Permanent Expat - How Do I Get a Motorbike License in Udon Thani

[coolhand53089]

Hi, I live in Udon Thani and I'm here on a permanent basis. So I believe I am required to go and get a Thai driving license in order to legally drive my wife's motorbike.

I found a place in the upscale part of town that gives lessons and allegedly they will give me the test and get the actual license ID card for me. The cost for this service total is 4,000 baht. The ID card I know is only 200 baht.

Is this really worth it? Otherwise I have no idea how I can go and get the license. Because here in Udon, I believe the test and everyone working there is all the in Thai language, so I don't think I could pass or do what they ask of me.

I'm thinking if I pay for this service they will guide me through it and make sure I get licensed. But I'm just wondering if there is any easier and cheaper way to do this, for a guy who doesn't speak Thai.

Thanks for your time.

[sunnyjim5]

I do not know about "upscale parts of town" but I do know a scam when it is laid out in front of me.

There is no way you can obtain a legal licence in the manner described.

The theory test is computer based and questions are available in English. You prove you can ride by not falling off or crashing into another bike or wall.

Eye tests are mandatory as is the provision of a medical certificate.

How can you claim to be there on a "permanent basis" ? Are you exempt from the requirements of the immigration service ?

[coolhand53089]

I do not know about "upscale parts of town" but I do know a scam when it is laid out in front of me.

There is no way you can obtain a legal licence in the manner described.

The theory test is computer based and questions are available in English. You prove you can ride by not falling off or crashing into another bike or wall.

Eye tests are mandatory as is the provision of a medical certificate.

How can you claim to be there on a "permanent basis" ? Are you exempt from the requirements of the immigration service ?

What is the medical certificate? This is my first time hearing of that. My point about "permanent basis" is nothing grandiose. I'm just saying that I've been here for over a year solid, legally. And I've read that an international driving license (or tourist driving license or whatever) won't suffice.

I'm under the understanding at this point that I have to get a Thailand driving license in order to legally drive the motorbike, and I just want to know the right and non-scam way of doing this. Thanks again.

What's the medical certificate? And is it true I need to go and get this license even?

[sunnyjim5]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

[stoneyboy]

Medical certificate can be obtained at a doctors clinic for 30 baht or something ridiculous.

It's only valid for 30 days,remember that.

I took my mate a few weeks back to do his test,he had surrendered his UK license so obtained a Thai one from scratch,ironic thing was he was a HGV driver for 40 years.

We sat there for two hours watching the Thais undertake the driving test,some guy in the usual uniform shouting out tabian rot/ car registration plate numbers as the people attempted to park 6 inches from the curb,reverse park in a humongous space and drive over a hill.

The most ridiculous and pointless thing I've ever witnessed,my mate jumped in my motor flew round in about 3 minutes and was done.

After that as he hadn't bothered to read up on the theory test,it took him/us 3 attempts,I had by this time seen enough and wanted to go home,the whole experience will stay with me for ever.

One of the funniest days I've had in Thailand and frustrating at the same time.

The two steak dinners and iced coffees we took to the test centre with our Thai friend ensured his appointment was duly kept.

[highlander403]

in ubon i got the doctors certificate from a place just outside the test center 80 baht from the receptionist at clinic never saw a doctor.

the mpotorbike test itself i turned up at 0830 its a case of the first x amount there get to do the test.

first did the red yellow green test then into a room for the reaction, depth perception, and peripheral vision tests.

then sat and watched a movie (in english)on a comp about safety etc.

next did the computer test in english, you need 45 i think to pass i got 49 so really easy to do.

after lunch did the driving test itself in and out a few cones then stop at stop sign turn right stop at lights on a hill then forward turn laft then right and finish

that part wait for everyone to finish, then its on to the balance test drive along a raised section 6/7 meters long abt 8 inches wide (not exactly sure) in over 10 seconds.

off upstairs pay fee get pic taken and out with one years licence.

hope this helps scotty

[chiang mai]

A residency certificate from Immigration is also required, at least it is in Chiang Mai.

[TerryLH]

"There is no way you can obtain a legal licence in the manner described."

It is legal to get your license by going through a driving school. After instruction, they give you the test. They have to be a school approved by the government.

[macksview]

"There is no way you can obtain a legal licence in the manner described."

It is legal to get your license by going through a driving school. After instruction, they give you the test. They have to be a school approved by the government.

onya for knowing that, the only way i knew was a bloody all dayer at that transport office on the kumpawapi road

[lostinisaan]

Hi, I live in Udon Thani and I'm here on a permanent basis. So I believe I am required to go and get a Thai driving license in order to legally drive my wife's motorbike.

