Renew driving Licence

[Don East Stand]

Hi

Thanks for your help, greatly appreciated as always

I eventually managed to get my wife her 5 year driving licence, although it wasn't exactly plain sailing

Went to Immigration to get the letter confirming residence and specifically asked for it to be OK at Pranburi as we were heading down there for a few days plus I thought I knew exactly where the office was.

Having obtained the necessary medical declaration we went to the Pranburi driving centre, I did eventually find it and the young lass there, who we have met a few times now, was very helpfull but also very apologetic as Immigration had put on the letter for Petchaburi and I would have to go to Cha-Am!

I had to drive all the way from Pranburi back to Hua Hin Immigration and get them to amend the letter, before heading back to Pranburi and obtaining the licence.

Had it not been for the Immigration error it would had been plain sailing all the way

We were actually 9 days "late" but no problem and it actually turned out really well because my wife had celebrated her birthday 2 days previously so she now has a 6 year driving licence, well 2 days short of 6 years

Thanks again

[mr lonely]

The letter stated an area? I never asked and never knew it stated an area.
If you can prodeuce yellow / blue book at Pranburi, you do not need letter from immigration for a renewal of licence.

[hhfarang]

Yeah, the same happened to me when I got my 5 year license. They round up to your next birthday and then give you a license that's good for 5 years from that date. I got mine one month after my birthday so I got 5 years and 11 months!

[charlesh]

Ditto. Med cert, old licence, copy passport page, blue book and Bht - 5 years and 7 months!

[hockeyrick]

My 5 years is up in a few months, originally I got it in Phuket.
Is it the same procedure to renew again?
anyone renewed a 5 year?

[Noz]

I need to renew both my motorcycle and car driving licences next week, from 1 year to 5 year licences. I understand all the document requirements but am wondering if in respect of the residence certificate from immigration and the medical certificate, do I need to pay for one original of both for each licence (i.e. 4 bits of paper) or can I just get one of each and make photocopies? I think I got stung first time round and paid twice when I didn't need to but can't quite recall. Thanks.

[poosmate]

You do not require a medical certificate for a renewal.
The residence certificate though is specific. You will have to ask immigration that you need to have a car and motorbike certificate.
Copies of your passport visa and picture x2 .
Eye test, perception and reaction and a 1 hour subtitled Thai soap!!
Fee. Your photo taken. Collect new licence and go

Oh ..and if Pranburi either go 8.30ish ( for 9am) or 12.30ish(for 1pm) to get the starting times for the safety video and tests.

[pitsch]

For the 1 to 5 year extension you definitely need a medical certificate. When I was there last year a man without certificate was sent away to the doctor.

But you don't need to make the reaction test.

poosmate do you speak of the renewal after the 5 years extension?

[barrys]

you do not require a medical certificate for a renewal.
The residence certificate though is specific. You will have to ask immigration that you need to have a car and motorbike certificate.
Copies of your passport visa and picture x2 .
Eye test, perception and reaction.....

You definitely do need a medical cert for the renewal - can be obtained in Pranburi not far from the license office for 30 baht (see previous posts) - and the residence document. You only need one original of each, though, and can use copies for the 2nd licence.
You don't need photos now for the new licence - they take your photo there.
No eye or other tests for the renewal.
You also need to have your passport with valid visa and your old licences, of course.
Photocopying facilities are provided at the driving licence office.
Get there early and you should be finished within an hour or 2 for renewal.

[Noz]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to Cha Am but will find a cheap doctor in Hua Hin for the medical report. I'm sure the Polyclinic charged me the best part of 300 baht for two identical reports last year, so won't be going back there!

[barrys]

Hi Noz

My comments were based on my own experience at Pranburi.

I can't guarantee that the system is the same in Cha-am.

Maybe someone who is local there can comment!!

[poosmate]

poosmate do you speak of the renewal after the 5 years extension?

Yes. I renewed mine 2 months ago.
I presumed an extension was an extension

and the residence document. You only need one original of each, though, and can use copies for the 2nd licence.

I think then this may then be a scam by the immigration. I renewed both motorbike and car licence. The immigration gave me two letters ( 300 Baht each) one stating bike and one car.I only realised this when I gave the wrong letter with the car renewal and was told it was only for a motorbike.
The letters also have a photograph attached and stamp ( different style from previous letters I had obtained) so I would be surprised if a copy would do.


Why is a medical needed after a year and not after five
Are alcoholics allowed to drive once they have passed their probationary year

[Noz]

and the residence document. You only need one original of each, though, and can use copies for the 2nd licence.

I think then this may then be a scam by the immigration. I renewed both motorbike and car licence. The immigration gave me two letters ( 300 Baht each) one stating bike and one car.I only realised this when I gave the wrong letter with the car renewal and was told it was only for a motorbike.
The letters also have a photograph attached and stamp ( different style from previous letters I had obtained) so I would be surprised if a copy would do.

Yes, that's what happened to me first time round. Although it's only 300 baht and a couple of extra photos, I grudge it for what is all but an identical piece of paper saying the same thing. But not sure I'll risk a copy (or amending the original to read both motorcycle and car before copying) in case I get problems.

I'll copy the medical report though. If anyone has first hand experience from the Petchaburi driving centre I'd be interested to hear.

[Noz]

Successfully renewed both car and motorbike licences for 5 years in Cha-Am today with a copy of both the medical report and the residence certificate for one of the licences. The woman at the driving centre seemed more concerned about the fact that my O visa was only being extended by 90 days at a time but other than that, no problems. In and out in 20 minutes and no tests of any kind. 1,060 baht all up.

The residence certificate from Hua Hin Immigration was more difficult thanks to the very awkward officer I always seem to get. First off, the house rental contract and bills were no good - she needed the tabian baan from the owner and instructed me to call them to bring it. I bullshitted that the owner was in Europe and so not possible. I then got the passport thrown back at me to take photocopies and she was slightly miffed when I pointed out politely that she had them (all) in front of her already. Next stumbling block was the fact that she said I couldn't have a Petchaburi licence because I lived in Hua Hin, despite the fact I showed her my previous licence showing exactly this. She relented, demanded 300 baht and told me to go and sit down. I thanked her very much and went and sat, waited and chatted to 2 far more pleasant immigration officers and eventually got my piece of paper (no receipt).

I was smiling and polite all the way but what a pain in the ass that some of these people love to make things as difficult as possible for somethings so simple. I should add that I was told I needed to pay for separate letters for both car and motorbike licences but at this point I decided they could get stuffed. I photocopied the letter for the bike (which did say motorbike in the text but only once) and used this for my car licence application. Wasn't even mentioned in Cha-Am today, so 300 baht saved.

Now I can look forward to going back to Immigration next month to jump through hoops for my visa extension. Oh joy!

[hhfarang]

Anyone have any recent updates on changes to the grace period. My license runs out on my birthday next Friday, but I'll be out of town. I was thinking of going to renew the following Monday so three days late. Is this still ok, and according to earlier posts will I get almost a six year license as it will be three days after my birthday?