Applying for first-time driving licence

[Rhoel 2]

I am in the situation where have a full ten year UK licence with is okay for motorbike, cars and trucks. My internation ran out some 6 months ago and I am not even sure its here in Thialand.

 

I nthis situation, what paper work/procedure should I follow to get a licence for here. Do I need to sit new tests, can iuse the clean UK one, can I even drive here on the UK one?

 

TIA

 

Rhoel

[MM 6,562]

I got my Thai license about a year ago, and as I recall, I needed the following:

1) Health certificate

2) Certificate of residence from Immigration

3) Long term visa (not tourist VOA)

4) 2 1X1 inch pictures for each type of vehicle license I would want to drive (car, truck, motorcycle)

 

As for testing, they give you basic eye tests and reaction tests, but if you have a driving license certified as valid for a type of vehicle, you are allowed to forego the driving test. In my case, I had an automobile license, but no motorcycle license, so I had to take the motorcycle driving test...which was quite difficult for me, since all the signs and instructions are in Thai. I failed the test miserably, in my opinion, but I was given a "pass" by the testing officer.

 

For a complete list with more explanation see Applying for Thai Driving License

[irishman 0]

It seems to vary from person to person about what is considered a valid license. When I originally got my license, I was with a group of about 15 expats. Some had international driver's licenses and had no problems getting both a motorcycle and car license. Some had licenses from states that clearly identified what the license was for and those that had licenses just for autos had to test for the motorcycles. And some had licenses which were a bit vague in their wording and the poor guys had to take the whole test procedure including sitting through the hour long presentation in Thai. It's a bit like life. It's a gamble and sometimes you get lucky. You won't be sure of the outcome until you go and try it, no matter what anyone tells you.

 

Cheers

[Rhoel 2]

Thanks guys - I am fortunate in that I have a legal blue workbook so I don't have to have run over to immigration. Asfor the rest of it, ... I'll keep you posted: Should be applying just after Songkran - the thought of riding a bike around during Songkran is just too scary to contemplate.

 

I'm applying for both car and bike as I have access to both. Should be interesting.

 

Thanks again for the fast replies.

 

Rhoel.

[BigDUSA 71]

I carry a commercial driver license here in Pennsylvania. I'm licensed to drive a tractor trailer with air brake endorsement. I wonder if I can get a similar license in LOS.

[Daveyh 0]

Rhoel ............... Try the Expats Club at Henry Beans on Sunday. In the past they have gone in groups to obtain the Thai driving licence with a Thai lady who knows the ropes. Worth a visit to get your licence. The first lasts for one year & then by re-applying after that will entitle you to a five year replacement. Word of warning though ..... ask for five years or they will just give you a one year .......... TIT!

 

Regards Davey H.

[m_right 0]

I live in Nakhon Sawan province. I am visiting Pattaya. Can I get license in Pattaya? Where do I go to get health certificate? Help Anyone. Going to immigration tommorrow.

[jacko 8,822]

I live in Nakhon Sawan province. I am visiting Pattaya. Can I get license in Pattaya? Where do I go to get health certificate? Help Anyone. Going to immigration tommorrow.

Any clinic... if you go up the little street at the side of Bangkok Bank (soi Bangkok Bank strangely enough) on 2nd Rd, opposite soi 6... clinic about 40 metres up there, Dr Belem (I think) You need a residency letter from immigration too. Also another licence in English.

[Regyai 415]

I followed the instructions from Pattaya ExPats with no surprises....

 

Obtaining a Thai Driving License in Pattaya

 

The office is about 19kms from Big C (Sukhumvit Road / South

Pattaya Road).

Travel north on route 3 (Sukhumvit Road to Bangkok) about

10kms. Observe an 'overpass' bridge on your right, you need to

pass under the bridge (turn right) signed 'route 36 to

Rayong'. After about 9 kms you will see the 'School of the

Regents' on your right hand side, the road you need is just

before the school, but it's not easy to do a 'U-turn' here. A

short way past the school is a place where you can safely

u-turn.

Now drive just past the school again, and turn sharp left at a

narrow road poorly signed in Thai. Follow this road a short

way - on your left is a number of shops offering

photo-copying, food, insurance, etc - on your right is a big

building with two grand entrances (use the second). This is

the 'Eastern Verification Center' office.

Vehicle documentation is Ground Floor, Driving Licences

upstairs.

Open Monday - Friday 0830 to 1600.

 

Getting a Driving license at the Eastern Verification Center.

(a 'non-immigrant’ or 'tourist' visa will suffice) (all fees

mentioned are approximate!)