A new Kee Nok in town. Jindee Dhonn Lhaab.-

[KhunBENQ]

Go through the general infos here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/885956-general-motoring-info/

If you have specific questions about Udon Thani (where the DLT is and what they expect for proof of residence) this could be answered here.

Also some DLTs are quite overrun and you need an appointment weeks in advance.

Always visit the DLT with your wife and ask about cert. of residence and appointment.

Otherwise nothing Isan/Udon specific.

Edited March 4, 2016 by KhunBENQ

[dotpoom]

I do not know about "upscale parts of town" but I do know a scam when it is laid out in front of me.

There is no way you can obtain a legal licence in the manner described.

The theory test is computer based and questions are available in English. You prove you can ride by not falling off or crashing into another bike or wall.

Eye tests are mandatory as is the provision of a medical certificate.

How can you claim to be there on a "permanent basis" ? Are you exempt from the requirements of the immigration service ?

I don't know why the OP refers to it as an ID Card....it's a good old fashioned "Driving Licence".

I got both mine (car and motorbike)by doing it the normal way, applying and sitting the tests. (the theory was in English on the computers) for the foreigners.

But i'm not surprised to hear what he had to say about what you call a "scam". I wouldn't call it that myself.

My wife's friend, a Thai lady got her car licence by taking driving lessons with an instructor. He guarenteed her a licence at the end of the lessons which he took care of,. the licence is a perfectly valid one. OK, it's obvious that there are ways and means of doing these things which I would think is not necessary to go into here.. But not a "scam"....she got what she paid for.....I'm just surprised that the OP is not happy with the price and is looking for a cheaper. way of getting it.....for crying out loud.....4,000 Baht for such an important document and such a necessary one in his position, is hardly a King's ransom.

Edited March 4, 2016 by dotpoom

[godden]

Pop into any 7-11 some one will sort it

[recom273]

I think, your judgement is good, you don't just walk blindly into a situation and pay out 4,000B when it costs like you say, a couple of hundred and a day of your life.

I'm not in Issan but there are similar prices charged here by driving schools, I wouldn't say they are a scam, some are approved - but some, are not so "strict" - you pay your money, you get a few days instruction and a guaranteed pass.

It's just a motorbike license, just follow the routine of the other poster - there's also lots of other info in the bike forum too.

[biplanebluey]

First of all ----I wish I was a "permanent residence farang".I have been in Udon Thani for 10 years but I do not know where to go to get that visa.I'LL DO A DEAL WITH YOU-------- you show me the ropes for a permant resident and I will take you to the driving centre AND PAY FOR YOUR LICENCE

[sometimewoodworker]

I do not know about "upscale parts of town" but I do know a scam when it is laid out in front of me.

There is no way you can obtain a legal licence in the manner described.

The theory test is computer based and questions are available in English. You prove you can ride by not falling off or crashing into another bike or wall.

Eye tests are mandatory as is the provision of a medical certificate.

How can you claim to be there on a "permanent basis" ? Are you exempt from the requirements of the immigration service ?

What is the medical certificate? This is my first time hearing of that. My point about "permanent basis" is nothing grandiose. I'm just saying that I've been here for over a year solid, legally. And I've read that an international driving license (or tourist driving license or whatever) won't suffice.

I'm under the understanding at this point that I have to get a Thailand driving license in order to legally drive the motorbike, and I just want to know the right and non-scam way of doing this. Thanks again.

What's the medical certificate? And is it true I need to go and get this license even?

Having recently renewed my licences in Udon Thani the information is

If you already have a motorcycle licence from your home country and you have a current IDP for that license then you will only have to do the colour test.

You will need: your home driving licence and copy, IDP and copy, medical certificate, certificate of residence from immigration, needs a Passport picture (500baht unless you want to argue with them), passport and copy.

If you have an IDP and it covers both cars and motorcycles then you need a second set of copies as there are separate licences for them

There are two DLT offices for Udon, one for licences only under the AEK hospital (you can get your medical certificate there) and one about 10km south of Udon on the road to Khon Kaen.

If you don't have a license then

TAKE A TRAINING 4 HOURS

TAKE A PHYSICAL TEST

TAKE A THEORY TEST

TAKE A PRACTICAL TEST

Full details

http://www.dlt.go.th/th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3470:in-case-of-foreigner&catid=131:2011-09-08-02-09-23&Itemid=88

[ALFREDO]

I was at that Driving school in Udon Thani with my GF's sister in end of 2013.

