UK drivers liscence

[ryanhull]

Hey all,

In 3 years of driving in Thailand I have been pulled say 4-5 times for various things, not wearing a belt, speeding (even though I wasnt) etc.

Usually I am very polite as I find it goes along way, and I show them my english full uk liscence, I know really I should have an international one... however they always say this is fine and I usually dont even pay a fine if they cannot be bothered with trying to speak english.

I am wondering, is it easy for me to get a thai driving liscence or should I be getting an international liscence? what are the costs and processes behind this? I'd assume my UK liscence would do in most situations but the wife seems to think I should get it sorted soon as we are driving from isaan to phuket and back for a holiday/tour.

Cheers

[NUUM]

Let us know if the being very polite approach works with your insurance company when they void your cover for not having a valid driving license...

[seedy]

See the Pinned topic at the head of the forum - Thai DL checklist And Thai Driving Test Online

[stoneyboy]

Let us know if the being very polite approach works with your insurance company when they void your cover for not having a valid driving license...

I have confirmed with the insurance company that I use if driving on a UK license is ok and they confirmed it is for periods up to 90 days.

I have never had an international driving permit and have claimed twice on my 1st class insurance without hindrance.

As always in Thailand the variation in requirements at driving centres is ridiculous irrespective of pinned topics stating the basic requirements.

Not to forget that a good family friend works at our local one and dishes them out like Tesco Lotus flyers for a nominal fee of course.

[roo860]

So get in the queue and get yours, saves alot of probs.

[robblok]

Let us know if the being very polite approach works with your insurance company when they void your cover for not having a valid driving license...

I have confirmed with the insurance company that I use if driving on a UK license is ok and they confirmed it is for periods up to 90 days.

I have never had an international driving permit and have claimed twice on my 1st class insurance without hindrance.

As always in Thailand the variation in requirements at driving centres is ridiculous irrespective of pinned topics stating the basic requirements.

Not to forget that a good family friend works at our local one and dishes them out like Tesco Lotus flyers for a nominal fee of course.

But that is the whole point is that it is 90 days, as i seen you live part time in Thailand then its ok. But if you really live here fulltime then its a different story and you should get a Thai one.

[billphillips]

Besides the obvious point of complying with the law a Thai driving licence has some other advantages. It's an acceptable form of valid photo ID in banks, domestic airports, hotels, police and it can also gain admission, at the Thai rate, to many dual priced venues. It's so much more convenient to carry around than a passport.

The driving test here is so easy to pass, it's really not a big thing. I would be surprised if an average 12 year old kid was unable to pass the test. The one instance Iv heard of someone failing was that he was colourblind and trying to raise the ฿2000 bribe he needed to buy an under the table licence. I suggested he went and ...... ohh, that's another story.

[Jip99]

The official published fine for not having an international driving permit (or Thai licence) is 400 Baht.

[roo860]

In Chiang Mai as long as your licence from home shows what you are allowed to drive, you will take no test, just colour blindness and maybe reaction test. Simple.

[Ace of Pop]

Heard that before but never seen it happen, full test or no licence in any district ive lived in for the last 25 years.

[MYKTHEMIN]

In Chiang Mai as long as your licence from home shows what you are allowed to drive, you will take no test, just colour blindness and maybe reaction test. Simple.

Yes same here in Loei.

[roo860]

Did my car licence in CM last January, I only did colour blind test, they told me only wanted to see what I was qualified to drive in home country. Took my bike test four years ago in Prachuab, same procedure there.

[Robert24]

It's really easy to get a Thai drivers license. Takes about 2-3 hours depending on the province. Which province you stay? All it takes is a medical certificate (about 80 baht from any clinic), copy of relevant pages passport, UK drivers license, confirmation of residence either from embassy or immigration. I think my extension of the Thai drivers license cost me 105 baht or so. Can't remember.

[stevenl]

If you have a UK license IDP will not help you.

[ryanhull]

It's really easy to get a Thai drivers license. Takes about 2-3 hours depending on the province. Which province you stay? All it takes is a medical certificate (about 80 baht from any clinic), copy of relevant pages passport, UK drivers license, confirmation of residence either from embassy or immigration. I think my extension of the Thai drivers license cost me 105 baht or so. Can't remember.

I have a Full UK liscence and live in Sarakham.

I have a wife and son and although I built our house on my wifes mums land given to her, it is not in my name, nor is our car, yet my wife cannot drive I am the driver.

I am technically a tourist on a tripple entry 60 day visa, currently that does me as I often slip back to the UK, soon I will sort the marrige visa out but I have too much on getting my sons passport blah blah and I digress...

What is the fee for a Thai liscence? and is it something you can just go turn up too or do you need to book a slot etc?

