5 year driving license renewal

[JaiLai]

Can anyone pls provide me with an answer to below.

I have a 5 year license about to expire, I have a 30 day tourist visa and am told I need a 1 year non O or WP or business visa to renew it for an additional 5 years.

Because I'm on a 30 day tourist visa am I legal to drive here on a valid UK license? If so ill not bother with the expense and hassle of getting a 1 year non O from Singapore / KL or wherever.

I've been here for 14 years and although qualify for 1 year non O I have only bothered twice.

Many thanks.

[topt]

My understanding is you really need to have an IDP with your UK licence. You can get them by post from the AA or post office - but if you are already into the 30 days then that is probably too late...

Another option would be to renew just to a one year again on your 30 day - visa or visa waiver - depending on the Driver Licencing centre concerned.

[JaiLai]

My understanding is you really need to have an IDP with your UK licence. You can get them by post from the AA or post office - but if you are already into the 30 days then that is probably too late...

Another option would be to renew just to a one year again on your 30 day - visa or visa waiver - depending on the Driver Licencing centre concerned.

Looks like the one year option may be the way to go.

My problem is I live in a remote area, I went to the local land/ transport dept and they did not really know anything.

Would I be able to register my address where I live if I get the license done in BKK or Pattaya for an example!

[topt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

My understanding is you really need to have an IDP with your UK licence. You can get them by post from the AA or post office - but if you are already into the 30 days then that is probably too late...

Another option would be to renew just to a one year again on your 30 day - visa or visa waiver - depending on the Driver Licencing centre concerned.

Looks like the one year option may be the way to go.

My problem is I live in a remote area, I went to the local land/ transport dept and they did not really know anything.

Would I be able to register my address where I live if I get the license done in BKK or Pattaya for an example!

Not sure - as you need the registration certificate from Immigration? I think this question was covered in one of the very long driving licence threads fairly recently - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/27462-applying-for-1-5-year-thai-driving-licences/ or http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625737-renewal-of-5-year-drivers-license/ which is a bit shorter. The best bet is to try ringiny whichever DLT and ask.

I would have thought the local one could have done this if you asked or gently suggested it however?

[stevenl]

You don't need IDP with a UK license.

But: Uk license is only valid for a limited period of time, licenses from abroad are meant to be used by tourists, not by people living here. If living here a Thai license is required, and yes, since you are here visa exempt (30 day tourist visa does not exist) you are limited to a 1-year license.

[JaiLai]

You don't need IDP with a UK license.

But: Uk license is only valid for a limited period of time, licenses from abroad are meant to be used by tourists, not by people living here. If living here a Thai license is required, and yes, since you are here visa exempt (30 day tourist visa does not exist) you are limited to a 1-year license.

Thanks, this is the answer I was hoping for. I'm only ever here for 1 month at a time on a tourist stamp therefore I'll not bother with the Thai mockery of getting a license.

As mentioned when asking the lady ( I use the term lightly ) about a visa she said she had no idea what was needed.

JL

[topt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

You don't need IDP with a UK license.

But: Uk license is only valid for a limited period of time, licenses from abroad are meant to be used by tourists, not by people living here. If living here a Thai license is required, and yes, since you are here visa exempt (30 day tourist visa does not exist) you are limited to a 1-year license.

Thanks, this is the answer I was hoping for. I'm only ever here for 1 month at a time on a tourist stamp therefore I'll not bother with the Thai mockery of getting a license.

As mentioned when asking the lady ( I use the term lightly ) about a visa she said she had no idea what was needed.

JL

You will probably be ok - but if you get stopped maybe not.......

UK govt. has this to say.....

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security

Road travel

You can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit or Thai driving licence.

[stevenl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

You don't need IDP with a UK license.

But: Uk license is only valid for a limited period of time, licenses from abroad are meant to be used by tourists, not by people living here. If living here a Thai license is required, and yes, since you are here visa exempt (30 day tourist visa does not exist) you are limited to a 1-year license.

Thanks, this is the answer I was hoping for. I'm only ever here for 1 month at a time on a tourist stamp therefore I'll not bother with the Thai mockery of getting a license.

As mentioned when asking the lady ( I use the term lightly ) about a visa she said she had no idea what was needed.

JL

You will probably be ok - but if you get stopped maybe not.......

UK govt. has this to say.....

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security

Road travel

You can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit or Thai driving licence.

Incorrect information.

[topt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

You don't need IDP with a UK license.

But: Uk license is only valid for a limited period of time, licenses from abroad are meant to be used by tourists, not by people living here. If living here a Thai license is required, and yes, since you are here visa exempt (30 day tourist visa does not exist) you are limited to a 1-year license.

Thanks, this is the answer I was hoping for. I'm only ever here for 1 month at a time on a tourist stamp therefore I'll not bother with the Thai mockery of getting a license.

As mentioned when asking the lady ( I use the term lightly ) about a visa she said she had no idea what was needed.

JL

You will probably be ok - but if you get stopped maybe not.......

UK govt. has this to say.....

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security

Road travel

You can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit or Thai driving licence.

Incorrect information.

If you look at the link it is actually advice........

Please show a link to the "correct" information for future reference....

[stevenl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks, this is the answer I was hoping for. I'm only ever here for 1 month at a time on a tourist stamp therefore I'll not bother with the Thai mockery of getting a license.

As mentioned when asking the lady ( I use the term lightly ) about a visa she said she had no idea what was needed.

JL

You will probably be ok - but if you get stopped maybe not.......

UK govt. has this to say.....

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security

Road travel

You can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit or Thai driving licence.

Incorrect information.