Her husband hoped she can get than more easy a Driving license in his home land - with a valid Thai license only a driving ability test involved, to get a new EU license in our country.

After a week she got the license,

still could not drive and her husband never tried to apply for a EU driving license in our country,

as he does absolutely, not believe she can make that test OK! lol

I was offered that 4.000 Baht possibility to change my homeland and Int. Drivers license to a Thai one.

BUT =

The Thai driving license will not improve my driving skills,

So I skip that at all.

For the possible big problems of the legal aspects -

I drive since 1998, since I stay nearly whole year in TH,

with my home country license and a International license in TH.

The normally limited validity of the Int. License I extend since years, with a black pen, now to 2018.

Had in that time, since 1999,

4 bigger accidents, with car 2 and motorbike, 2, in all of them, police, insurance (also with car - Number 1 insurance = Fully comprehensive insurance) and 2 time hospital, on my side, involved. (Now 32 % disabled)

Was countless times stopped for speeding or just controlled.

Stay sometimes 5 month in the country, (limit for having a Thai license is for stays of over >+3 month in the country.)

No problems with my way.

[louse1953]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

His International"licence'may not be valid after a year,but hey it's worth a shot.Udon may choice to turn a blind eye.

[starky]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

[chiang mai]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

Exactly why anyone who has lived here that long, doesn't have a Thai license is a real mystery - not only does it contravene Thai law but it's massively inconvenient, hence I'm going to call BS on your post, sorry!

[chiang mai]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

[sometimewoodworker]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

Some countries, France is one, issue an IDP for 3 years.

However the Thai law states that after 3 months in Thailand you must get a Thai licence and that the IDP (even if still valid) is illegal. Some Thai insurance companies also have the same rules. So if you do not get a Thai licence after 3 months your insurance is void.

[sometimewoodworker]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

His International"licence'may not be valid after a year,but hey it's worth a shot.Udon may choice to turn a blind eye.

His original won't be, but some countries will issue them by mail, the UK does. So he may have one now.

[sometimewoodworker]

I was at that Driving school in Udon Thani with my GF's sister in end of 2013.

Her husband hoped she can get than more easy a Driving license in his home land - with a valid Thai license only a driving ability test involved, to get a new EU license in our country.

After a week she got the license,

still could not drive and her husband never tried to apply for a EU driving license in our country,

as he does absolutely, not believe she can make that test OK! lol

I was offered that 4.000 Baht possibility to change my homeland and Int. Drivers license to a Thai one.

BUT =

The Thai driving license will not improve my driving skills,

So I skip that at all.

For the possible big problems of the legal aspects -

I drive since 1998, since I stay nearly whole year in TH,

with my home country license and a International license in TH.

The normally limited validity of the Int. License I extend since years, with a black pen, now to 2018.

Had in that time, since 1999,

4 bigger accidents, with car 2 and motorbike, 2, in all of them, police, insurance (also with car - Number 1 insurance = Fully comprehensive insurance) and 2 time hospital, on my side, involved. (Now 32 % disabled)

Was countless times stopped for speeding or just controlled.

Stay sometimes 5 month in the country, (limit for having a Thai license is for stays of over >+3 month in the country.)

No problems with my way.

If you have a valid IDP and licence the cost to get a Thai licence is about 100 Baht so someone was trying to scam you.

If you have been driving without a Thai licence having been in Thailand for more than 3 months you have been breaking the law. We all know that enforcement of the law is flexible in Thailand.

You have been lucky that no one bothered to check or enforce the law.

If they ever do you your insurance is void, and if you're in an accident involving death (not unusually here), you will probably have to pay millions of Bhat yourself.

So if that ever happens (I hope it never does) "No problems with my way. " will have been a terrible idea

Edited March 5, 2016 by sometimewoodworker

[sometimewoodworker]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

Sorry Starky, sunnyjim5 is completely correct.

You have been lucky not legal.

[ALFREDO]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Absolutely untrue in my experience, been in Thailand since '98 living in Udon for 6 years. My international drivers license for car and motorbike has always been accepted and I have been pulled over many a time. So I never bothered getting one. Also had 2 accidents, neither my fault and never had a drama claiming on my comprehensive insurance.

Exactly why anyone who has lived here that long, doesn't have a Thai license is a real mystery - not only does it contravene Thai law but it's massively inconvenient, hence I'm going to call BS on your post, sorry!

To please a silly law? My Home countries driving license is by far not as easy to get than the Thai license certificate.

I drive since nearly 40 years with motorbike/car driving license from my home country.

Works for me so.

Inconvenient? No!