I do not have a medical cert although last month I got a full body check up/blood test/xrays the lot for 4000 bhat at a local hospital which I have, is that enough?

Given the above, and appreciated for any replies, am I even entitiled to a Thai liscence?

Thanks mate

[JaseTheBass]

In Chiang Mai as long as your licence from home shows what you are allowed to drive, you will take no test, just colour blindness and maybe reaction test. Simple.

Same in Udon when I got mine.

[Lancashirelad]

The official published fine for not having an international driving permit (or Thai licence) is 400 Baht.

Interesting because if you have a photocard licence in English, it is not a legal requirement to carry an IDP In Thailand, although some police officers don't know this & it may make your day easier if you can produce one.

[topt]

The official published fine for not having an international driving permit (or Thai licence) is 400 Baht.

Interesting because if you have a photocard licence in English, it is not a legal requirement to carry an IDP In Thailand, although some police officers don't know this & it may make your day easier if you can produce one.

If you are talking legalities I believe an IDP/Uk licence (my understanding is you have to have both) are only valid for up to I think 3 months after which you should have a Thai licence.

[maprao]

It's really easy to get a Thai drivers license. Takes about 2-3 hours depending on the province. Which province you stay? All it takes is a medical certificate (about 80 baht from any clinic), copy of relevant pages passport, UK drivers license, confirmation of residence either from embassy or immigration. I think my extension of the Thai drivers license cost me 105 baht or so. Can't remember.

I have a Full UK liscence and live in Sarakham.

I have a wife and son and although I built our house on my wifes mums land given to her, it is not in my name, nor is our car, yet my wife cannot drive I am the driver.

I am technically a tourist on a tripple entry 60 day visa, currently that does me as I often slip back to the UK, soon I will sort the marrige visa out but I have too much on getting my sons passport blah blah and I digress...

What is the fee for a Thai liscence? and is it something you can just go turn up too or do you need to book a slot etc?

I do not have a medical cert although last month I got a full body check up/blood test/xrays the lot for 4000 bhat at a local hospital which I have, is that enough?

Given the above, and appreciated for any replies, am I even entitiled to a Thai liscence?

Thanks mate

Go to a clinic 50 to 100 baht for the medical certificate. Normally one near the place where you get the lic

[stevenl]

The official published fine for not having an international driving permit (or Thai licence) is 400 Baht.

Interesting because if you have a photocard licence in English, it is not a legal requirement to carry an IDP In Thailand, although some police officers don't know this & it may make your day easier if you can produce one.

If you are talking legalities I believe an IDP/Uk licence (my understanding is you have to have both) are only valid for up to I think 3 months after which you should have a Thai licence.

3 months is correct, IDP is not required.

[Huayrat]

Show UK license when stopped.. They except it everytime and it's expired.. They really don't have a clue

[Robert24]

It's really easy to get a Thai drivers license. Takes about 2-3 hours depending on the province. Which province you stay? All it takes is a medical certificate (about 80 baht from any clinic), copy of relevant pages passport, UK drivers license, confirmation of residence either from embassy or immigration. I think my extension of the Thai drivers license cost me 105 baht or so. Can't remember.

I have a Full UK liscence and live in Sarakham.

I have a wife and son and although I built our house on my wifes mums land given to her, it is not in my name, nor is our car, yet my wife cannot drive I am the driver.

I am technically a tourist on a tripple entry 60 day visa, currently that does me as I often slip back to the UK, soon I will sort the marrige visa out but I have too much on getting my sons passport blah blah and I digress...

What is the fee for a Thai liscence? and is it something you can just go turn up too or do you need to book a slot etc?

I do not have a medical cert although last month I got a full body check up/blood test/xrays the lot for 4000 bhat at a local hospital which I have, is that enough?

Given the above, and appreciated for any replies, am I even entitiled to a Thai liscence?

Thanks mate

Go to a clinic 50 to 100 baht for the medical certificate. Normally one near the place where you get the lic

yes you can get a temporary license which is valid for 2 years. Requirements as per my post above, really easy to get. Medical certificate you van get in any clinic. I paid 80 baht and walked out after 5 mins, residence certificate as per above + copy your pp and tourist visa. I recommend to do it. Less question and confusion when police stop you, but then again it's up to you.

[billphillips]

I just saw this on the "ask the lawyer" section. I can only paste the text but a quick search will find it and the question. It would appear that only Thai and international licences are valid here. Insurance may also be an issue too.

"To abide by the law, a foreigner needs an international driving permit to drive in Thailand. That is issued by the country you are coming from. It can't be issued in Thailand. An international driving permit is valid for most countries with the exception of the country in which it was issued. Eu driving licences are usually accepted by the police in Thailand but that is at their discretion.

An international driving permit is valid for one year. If in the country longer than that, then a local (Thai) driving licence is required.

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