You Need to take with you :--

1. Letter of address/visa confirmation from Soi 5 Jomtien

Immigration - usually free of charge (must be less than 30

days old)

2. Letter of 'Fit-to-drive' from Doctor - 200 baht (must be

less than 30 days old)

3. Passport + 1 photocopy of each - (a) 'face' page, (

page, © current TM6 card & latest entry stamp page.

4. Current (home country) driving licence + 1 copy of all

English language pages. (see note2)

5. Two 2.5cm x 2.5cm (1 inch) photos (available from vendors

across the road) for each licence.

6. Money 105 baht for car - 55 baht for motor-cycle.

7. A 1st licence issue is valid for 1 yr. (After the 1st year,

renewal is for minimum of 5 years. Dated following birthday)

(A 'current TM6 card' refers to the Immigration Departure card

attached to your passport during your stay in Thailand. It has

a reference number (TM6) that tells where & when you entered

Thailand)

(note1) A complete 'set' of above papers are needed for EACH

licence application (motorcycle & car). (the second

immigration and doctor letters can be photo-copies if both

applications are made at the same time)

(note2) A current 'INTERNATIONAL' driving licence (obtained

OUTSIDE Thailand) for the correct vehicle is a great

advantage, as it means you do not need to take a 'written' or

'driving skills' test for that particular vehicle. A foreign

country licence (only) results in tests. Please note that only

English Language 'foreign' licenses can be read by the staff.

Non-English licenses will require an Authenticated Thai

Translation.

(note3) Photo-copying & Laminating services are available

across the road from the center.

-----------------------------------------

 

Documents needed for renewal of Thai driving license:

Generally, a renewal should produce a 5+ year licence that

expires on your birth date.

1. Passport + 1 copy of each - (a) 'face' page, (

non-immigration visa page, © current TM6 card & latest entry

stamp page.

2. Two 2.5cm x 2.5cm (1 inch) photos (available from vendors

across the road) for each licence.

3. Money 505 baht for car - 255 baht for motor-cycle.

4. Your old Thai driving license.

(A 'TM6 card' refers to the Immigration Departure card

attached to your passport during your stay in Thailand. It has

a reference number (TM6) that tells where & when you entered

Thailand)

Submit in the morning and you receive a receipt to pick up in

the afternoon.

1st licence is for 1 year (Green colour), after 1 year a

renewal is available for 5+ years (Pink colour) using your

birth date.

----------------------

For those without an International Driving License, a local

Thai license can be obtained against the Driving License of

their respective country but may require passing the tests.

Fill in the application form (issued in Thai language only)

and attach the required documentary evidence as indicated

above.

Join a class for instruction on the laws related to driving

and how to drive safely in Thailand. The class is for two

hours. Foreigners unable to speak Thai should arrange for a

Thai friend to accompany them to provide interpretation.

Take a test for colour blindness.

Take a ‘Response & Reaction-time Test’.

Take a written test (in Thai language, but with a poor English

translation) on the rules of driving.

Take the driving test.

Pay the licence fee and wait for the licence.

You must be 18 years old to drive a car in Thailand.

There are separate diving licences for car and motorcycle.

Obtaining a Thai driving license may be an advantage if you do

not have an International Driving License and plan to drive in

the following countries with a Tourist Visa.

Singapore

Malaysia

Laos

--------------------------------------

 

Obtaining an Int'l Drivers License in Thailand...

(many thanks to Jay, September 2004)

I recently renewed my Thai Driver's licenses and am due to

head back to the States soon, where I'll need to rent a car.

Upon diligently checking the Net, I learned that all car

rental agencies will accept the driver's license from one's

home of residence (ie Thailand, etc), BUT they do require that

you also have an International Driver's License (IDL), for

identification. I believe this info also applies to Europe &

Australasia. An IDL alone is NOT a valid driver's license, it

is merely a translation of your foreign license for

identification purposes. After all, what police officer would

be able to read Thai, or whatever? I've read some claims that

an IDL alone is valid for driving, but it is NOT! An IDL is

available in Bangkok, as follows....

Requirements for obtaining an IDL in Thailand:

You must have a valid Thai license, which has been renewed at

least once. You cannot use the initial 1-year (green colored)

license to obtain an IDL, the 5-year pink color is good. You

must also have a non-immigrant type visa, you cannot obtain an

IDL in Thailand with a tourist visa (unless you are a local,

or hold a Permanent Resident Permit). Applying for an IDL can

only be done in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, not in

Pattaya/Banglamung. You must apply at one of the major Dept of

Land Transportation Offices. I used the main one, not far from

the Morchit Bus Station in Bangkok, which is on 1032

Phaholyothin Road, near the Chatuchak (Jatujak) weekend

market. It's a 50-Bt motocy ride from the bus station to the

Transportation Office. The IDL and driver's license offices

are one floor up from entry level.