If you look at the link it is actually advice........

Please show a link to the "correct" information for future reference....

Let's make it official then. Please show a link of a Thai government website requiring IDP for driving/riding in Thailand. UK government really has nothing to say about this.

[topt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

You will probably be ok - but if you get stopped maybe not.......

UK govt. has this to say.....

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security

Road travel

You can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit or Thai driving licence.

Incorrect information.

If you look at the link it is actually advice........

Please show a link to the "correct" information for future reference....

Let's make it official then. Please show a link of a Thai government website requiring IDP for driving/riding in Thailand. UK government really has nothing to say about this.

I take it you do not have a link?

As to "official" we all know that depends on the mood of the officer concerned at the time and hence, IMHO, you are safer with a Thai licence than without.

[stevenl]

Incorrect information.

If you look at the link it is actually advice........

Please show a link to the "correct" information for future reference....

Let's make it official then. Please show a link of a Thai government website requiring IDP for driving/riding in Thailand. UK government really has nothing to say about this.

I take it you do not have a link?

As to "official" we all know that depends on the mood of the officer concerned at the time and hence, IMHO, you are safer with a Thai licence than without.

Of course there is no link saying 'IDP is not required', why would anybody publish that? And yes, of course Thai license is safer than without, but that is not what this is about. And yes, in the past I have dug up links about this, but after the upteenth time somebody comes with a claim 'IDP is required' I have given up on that, I'm not doing it anymore.

For tourists valid home license is sufficient, provided it is in English and has photo ID. For longer stayers Thai license is required.

[Tywais]

Official requirements for driving in Thailand, Motor Vehicle Act, B.E. 2522. However I noticed section 44/48 is no longer valid in terms of 'for life' as it is now 5 years. The section I underlined regarding treaties between countries could allude to requiring an IDP where it states 'must carry documents specified by the treaty ....' One of several sources

Section 42
Anyone who wishes to drive a motor vehicle on public roads must possess an appropriate driver’s license. The driver must carry the driver’s license and a photocopy of the registration book and show them to competent officers upon request. This does not apply for those who are learning to drive a motor vehicle according to the provision of Section 57.

If the driver is an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa, he may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license specified in the Section 42-2. In such a case, he must carry documents specified by the treaty between the Thai government and the government which issued such driver’s license, and show them to competent officers upon request.

Section 42-2
In case there’s a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver’s license, an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license issued by such a foreign government, or an automobile association authorized by such a foreign government.

Section 43
Anyone who wishes to drive a motor vehicle must apply for a driver’s license according to following categories:
1. Temporary license for a private car, three-wheeled car, or motorcycle
2. License for a private car
3. License for a private three-wheeled car
4. License for a public car
5. License for a public three-wheeled car
6. License for a motorcycle
7. License for a roller car
8. License for a tractor
9. License for a motor vehicle not specified in 1. – 8.
10. International Driving Permit for a car or motorcycle

Those who has a license #4 may drive a private car.
Those who has a license #5 may drive a private three-wheeled car.

Section 44
A driver’s license under the category #1 – #6 or #9 is valid for one year. A driver’s license under the category #7 or #8 is valid for three years. Upon renewal of a driver’s license, it is valid for either one year or three years.

A driver’s license under the category #2, #3 or #6 may be renewed as valid for life.

Section 45
To apply for a driver’s license, the applicant must satisfy requirements set by this Act.

Section 46
Requirements for application of license #1
1. He (applicant) is at least 18 years old. In case for a motorcycle under 90cc, he is at least 15 years old.
2. He has sufficient knowledge and skills for driving the vehicle.
3. He understands traffic rules set by the Land Traffic Act.
4. He doesn’t have disabilities which affects him in driving the vehicle.
5. He is certified by a medical doctor that he’s not suffering from illnesses which endanger him in driving the vehicle.
6. He is not suffering from mental illnesses.
7. He doesn’t have a driver’s license which he wants to apply.
8. His driver’s license is not under suspension. In case his driver’s license has been revoked, sufficient time has passed since the revocation.

Section 47
Requirements for application of license #2 – #6
1. He has possessed the license #1 for at least one year.
2. He satisfies provisions of Section 46.
3. He hasn’t been fined more than once during the past six months for following traffic offenses. In case he has been found guilty at a law court for these offenses, it has been at least 6 months since his completion of the punishment.

• a. ignoring traffic signs and signals
• b. driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• c. obstructing other traffic
• d. speeding
• e. driving dangerously
• f. driving selfishly

Section 48
Requirements for application of life-long license #2, #3 and #6
1. He has possessed a license #2, #3 or #6 for at least 1 year.
2. He satisfies requirements of Section 46. He’s at least 20 years old.
3. He satisfies the third requirement of Section 47.

Section 49
Requirements for application of license #4 and #5
1. He has possessed license #1 for at least 1 year.
2. He satisfies provisions of Section 46. He’s at least 25 years old.
3. He satisfies the third provision of Section 47.
4. He is a Thai national.
5. He’s familiar with roads of the province which he wants to apply his license for.
6. He’s not suffering from infectious diseases.
7. He’s not an alcoholic or drug-addict.
8. He hasn’t served a jail term for certain serious crimes. In case he has, it has been at least three years his completion of the term.

Section 50
He who wishes to apply for license #4 or #5, but cannot satisfy the 8th provision of Section 49, may turn in a petition.

Section 51
Requirements for application of license #7, #8 or #9
1. He satisfies requirements of Section 46.
2. He has sufficient knowledge and skills for the vehicle.

Section 51-2
He who has license #2, #4, #5 or #6 may apply for license #10.