Thai Driving Licenses

Post by **Green Nomad** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:02 pm

Apologies if this topic is covered elsewhere, have searched through but cannot find.

Have read somewhere about farangs driving in Thailand and being asked for a license. Have driven in Thailand on many occasions, mainly with rental cars, but have never been asked to produce a license, even when stopped for speeding. But not sure if my license, issued in Spain, (european style) is international.
Can anyone give me any answers, or has anybody been stopped and asked for a Thai driving license?...

Post by **buksida** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:29 pm

There are plenty of threads on getting a Thai license but not being stopped. Yes I've been stopped and asked for one, you either need to produce a Thai or International Drivers license or pay a small fine. Years ago you could get away with a license from any country or just something with a picture of a car on it but they seem to have wised up to that, someone must have shown them what farang licenses look like!

Post by **Green Nomad** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:24 pm

Thanks Buksida, will firstly check out the Euro license I have.
Here in Oman I have an Omani license, but then again that is also my residency I.D card, shouldnt think that would be the case in Thailand as you would need a residence visa.

Post by **STEVE G** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:20 pm

As you’ve just reminded me that I need to apply for a new International license, here is a link to the form to get one from the AA, you need the 1949 one for Thailand and for an extra five quid they’ll send it overseas:http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp004.html

Post by **miked** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:36 pm

if your here long stay then i don't see the point in having the international license. your first years thai license lasts for one year and then when renewed for 5 years. the test is so easy as to be a joke.
when the police stop you they do take notice that you have a thai license, and it helps. i have lived here for 18 months, must have been stopped 20 times. never had a problem, never fined.
miked

Spitfire · Post by **Spitfire** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 1:15 pm

Just reminded me of something too, which is, when I was living in the northeast, I just went to the local license issuing place with a valid UK license and they just gave me a Thai one. OK, had to provide the mickey-mouse medical certificate that says I've not got a list of bazaar afflictions, and had to do an eye test. If you want a bike license then you will have to do a test etc, but it's not very hard.

Post by **sandman67** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 4:21 pm

can someone clear this up as Im getting conflicting advice

when you go for a license do you need a type of non immigrant visa or will a multiple entry tourist visa do?

Post by **nevets** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:09 pm

I allways produce my UK driving card and have never had a problem in the car or on my bike when stopped.

Post by **lomuamart** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:53 pm

sandman67 wrote:can someone clear this up as Im getting conflicting advice

when you go for a license do you need a type of non immigrant visa or will a multiple entry tourist visa do?

This is a few years old, but:

Thai driving license PDF Print E-mail
Saturday, 30 December 2006
Thai driving license

An international driving license is not required for persons with Driving Licenses of the following countries irrespective of the citizenship :

* Singapore
* Malaysia
* Laos

For those without an International Driving License, a local Thai license can be obtained against the Driving License of their respective country at the Land Transportation Department.

The following are required to make the application :

1. Passport with valid Non-immigrant Visa. (Individuals with a Tourist Visa don't qualify)
2. Present residence address certified by embassy or Immigration Bureau
3. Medical certificate stating good health
4. 2 photographs Driving License of the respective country Application in person.

Fee : 105 baht for cars and 55 baht for motorcycle. Applications for driving licenses for other forms of vehicle may not be granted.
Procedures

1. Fill in the application form (issued in Thai language only) and attach the required documentary evidence as indicated above.
2. Join a class for instruction on the laws related to driving and how to drive safely in Thailand. The class is for two hours (two classes are held daily, Monday to Friday, at 09:00 and 13:30) at the Department of Land Transport in Bangkok or at the provincial Transport Office. Foreigners unable to speak Thai should arrange for a Thai friend to accompany them to provide interpretation. Outside Bangkok, details of classes should be requested from the Transport Office of the province where the applicant is residing.
3. Take a test for colour blindness.
4. Take a written test (in Thai language only) on the rules of driving (see Note 1 below).
5. Take the driving test (see Note 1 below).
6. Pay the licence fee and wait for the licence.

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

There is separate diving licences for car and motorbike.

A Thai driving license is valid in the following countries: 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

The licnese is valid for 1 year. Thais and foreignees holding of Thai residency permits are allowed long-term licences for life after three years with yearly license.

Post by **lomuamart** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 9:10 pm

I can't find any governmental edicts to support the above, so take care on the roads.

I was of the opinion that a Non O was necessary.

Post by **dtaai-maai** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 11:25 pm

nevets wrote:I allways produce my UK driving card and have never had a problem in the car or on my bike when stopped.

Likewise, but one of these days I will get round to it...

Post by **HHTel** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:55 am

Up until 2 years ago, my Thai wife always produced her British Provisional licence when stopped. 2 years ago she acquired her Thai driving licence for both car and motorbike by producing her Provisional licence. It seems the authorities her do not understand the word provisional.

When I got my Thai licences, I produced my British licence at Panburi and pointed to the provisional part which allowed me to drive a motorbike with an 'L' plate and they gave me both!

I believe that still stands now, although you are required to take a colour test and a reaction test which is a joke.

You're correct, Lomu, in that they do look for a 'Non-O' in your passport.

Also, an international licence drawn on a Thai licence does work in the UK for 1 year. I know several Thais that have done this. And because they've 'learnt' to drive in Thailand, they do get stopped lots of times when they get to the UK.

My experience is with the office in Panburi. Other offices may have a different opinion. TIT.

Post by **Noz** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:54 pm

Has anyone been to Pranburi recently to acquire a motorbike driving licence and can confirm the procedure?

I'm reading conflicting reports as to whether any tests are required or not when in possession of a UK driving licence (car not bike) and International Driving Permit. As a motorbike owner I don't plan on driving a car but may as well get both licences when I'm there.

Also, I don't know Pranburi, so is the driving centre easy to find?

Thanks.

Post by **JimmyGreaves** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:00 pm

Went last year and all seems to have changed. You need to take a test for both car and bike. written and driven.

When I got mine a 3 years back only needed to take a colour blind test + reaction type test.

Post by **Noz** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:18 pm

This is what's confusing me. I've sure I've heard of people going there this year and getting their licences without sitting any tests at all. Anybody been down there in the last few months?