience it is most likely that foreigners from the ‘usual’ countries travelling to Thailand will be included. For a full list of countries that have agreed to accept the 1949 United Nations Convention on road traffic covering acceptance of the International Driving Permit visit this link:

http://www.drivers.com/article/937/

Be aware that an international driving licence has a validity of 1 to 10 years but allows you to drive for a maximum of 3 months per trip.

B. Thailand Driving Licence

With an international licence or your home country licence, it is easier for a foreigner to obtain a Thai driving license with the following documents:

1. A valid passport.

2. A non-immigrant visa (a Tourist Visa is not acceptable)

3. Proof of residence (a home booklet known in Thai as the "Tabian baan") or a residence permit issued by Immigration.

4. A medical certificate (in Thai)

6. An original driver's license and a copy and translation certified by the embassy of the country of origin or international driving license original and its copy.

An application for a Thailand Driving Licence is submitted to the Department of Transportation office within each Province. The applicant may also be required to pass some visual and reflex tests. The license is then awarded depending on the category of license obtained in their country of origin. The initial licence will be for a period of one year and subsequently for five years.

Some Anecdotal Stories and Suggestions

As with many legal requirements in Thailand it often seems like everyone has a different story to tell about how they managed to negotiate the ‘system’. Here are some variations on the requirements described above! Of course these comments should not be considered as legal advice; but offered without prejudice or responsibility. If you have legal questions about your individual circumstances please seek advice from a lawyer.

• Proof of residence has been obtained from the Police (apart from Immigration) with the necessary paperwork provided.
• A medical certificate may be obtained easily from a local doctor, just tell them what it is for.
• The need for a translated copy of your International or home country licence may not be required to obtain a Thai licence in ‘tourist friendly’ locations.
• A multi choice theory test will be available in English but not necessarily in your own language.
• Recent changes include a requirement to sit through a presentation (in Thai) of safety issues when driving.
• A practical (driving) test is not usually required for a licence of a similar class of vehicle described on your international or home country licence. If you do not have a motor bike licence you are likely to need (and pass) a driving test which may be on a ‘test track’ near the Departmental facilities. We know of one case when an unprepared applicant did not arrive with a motor cycle to use and the Departmental staff kindly provided one to use, but don’t count on it!
• Be prepared with multiple passport style photos and copies of all the documents required; a real time saver.
• Be aware that reminders or notification of the expiry dates are not given. This also applies to vehicle licences. A diary is always useful!
• Apart from driving legally, a Thai Driving Licence also has benefits when you need to show your ID, reducing the need to carry your passport.

The costs for the various requirements are not high but each one will have a price. It may seem like a prolonged and sometimes frustrating process but if you persist with a sense of humour and patience it’s not really too hard.

Our advice; hang in there so that the next time you come across a Police check at the roadside you can proudly show your Thai licence with a smile!

[sangenuer]

A fair bit seems to depend on (1) whether you get a friendly counter clerk and (2) where your valid driver's license is from (assuming you have one). I have a Florida driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement on it--no international license.To get both car and motosai licenses, the only tests I had to take were the colorblind test and the reaction test, where you have to stomp on the boards when the lights change. No written or driving tests for either.