You need to bring the following documents:

1. Your passport and a photocopy of the picture page, visa,

TM6 card and most recent re-entry to Thailand stamp. If you

missed anything, they will make copies for 2-Bt/page.

2. Your Thai driver license (if you have m/cycle and car

licenses, bring them both), and 2 photocopies of the front and

back of each driver's license.

3. The ORIGINAL certificate of residence, which can be

obtained from Immigration on Soi-8, or at your Embassy.

Immigration currently issues this free and it can be completed

and in your hands in an hour.

4. 2-photos about 45cm x 35cm (2"x1.5"). You can also get them

at the licensing office for 70-Bt.

5. Fee for the IDL is 505-Bt; license valid for 1-year.

(NOTE: An International Driver's License is NOT valid in the

country of issue!)

(A 'TM6 card' refers to the Immigration Departure card

attached to your passport during your stay in Thailand. It has

a reference number (TM6) that tells where & when you entered

Thailand)

 

 

 

 

The definitive word.

 

 

 

.

[joebuck44 4]

I carry a commercial driver license here in Pennsylvania. I'm licensed to drive a tractor trailer with air brake endorsement. I wonder if I can get a similar license in LOS.

Article in Bangkok Post: Class A CDL driver needed to run beach road route loading and unloading ladies who have absolutely no desire of financial gain. Hours are anytime oppourtunity is there. Willingness to dish out rough trade a plus.For you. All qualified applicants will be considered however those so cheap that their pocket closes up when they try to put money IN it will be given first priority.Please submit all resumes to: Dewey Cheatum and Howe. Joe.

[Greg_B 306]

I've been debating using this website to get the INTL DL

 

 

http://www.international-license.com/index.php

 

 

Any opinions...?

[jackcorbett 2]

On renewing the one year license for the five year, can one come in anytime close to the expiration period of the one year license, show up the day before it expires, show up the day it expires or does any of this make any difference?

 

Also...when does the office open in the morning?

[Eneukman 1]

On renewing the one year license for the five year, can one come in anytime close to the expiration period of the one year license, show up the day before it expires, show up the day it expires or does any of this make any difference?

 

Also...when does the office open in the morning?

 

Jack,

 

If you want to get a 5 year licene, you MUST allow the one year licence to expire first. Crazy, I know - but TIT! I'm going on Thursday to get (hopefully) my 5 year licene so if I remember, I'll ost any comments here after the event.

 

The office opens at 8.30 so as I don't have a vehicle, I've arranged for a taxi to take me there, wait and bring me back. I aim to be there for opening time so the taxi has been booked for 8.00 am.

 

Alan

[HILLY 9]

Jack,

 

If you want to get a 5 year licene, you MUST allow the one year licence to expire first. Crazy, I know - but TIT! I'm going on Thursday to get (hopefully) my 5 year licene so if I remember, I'll ost any comments here after the event.

 

The office opens at 8.30 so as I don't have a vehicle, I've arranged for a taxi to take me there, wait and bring me back. I aim to be there for opening time so the taxi has been booked for 8.00 am.

 

Alan

This one is very important. If your Thai license is still valid even for a few hours then they will likely only give you one year again. Some Thai logic here then. If you let it expire and then get stopped driving to the license building then be preared to get a fine. Now I get it. lol

[thegrogmonster 111]

This one is very important. If your Thai license is still valid even for a few hours then they will likely only give you one year again. Some Thai logic here then. If you let it expire and then get stopped driving to the license building then be preared to get a fine. Now I get it. lol

I won't be able to renew my licence until about 3 -4weeks after my 1 year licence expires. Does anyone know if this will affect me getting the 5 year licence?

[joekicker 53]

I won't be able to renew my licence until about 3 -4weeks after my 1 year licence expires. Does anyone know if this will affect me getting the 5 year licence?

 

First, bear in mind the wonderful advice above that what actually happens will vary from one office to another. If you get the clerk with PMS, all bets are off.

 

That said, you shouldn't have any problem. After a while, they'll make you start all over, but you should be well within the limit. Make up some general excuse like "the traffic was bad and my buffalo was sick but I rushed here as fast as I could" and you probably will get your renewal fine.

[Eneukman 1]

I think (hope) the time limit is quite flexible as mine expired 2 months ago. I will find out one way or the other on Thursday morning.

 

Alan

[joekicker 53]

I think (hope) the time limit is quite flexible as mine expired 2 months ago. I will find out one way or the other on Thursday morning.

 

Do let us know. This is getting to what I've always seen as the outer limit, although still workable.

[LukDod 0]

I've been debating using this website to get the INTL DL

http://www.international-license.com/index.php

Any opinions...?

 

Opinions? YES!!

