Where is the driving test office just across Sarasin Bridge?

[simon43]

I have a new driver from upcountry who doesn't yet have a driving licence So he needs to go to the driving test office and get this all sorted out.

I understand that it is better to visit the office just across the bridge in PhangNga - it is less busy than the Phuket office.

Can someone tell me exactly where this office is? What will my driver need to bring with him (ID card, anything else?). The act that he doesn't have a licence presumably means that he must take written test, colour blindness test, reaction test, anything else???

I will have to drive him to the test centre, so want to plan this all out to minimise wasting time/effort. Does one have to book beforehand (contact telephone number??)

Advice mucho appreciated.

[schlog]

DL in Phang Nga you have to go to Phang Nga Town not Kok Kloy .

Did mine there also and renewed many times. It is located directly at the beginning of Phang Nga Town on the left side. Big buildings on the left after the first sharp curve you or he can't miss it. Also can read it in thai.

You have to be there in the morning. 07.30-8.00 am doing same tests like on HKT and after lunch break then the driving test. Every time smooth and easy there.

He needs same documents like on HKT. No booking needed.

Why drive with him there? With a Wave he only needs 50min and can borrow a car from some one there for the test. Phang Nga people are easy going.

[simon43]

I read previously that the DL could be obtained at Kok Kloy. Or is that just an office without the practical test facilities?

If he has to go to Phang Nga town, then he might as well go to Phuket Town on the bus... Whereabout in Phuket Town is the DL centre? (Is it the vehicle office where one gets taxi licences/green plates?)

What documents does he need to bring with him? Sure that he can borrow a car for the test??

[KhunBENQ]

deleted

Edited January 12, 2016 by KhunBENQ

[schlog]

I read previously that the DL could be obtained at Kok Kloy. Or is that just an office without the practical test facilities?

If he has to go to Phang Nga town, then he might as well go to Phuket Town on the bus... Whereabout in Phuket Town is the DL centre? (Is it the vehicle office where one gets taxi licences/green plates?)

What documents does he need to bring with him? Sure that he can borrow a car for the test??

In Kok Kloy is only a office. Test was till end of last year sure in Phang Nga Town. In Phang Nga he will have no waiting periode for the driving test like in Phuket which was 3 month end of last year. In Phang Nga all done in 6-7 hours.

DL center is the far right building at the same place like vehicle office in Phuket. Where did you get or renew your DL if you don't know the location in Phuket or Phang Nga after all your years here? Or you drive without?

ID card+copie, tabien baan+copie, money and the medical certification should do it.

I'm never sure in Thailand about anything but for me it was years ago no problem to borrow the car from a guy also doing the test. Smile and ask politely and you will win.

[simon43]

Where did you get or renew your DL if you don't know the location in Phuket or Phang Nga after all your years here?

Pattaya...

[LivinginKata]

Simon - the problem with Phuket Town DVLC is the waiting time. Typically 3 months. Would e worth the time to drive up the Phang Nga town.

[Pakaty]

You hired a new driver that does not have a license? Too funny. Though, I do know that you know what you are doing.

Don't forget to bring a vile for urine test....again I'm kidding. Sorry, I could not resist.

Going to Phang Nga is sounding like a good option for us in Phuket. I did mine last year and have till 2021. They gave me 6 years

[LivinginKata]

You hired a new driver that does not have a license? Too funny. Though, I do know that you know what you are doing.

<snip>

I thought the same thing. Simon, best you not let your guests know your new driver has no legal DL. Sure I know few from 'up country' bother with DL legalities or vehicle documents ... but it is 'too funny' that you would even post this ...

[Shot]

Not to get too far off track, but it's just worth the time and BS to get DL in Phuket. My renew will be in NST while visiting the MIL. No wait, and no BS.

[simon43]

Sure I know few from 'up country' bother with DL legalities or vehicle documents ... but it is 'too funny' that you would even post this ...