What is so special that people like, to show off with their Thai Driving License on every stone table?

LOL

Some do it their way, just because we can and want.

The last two times I was stopped on my Honda CB 650 F I shouted back to the Police officer, after he asked me if I would have any driving license - "Look me, I am 54, do you think I have no license?"

Was waved through.

[ALFREDO]

PS: an international drivers permit (there's no such thing as an international drivers license) is only valid for one year.

Some countries, France is one, issue an IDP for 3 years.

However the Thai law states that after 3 months in Thailand you must get a Thai licence and that the IDP (even if still valid) is illegal. Some Thai insurance companies also have the same rules. So if you do not get a Thai licence after 3 months your insurance is void.

LOL, that is the possible theory, but in practice, nobody checks how long you inside the country after an accident.

Also not the insurance Company I had to do with,

they happy with a National EU and International Drivers license, they know well also,

that who has such licenses has really be tested in his home country, completely contrary to people who have only a Thai license.

I am most times not more than 3 - 4 month in TH, sometimes after a extension of stay for having children in TH it was max. 5 month.

Never, in 18 years a problem.

[ALFREDO]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

His International"licence'may not be valid after a year,but hey it's worth a shot.Udon may choice to turn a blind eye.

His original won't be, but some countries will issue them by mail, the UK does. So he may have one now.

I extend my Int. License, myself with a nice black pen, since +10? years, lol

No policeman ever asked a question, anyway most policeman in countryside forgot already how a Int driving license looks like.

They usually cannot read the Int. License and stick with my National one as that shows kind of sign language.

Edited March 5, 2016 by ALFREDO

[ALFREDO]

I was at that Driving school in Udon Thani with my GF's sister in end of 2013.

Her husband hoped she can get than more easy a Driving license in his home land - with a valid Thai license only a driving ability test involved, to get a new EU license in our country.

After a week she got the license,

still could not drive and her husband never tried to apply for a EU driving license in our country,

as he does absolutely, not believe she can make that test OK! lol

I was offered that 4.000 Baht possibility to change my homeland and Int. Drivers license to a Thai one.

BUT =

The Thai driving license will not improve my driving skills,

So I skip that at all.

For the possible big problems of the legal aspects -

I drive since 1998, since I stay nearly whole year in TH,

with my home country license and a International license in TH.

The normally limited validity of the Int. License I extend since years, with a black pen, now to 2018.

Had in that time, since 1999,

4 bigger accidents, with car 2 and motorbike, 2, in all of them, police, insurance (also with car - Number 1 insurance = Fully comprehensive insurance) and 2 time hospital, on my side, involved. (Now 32 % disabled)

Was countless times stopped for speeding or just controlled.

Stay sometimes 5 month in the country, (limit for having a Thai license is for stays of over >+3 month in the country.)

No problems with my way.

If you have a valid IDP and licence the cost to get a Thai licence is about 100 Baht so someone was trying to scam you.

If you have been driving without a Thai licence having been in Thailand for more than 3 months you have been breaking the law. We all know that enforcement of the law is flexible in Thailand.

You have been lucky that no one bothered to check or enforce the law.

If they ever do you your insurance is void, and if you're in an accident involving death (not unusually here), you will probably have to pay millions of Bhat yourself.

So if that ever happens (I hope it never does) "No problems with my way. " will have been a terrible idea

The driving school in Udon Thani offers you that 4.000 Baht way and you do not have to go to the Thai Government office and apply yourself. You pay and pick up some day later.

I only seldom stay more than 3 month in TH anyway.

So you think the Insurance companies check strictly only when a death is involved?

Otherwise not care from smaller pay outs?

I do not believe that. Anyway, please bring me such a terrible scenario where a insurance company did not pay, because the Falang had a valid National license and valid Int. License and was more than 3 month in the country, but had no Thai driving license.

I believe that that is a misdemeanou,, punishable by a small fine, not more and if you have valid licenses for driving in Thailand less 3 month long, there is no insurance problem at all.

You are just a holier than the pope gloomster.

[cgphuket]

Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport

Your wife will know where that is situated in your town.

If you really have a valid international motorbike licence then you will be excused the theory and riding tests. You will have to do the eye and reaction tests.

You will need copies of your passport, visa and extension stay together with proof of address and the medical certificate which is easily obtained from any Dr/hospital

If you want to drive in Thailand a legal Thai driving licence is required.

Not having a licence invalidates any insurance.

Having a valid license means nothing. Each department decides if they will accept it or not. You may get by easy, or spend 2 days going through all the BS. Either way, no private company can issue you a legal drivers license.