Driver's licences go hi-tech, beginning with metro Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Land Transport Department will submit a proposal for issuing electronic driving licenses to motorists in Bangkok and outlying areas to Transport Minister Admiral Thira Haocharoen for his consideration next week, a senior ministry official said Sunday.

Piyapan Champasut, director-general of the department, said both the study and equipment necessary for producing the electronic driving licenses were prepared during the ousted government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

If approved by the minister, the licenses would be first used in Bangkok and neighboring provinces and could be issued nationwide in 2007, Mr. Piyapan said. Motorists will have to pay an extra fee of Bt100 for their photos on the license.

The main advantage of the new driving license is that its magnetic bar could store the holder's personal data as well as a record of his traffic violations, he said.

Starting from November 13, the department will introduce a computer-based written test for applicants seeking driving licenses nationwide. Applicants will know immediately after the test whether they have passed or failed their written examination.

--TNA 2006-11-06

Mr. Piyapan said. Motorists will have to pay an extra fee of Bt100 for their photos on the license.

Can I save the 100 baht if I do not want a photo?

The main advantage of the new driving license is that its magnetic bar could store the holder's personal data as well as a record of his traffic violations, he said.

How much will it cost to issue every policeman with a bar code reader

and how long will it take the Pantip boys to break the code and make licences

"violation free".

the study and equipment necessary for producing the electronic driving licenses were prepared during the ousted government

Driver's licences go hi-tech, beginning with metro Bangkok

Starting from November 13, the department will introduce a computer-based written test for applicants seeking driving licenses nationwide. Applicants will know immediately after the test whether they have passed or failed their written examination.

--TNA 2006-11-06

It would be nice if the questions on the computerized test were in English in addition to Thai. It's easy to do and probably a good time to do it. Yeahhhhh...

Maybe they can keep an electronic record of all the red notes people fork over every day too.

BTW, are there any other countries using this or similar systems?

BTW, are there any other countries using this or similar systems?

Sure.

Most, if not all, states in the U.S., for instance.

It's just a magnetic strip that has your name, date of birth and the serial number of the driver's license on it.

Occasionally, rental car companies and banks swipe it so that they don't have to type in your name.

I've never seen a patrol officer carry a magnetic strip reader, however.

They need patrol cars before implementing such a system.

It's used in Australia. If you caught by a coppers in car, yes they have a reader. If patrol on foot catches you, they simply note your number and name and make sure that the information is entered on their computer system before the end of the day.

I am sure there are other countries using the same.