 

Forget that site! They want you to pay _exhorbitant_ fees for a IDL fees ($50/1-yr, $70/2-yr, $99/3-yr!!!...and it may well be a fake!!)...when an IDL (actual name is Intern'l Drivers Permit , not 'License') should cost you

no more than $10 (and _never_ more than $20), from a local a Auto Club agency, regardless if it's

a 1-yr or 3-yr license. If you obtain an IDL in the States..see this link:

http://www.ineed2know.org/IntlDriversPermit.htm

 

Note, IDL's issued in Thailand are valid for only one year...see this link for details:

http://geocities.com/bkkriders/law/idp.html

 

And note... an IDL is _not_ valid for use in the country in which it was issued.

Edited May 13, 2007 by LukDod

[LukDod 0]

...<snip>..

I nthis situation, what paper work/procedure should I follow to get a licence for here. Do I need to sit new tests, can iuse the clean UK one, can I even drive here on the UK one? Rhoel

 

Others have given you the info you need to apply for a Thai license.

If you have to take the written test (there are 2 tests, one auto, one motos), then pay attention

to the hour pre-test presentation, even though it's in Thai. They will show pictures of road signs which can be easily identified by you. I recall youi need 60 or 70% correct to pass. If you pass then you will take the driving test...one for cars, one for motos...both on the same track.

 

Also some of the test questions will seem strange...so note the following:

-it is legal for a moto to drive on the sidewalk if traffic is congested! (true)

-a moto can carry only 2 people (1-driver & 1 passenger).._OR_ the driver an a 50kg package (true)

[funny, but I've never heard of the latter law being enforced, but it's the law!!]

[Eneukman 1]

Do let us know. This is getting to what I've always seen as the outer limit, although still workable.

 

I'm just back from the Licensing Centre and got my 5 yar licence without any problems. My initial one year licence had expired a bit under 2 months ago but nothing was said about that.

 

The requirements are

 

Photocopy of the face page of your passport along with the page containing your most recent entry stamp and your departure card (stapled to your passport by Immigration when you arrive in the country).

 

Medical certificate. This seems to be a new requirement for renewals. I was specifically asked for this and fortunately I had taken the precaution of getting one.

 

Letter from Immigration confirming your address.

 

2 small recent photographs per licence

 

I only have a licence fo a car so other copies etc may be required if you want a motorbike licence as well as a car licence.

 

The total time from door to door (I live in Jomtien) was just over 2 hours.

 

Alan

[joekicker 53]

I'm just back from the Licensing Centre and got my 5 yar licence without any problems. My initial one year licence had expired a bit under 2 months ago but nothing was said about that.

 

What I figured. Always great to get it directly from the most recent experience. Merci very much.

[HILLY 9]

I'm just back from the Licensing Centre and got my 5 yar licence without any problems. My initial one year licence had expired a bit under 2 months ago but nothing was said about that.

 

The requirements are

 

Photocopy of the face page of your passport along with the page containing your most recent entry stamp and your departure card (stapled to your passport by Immigration when you arrive in the country).

 

Medical certificate. This seems to be a new requirement for renewals. I was specifically asked for this and fortunately I had taken the precaution of getting one.

 

Letter from Immigration confirming your address.

 

2 small recent photographs per licence

 

I only have a licence fo a car so other copies etc may be required if you want a motorbike licence as well as a car licence.

 

The total time from door to door (I live in Jomtien) was just over 2 hours.

 

Alan

Medical Certificate????? I understood that you only need this for the first one and even for a Retirement Visa renewal they dropped it as well. Can you tell us more please and why did you get one as the rules dont say you needed it either.

[Eneukman 1]

Medical Certificate????? I understood that you only need this for the first one and even for a Retirement Visa renewal they dropped it as well. Can you tell us more please and why did you get one as the rules dont say you needed it either.

 

That was my understanding as well - as we all know getting a medical certificate is a total joke.

 

I saw a post somewhere - can't remember where now - when somebody said they had had to get a medical certificate for a renewal so I simply took the percaution of getting one beforehand. Mine only costs 80 baht so it was no big deal if it wasn't required.

 

When I went up to the counter, I handed over my old licence, passport, copies of the appropriate pages and was asked for Immigration letter AND medical certificate. I could see the point of this if it was a half decent medical but, as you know yourself, anyone breathing would be able to get a certificate!!

 

I think it's a fairly new requirement but just something else to make us feel welcome!

 

Alan

[jackcorbett 2]

Thanks Alan. I just got my medical certificate the day before yesterday as early next week I plan on going to Immigration to get the certificate of Residence while renewing my retirement visa. I asked my doctor for two letters, one for the Visa, the other for the driver's license. Like you, I had seen this new requirement somewhere, perhaps it was on the Expats Club web site.