Thai Driving License renewal 2019 to 2025

[HHTel]

As far as I know, you need the IDP to drive here but your UK licence will suffice for getting your Thai licence. You won't need to do the test or the theory. However you will still need to do the colour, reaction and perspective test as well as sitting through a nonsensical video.

[Big Boy]

Of course, this is Thailand and regulations depend which clerk is sat behind the desk the day you turn up for your licence. I am not sure about the 'actual' requirement for the IDP. All that I know is 2 friends went without an IDP and they were given the option of either taking a driving test or getting their actual licence notarised. They chose the latter, which took a few days and was not cheap.

Surely, it is better to pay the miniscule fee to get an IDP in advance, and be prepared, rather than the hassle that could result if the wrong clerk is on duty.

[HHTel]

Good advice, BB. I'm going back to the day when an IDP wasn't required as per the two relevant treaties (although never ratified but had become the status quo). Showing my UK licence was sufficient to get a Thai licence with no need for any tests. The process took half an hour. I just missed the issuance of a lifetime driving licence which ceased the year before. Grrrrr!
But things have changed a lot.

[hhinner]

These are the official DLT web pages:

https://www.dlt.go.th/en/renew-license/ - Apply for first 2 year licence

https://www.dlt.go.th/en/two-year-license/ - Apply for 5 year licence having already the 2 year licence.

And yes, they have the URLs and contents out of whack.

Invalid may mean valid for DLT purposes.

As already stated, individual offices may have their own requirements.

[Scout]

My wife’s 5 year car driving license expired yesterday. As planned, she renewed it today, in Pranburi, one day after expiry and she got an extra year giving her 6 years, not 5, on the new license. Fees were 500 baht for Residence Letter from Immigration and 555 baht license fee (an extra 50 baht to update her address as our house number changed when we moved across the street, normal fee would have been 505 baht).

[Robinhood]

Update: From my August 2019 posts.

Obtained 2 year temporary car driving licence at Ch am Land Transport Office. LTO

Information from other posters very helpful.

One learning point from my experience. I tried to use my work permit to avoid the cost of getting a letter of residence letter for the specific purpose of the driving licence. (Hoping to Save 500 baht and a trip to Immigration). The LTO would not accept the Work Permit as it only had the employer name.

If I was doing it again, I would just have got the Residents Letter (I also found out this has to be specific for the purpose you intend to use it IE Driving Licence - car)

My basic checklist.

Original Passport - plus copies.
Original Letter of Residence - specific for car driving licence.
International Driving Permit.- plus copies.
UK Licence.- plus copies.
Application form - Not looked at!
205 bht
Medical Certificate - less than 30 days old.

I didn't have an appointment but got to Cham about 8.30am and had to do the eye test, reaction test and colour test, as well as watch the 1 hour video.

[PJG]

Went to Pranburi Land Transport Centre to day to re-new Car License and get new Motor Bike License. Arrived at 0900 expecting to be there most of the morning. Had all the required documentation ready inc. 2 x Residence Certificate and International Driver Permit for Motor Bike.

Left at 0945 with 2 shiny new License's. Amazing service, no tests Baht 610 for both, in and out in 45 minutes. A happy chappie smiled all the way home.

[stretch]

Anyone know of a company who can organise a thai licence

[HHTel]

Why would you want that. The procedure for a driving licence is very straightforward and almost impossible to fail.

[stretch]

Having read the previous pages straightforward no have been informed the thai language is required.

[Big Boy]

Really??? I think you've misunderstood.

[stretch]

Ok i will give it ago nothing to lose thanks.

[Big Boy]

Let us know how you get on. Hopefully you can encourage others.

[PJG]

Having just got a new Motor Cycle Licence and renewed my Car Licence I can confirm there is no requirement for Thai Language. The girl who dealt with my applications at Pranburi spoke very passable english.

The only requirements for new temporary Licence were:-
1.IDP m/c
2.Residence Certificate
3.Medical Certificate
4.Passport
5.Copy of Non Imm Visa
6.Copy of latest extension stamps (if any) in Passport
7.Cash

All very easy in and out in 45minutes. No need to use an agent.

[FarangJon]

Just wanted to document my experience today getting both a drivers and motorcycle license in Pranburi. I will only add new information as this thread has all the complete details and I am very thankful for everyone who shared.

I obtained the required 2 residency certificates but I stay in a hotel. Since this is not documented anywhere, I obtained a letter from the owner of the hotel along with a printout showing my registration with immigration during check in (TM30). The letter states that I am a guest in good standing on hotel letterhead, signed by the manager. This was enough, and I had no issues.

I had called Pranburi ahead of time and they mentioned they would accept one residency certificate if it said both car and motorbike license but immigration was not cooperative as they wanted their extra 500 Baht.

This morning I made my way to Pranburi. I used a minibus. Easy to get from the base of the bridge at Market village, it’s 30 Baht to the Tesco in Pranburi. I had to wait maybe 8 minutes and left at 7:45 am. Once you are at the Tesco, you cross the street to the Police station and take a left on the small soi about 50m north of the station. It took less than 10 minutes to walk to the DLT office and then go up to the 2nd floor.
I had preobtained an International Drivers license, using e-ita.org. Total was $29 USD shipped to Thailand in 2 days. It gives you both car and motorbike regardless of your actual license.
Arrived at the DLT office at 8:15am, the First Lady that checks your paperwork said I would need to watch the one hour video. The first showing is at 9am.
They processed the paperwork, I paid, and then was give a very basic color test at the desk. I noticed they were sending everyone else to a different part of the room for a similar test. Was asked to get my photos taken, then at 8:55 am they handed me both licenses for a total of 310 Baht. I was surprised and asked if I need to watch the video, she just said nope and I was done!
Walked back out to the main road, waited at the “bus stop”. Within 10 minutes I was back in a minivan to Market village. If you just wait, all the minivans stop. The 4th one said yes Hua Hin and I jumped in.

Overall being prepared helps along with the international drivers license.