Thai Driving License renewal

[REEM]

My second 5 year Thai license expires at the end of next month and I need to renew it.

I live in Hua Hin, last time I renewed I did it in Pranburi, the first renewal was done in Cha Am. Can I still use either office for the renewal.

Both times I had to sit at what looked like fairground machines and pass rather silly reaction and visual tests and then sit through an hour long video. Is this still the case.

Could someone please advise me on the latest requirements for renewal.

I have a Yellow Tabian Baan, is that an acceptable for proof of addresss, I also have something stapled in my passport from Immigration here that confirms my address. I am on a Non-O retirement visa.
Will I need a separate new proof of address letter from Immigration.

Will I need a medical certificate, and how long before my license expires can I obtain the renewal, last time I was told it could only be done during the week before it expired.

I have a UK photocard driving license valid until 2022.

I would like to get this done in one visit and so would appreciate any experiences, extra requirements or up to date regulations/ paperwork I might need to be aware of.

Thanks in advance for any advice, help or heads ups.

[PeteC]

Moderator Note: Yes, we have many past threads but the last was started and commented on in 2016-17. I'll leave this new one in case requirements have changed as experienced by readers.

The older thread can be found here: https://huahinforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=33610

[Dannie Boy]

I renewed my 5 year license at Cha Am a year ago and they made me sit in a class of 95% Thai and the “instructor” gave an hour and a half lecture to everybody about driving safety etc. as my Thai is almost non-existent for conversational purposes, it was a complete waste of my time, but I got my new license. I too have a yellow book but was required to go to a nearby “municipality” office to get them to confirm my address was correct - they issued me with a certificate in Thai to that effect - I had my Thai wife with me which helped locate and obtain the certificate- I recollect it was only 10 or 20 Baht!!

[Groodman]

Bangsaphan got my first (2 year) licence in December 2016 had an IDP, only asked to do eyesight test (3 inch high numbers held at 1 meter away), took about 30 minutes. Renewed to 5 year in December, no tests of any kind & out in 20 minutes.

[migrant]

Bangsaphan got my first (2 year) licence in December 2016 had an IDP, only asked to do eyesight test (3 inch high numbers held at 1 meter away), took about 30 minutes. Renewed to 5 year in December, no tests of any kind & out in 20 minutes.

Exactly the same experience for me at BS. Mrs m and I renewed at the same time and I stayed seated reading a book. I only got called after everything was done.

[lomuamart]

I couldn't find any topic relating to the above going back a little while so have started this as I'd like up-to-date information.

I'll probably be trying to get a Thai licence over the next month and have had conflicting information about what I need to do from people I've asked already.

I've got a UK licence, valid until 2028. It is one of those old paper ones rather than the credit card sized things you get nowadays if that makes any difference.

Some people, who got their Thai licences some years ago have told me that they had to sit a test and the theory exam. Others have said they simply went to Pranburi with their UK licence, papers from Imm and sat through an hours video. They were then issued with a Thai licence. Simple as that.

Has anyone got any up-to-date information about which way things are likely to go and what do I need from Imm and any extras to take to Pranburi?

Thanks.

[Dannie Boy]

I couldn't find any topic relating to the above going back a little while so have started this as I'd like up-to-date information.

I'll probably be trying to get a Thai licence over the next month and have had conflicting information about what I need to do from people I've asked already.

I've got a UK licence, valid until 2028. It is one of those old paper ones rather than the credit card sized things you get nowadays if that makes any difference.

Some people, who got their Thai licences some years ago have told me that they had to sit a test and the theory exam. Others have said they simply went to Pranburi with their UK licence, papers from Imm and sat through an hours video. They were then issued with a Thai licence. Simple as that.

Has anyone got any up-to-date information about which way things are likely to go and what do I need from Imm and any extras to take to Pranburi?

Thanks.

Just to set your mind at rest, I got my Thai license with the UK paper license no issue. Other than sitting through the video (or talk that they did at Cha Am) there will also be a colour blind test.


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[HHTel]

When I changed my UK licence for a Thai one many years ago, I never sat any tests whatsoever. However, these days you are put through the colour, reaction and perception as well as the very silly video just to renew your licence so I guess you will do the same.

[Nereus]

Seems to depend very much on which DLT centre you attend! Main thing that you need is patience!

[Scout]

My 5 year Thai car driving license expires later this year. Will I need a letter from Immigration to renew it ?

[PJG]

It is not clear in lomu's post if it is a first license or renewing an existing license.

If it is a first license the requirements at Pranburi are:-

International Driving Permit (not License from home country)
Certificate of Residence (B500 from HH Immigration)
Medical Certificate (Obtained for B50 in HH)
Copy of TM6 Arrival/Departure card
2 Passport size photos
Copies of following Passport pages:-
Your details page,
Visa page (non O/retirement etc)
Entry stamp page

I did my license 14 months ago. The only thing the DLC wanted in addition to the above was the fee (sorry can't remember how much) and for me to take a colour blindness test.

There were no other tests or exams and the whole process took about 45 minutes. I already had all the copies and photos but if you forget to copy something there is a small shop outside wherecopies and photos can be done

The first license is valid from 1 to 2 yrs depending when your birthday falls.

[Lost]

Seems to depend very much on which DLT centre you attend! Main thing that you need is patience!

DLT centres sound horribly similar to immigration offices.

[moater]

If you have a yellow book or pink id then a residence certificate is not required.

[lomuamart]

Thanks for the replies. PJG's was very comprehensive.
I haven't got an international licence and will need the residency certificate.
The international licence surprises me. I'm sure a friend told me he did things with a UK licence but it's been known for him to get things mixed up before.

[Dannie Boy]

Thanks for the replies. PJG's was very comprehensive.
I haven't got an international licence and will need the residency certificate.
The international licence surprises me. I'm sure a friend told me he did things with a UK licence but it's been known for him to get things mixed up before.

It’s almost 8 years since I got my license but I’m almost certain that I only had a UK driving license and no IDP - although the rules could have changed in between.