Driving in Thailand

[Ubonquest]

Presently I have an International driver license and wonder if I need anything else to drive here in Thailand. Do I need to take any special tests before being allowed to drive.

[Aussieroaming]

You just need your home country licence and the permit

[khwaibah]

Only good if your a tourist. If not get a Thai DL.

[DILLIGAD]

You just need your home country licence and the permit

And a lot of observational skills in the country. Please expect the unexpected like.....

1) Cars/bikes driving the wrong way on the wrong side of the road.

2) no lights on, at night

3) dogs/cows wandering across the road.

4) a red traffic lights doesn't always mean people stop.

5) turn signals only used at the same time as turning (not before).

Stay safe and hope you enjoy your holiday.

[cooked]

I used my IDP (it isn't a license, it's a translation of your license into several languages, none of which the average Thai policeman will understand) for a few months before I got my extension of stay sorted out.; I used to enjoy their eyes going blank when they got this in their hands, one even turned it upside down. I never had to show my driving license from back home.

Get a Thai license, hilarious fun if you have a morning to spare, you'll feel better.

[KhunBENQ]

Only good if your a tourist. If not get a Thai DL.

Exactly.

On a permanent basis you need to convert your DL to a Thai DL.

Tons of threads in the motoring forum.

Nothing Isan specific here.

Start here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/819170-thai-dl-checklist-updated-2-dec-2015/

You would get a 2 year temporary Thai DL at first.

[cooked]

Only good if your a tourist. If not get a Thai DL.

Exactly.

On a permanent basis you need to convert your DL to a Thai DL.

Tons of threads in the motoring forum.

Nothing Isan specific here.

Start here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/819170-thai-dl-checklist-updated-2-dec-2015/

You would get a 2 year temporary Thai DL at first.

Two years? 'Twas one year when I got mine.

[Issangeorge]

Take note to drive legally in Thailand an international drivers license or Thai license is needed. A license from your home country may get you by, but it is not legal and if you have an accident you may have trouble with insurance coverage.

[SunsetT]

See a psychiatrist! U need to be certified as insane to drive here........... !!!

[Norlund]

Only good if your a tourist. If not get a Thai DL.

Exactly.

On a permanent basis you need to convert your DL to a Thai DL.

Tons of threads in the motoring forum.

Nothing Isan specific here.

Start here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/819170-thai-dl-checklist-updated-2-dec-2015/

You would get a 2 year temporary Thai DL at first.

Two years? 'Twas one year when I got mine.

It was for 1 year. Now it's for 2 years.

Note: Your first Driving License is considered a Temporary Driving License. This is for car and motorbike. The license is valid for 2 years.

Renewing a Driver License is for a 5-year period.

http://phuketdir.com/pkttransport/

[Norlund]

You just need your home country licence and the permit

And a lot of observational skills in the country. Please expect the unexpected like.....

1) Cars/bikes driving the wrong way on the wrong side of the road.

2) no lights on, at night

3) dogs/cows wandering across the road.

4) a red traffic lights doesn't always mean people stop.

5) turn signals only used at the same time as turning (not before).

Stay safe and hope you enjoy your holiday.

6. When someone flashes the headlights it DOESN'T mean that you can go.

[Norlund]

You just need your home country licence and the permit

It's only valid for 3 month. After 3 month you need a Thai drivers license.

[Ubonquest]

Thanks everyone

[fasteddie]

You just need your home country licence and the permit

And a lot of observational skills in the country. Please expect the unexpected like.....

1) Cars/bikes driving the wrong way on the wrong side of the road.

2) no lights on, at night

3) dogs/cows wandering across the road.

4) a red traffic lights doesn't always mean people stop.

5) turn signals only used at the same time as turning (not before).

Stay safe and hope you enjoy your holiday.

6. When someone flashes the headlights it DOESN'T mean that you can go.

First thing I tell anybody from the UK, flashing headlights is exactly opposite to the UK.

[SantiSuk]

See a psychiatrist! U need to be certified as insane to drive here........... !!!

How do you move from A to B then and please explain how that is safer

Actually I'm not sure that driving is that much less safe than most other places* if you are a sensible motorist yourself. If you are a crappy untrained driver who has no concept of risk then sure, you are likely to contribute to the high accident rate by running up against the other crappy drivers ... and inanimate objects

*Obviously it's a bit less safe by definition if there are a higher proportion of idiots, but not insanely so I would argue

[KhunBENQ]

6. When someone flashes the headlights it DOESN'T mean that you can go.

Exactly.

The one who flashes will drive whatever it costs.

When I change to the opposite lane to overtake I always flash the lights particularly in the night.

Can be a live saver.

Always surprises possible.

Shortly flashing the lights to gain attention is not considered offensive while aggressively honking the horn can lead to lethal consequences.

For swearing and unfriendly gestures keep your tinted windows closed. Also a live saver.

[MrTrip]

Exactly, a flash means "I'm coming through"

My dad told me many years ago (in the 1940's 1950's) it was the same in UK. A flash meant "get out the way" not a polite "come on out"

Takes a couple of hours in LOS to get used to

[Welshboy89]

I am looking at renewing my 1 year Thai driving license. I remember having to prove my address last year, however I don't currently live at a fixed address. Is there any way around the proving address part of it? What else will be needed?

[Norlund]

I am looking at renewing my 1 year Thai driving license. I remember having to prove my address last year, however I don't currently live at a fixed address. Is there any way around the proving address part of it? What else will be needed?

Try in Pattaya. It seems like no laws and regulations exists.

http://phuketdir.com/pkttransport/

[Stuey747]

Only good if your a tourist. If not get a Thai DL.

Exactly.

On a permanent basis you need to convert your DL to a Thai DL.

Tons of threads in the motoring forum.

Nothing Isan specific here.

Start here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/819170-thai-dl-checklist-updated-2-dec-2015/

You would get a 2 year temporary Thai DL at first.

Isaan specific...1st car and bike license valid for 5 years...(camera doesn't lie!!)

[tom21]

5 years straight off , first I heard of that. just add that if you went to get your licence after your birthday it would of expired in 2019

[Stuey747]

5 years straight off , first I heard of that. just add that if you went to get your licence after your birthday it would of expired in 2019

Lol! Dont think it quite works like that!

[willyumiii]

A little off topic, but it seems some here would have the answer.

I plan to get my Thai Driving licence soon.

I am here on a Non O (marriage) visa.

What, if anything, am I required to get from Thai Immigration before I can apply for my driving licence?