The vast majority of hotel drivers in this area do not have a DL.... this ain't Patong you know

Edited January 12, 2016 by simon43

[Kopitiam]

Sure I know few from 'up country' bother with DL legalities or vehicle documents ... but it is 'too funny' that you would even post this ...

The vast majority of hotel drivers in this area do not have a DL.... this ain't Patong you know

2 wrongs do not make a right. But at least you try to send your new "driver" to sit for a driving test.

[steelepulse]

Great, another driver with no experience on the road. Glad he's up by the airport as we have enough crappy drivers further south.

[simon43]

Great, another driver with no experience on the road

He has been driving without incidents for more than 10 years - just never got a DL apparently

He's going to the Phang Nga office in a couple of days to sort this all out.

[LivinginKata]

Great, another driver with no experience on the road

He has been driving without incidents for more than 10 years - just never got a DL apparently

He's going to the Phang Nga office in a couple of days to sort this all out.

But never taken a driving test !! Glad you are confident Simon, hiring a driver with no legal DL. I suppose just the normal here in Thailand.

[mikejphuket]

Not to get too far off track, but it's just worth the time and BS to get DL in Phuket. My renew will be in NST while visiting the MIL. No wait, and no BS.

Did my renewal in Phuket a month ago- in at 08:00, an hour relaxing reading a book outside. Video at 10:00. Out the door at 11:35 with 6 year less 3 days license. Wish all the BS in life could go so well.

[Iolare]

I thought I'd ad another good word about doing your driver's license and related car licensing at the Phang Nga office. I was there today needing an annual auto license renewal and also a smog check. Smog station is next to the govt. motor vehicle office and there was no wait--in and out in 10 minutes. No que so no wait to pay the license/registration annual fee either, so in and out with the sticker in about 5 minutes. There didn't seem to be anyone taking the drivers test when we were there.

On this same trip I was able to do my annual visa extension and 90 day report at the Immigration office with no que and no wait--- took about 20 minutes. I also stopped at the regional hospital to see an ENT specialist about an ear infection. The cost was literally one tenth of the price at Bangkok Hospital with the equipment, procedure, and doctor compitence seemingly the same.

It's a scenic 40 minute drive on a 4-lane divided highway from my place near the bridge to Phang Nga Town, and whole atmosphere is relaxed and easy going compared to my former place in Chalong. I got all that done in an unhurried half day and that included a nice lunch up there.

[simon43]

...hiring a driver with no legal DL. I suppose just the normal here in Thailand

Yes, quite normal in my locality, and even more normal outside of the busy tourist areas in Thailand. It might not be 'right' but the reality is that many (most?) drivers do not have a DL

Edited January 13, 2016 by simon43

[madmitch]

...hiring a driver with no legal DL. I suppose just the normal here in Thailand

Yes, quite normal in my locality, and even more normal outside of the busy tourist areas in Thailand. It might not be 'right' but the reality is that many (most?) drivers do not have a DL

Maybe, but if he's ferrying your customers about and has an accident the insurance company are unlikely to pay any compensation for injuries or damage to the car. You are taking the risk here.

[LivinginKata]

...hiring a driver with no legal DL. I suppose just the normal here in Thailand

Yes, quite normal in my locality, and even more normal outside of the busy tourist areas in Thailand. It might not be 'right' but the reality is that many (most?) drivers do not have a DL

Maybe, but if he's ferrying your customers about and has an accident the insurance company are unlikely to pay any compensation for injuries or damage to the car. You are taking the risk here.

Exactly my thoughts ... and what would your guests think about an unlicensed driver ferrying them about ? Simon - You well know that would be very wrong.

[simon43]

Which is why he is getting a DL

[Shot]

Not to get too far off track, but it's just worth the time and BS to get DL in Phuket. My renew will be in NST while visiting the MIL. No wait, and no BS.

Did my renewal in Phuket a month ago- in at 08:00, an hour relaxing reading a book outside. Video at 10:00. Out the door at 11:35 with 6 year less 3 days license. Wish all the BS in life could go so well.

Congratulations