This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can a DTV holder apply for a Thai driving license?
Thai driving licenseDTV visaVisa and driving requirementsExpat life in ThailandImmigration rules in Thailand
Apr 29, 2025
a year ago
George’s *******************************
ORIGINAL POSTERCan a DTV holder. Appy for a Thai driving licence.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Holders of a DTV visa can indeed apply for a Thai driving license, as confirmed by various expats who have successfully done so. The process does require certain documents such as a passport, a medical certificate, a residence certificate, and possibly an international driving license, although specific requirements may vary by province. Some users noted that even tourists can obtain a license, and that there can be some differences in regulations at different Driving Licensing Offices (DLT). Typically, new license holders receive a temporary two-year license, which may be extended depending on the visa type.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Neil ***********
Yep. Did my test last March in Rayong.
Jeff ********
I have one.
Chance ********
If you are planning on being in Thailand longer than 90 days I believe it's required
Oliver **********
Yes
Anonymous ******************
Anyone can. No specific visa needed
Jim *******
I have one just done it recently I’m on a dtv
Jim *******
It cost around 200thb
Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
A tourist can
John *******
Yes i got one last week
Soulaymane ********
Yes ofc, why couldn't? I'm Just getting my renew Thai driving license with an exemption visa and getting my motorbike one too^^
Nathan ****
@Soulaymane *******
Because some countries don't allow a license without living there?Reply to
Nathan ****
Reply
Tim ***********
It's possible in Chiang Mai. At least the extension is possible. I checked that before applying for the DTV visa. But to apply for a driving licence or for an extension you need a certificate of residence and for that you need to have a valid tm30 slip in your passport
Dave *****************
Yes I have mine booked at Honda safety centre in a couple of weeks
Nyi *************
Yes, you can! I only applied the permit for car and not the bike cause I don’t know how to drive a bike 😅
Wesley ********
Yes
Karl *********
Yes you need Passport, medical certificate, your home country drivers license (or you need to sit a full day test instead.) also from immigration you need a residence certificate (as proof of address ) which you apply for after you have done a 90 day reporting. Alternatively, you can use an agent and pay to get it right away.
David ***********
@Karl ********
I obtained a residence certificate before my first 90 day report and didn’t use an agent. I did have a Thai friend helping, however.Jon **********
@David **********
yeah, it’s not a requirement anymore in Bangkok.Reply to
Jon **********
Reply
John *******
@Karl ********
you need a international driving license That's what They asked for in my case but Thailand can vary widely from province to provinceGreg ********
@Karl ********
You forgot Medical Certificate :-) Many of those agents offering license without test are scammers. Many operating from scam centres in Burma and CambodiaKarl *********
@Greg *******
actually I stated the medical certificate and I paid an agent myself without a test. pm if anyone needs a recommendationDon’t trust an online agent you need to meet in person (I did it in Bangkok!)
Greg ********
@Karl ********
Sorry. I am blind (Not literally). You did mention medical cert.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Ionut *********
Yes my friend make with this company Pattaya4all
Oswald *******
Nope
Anonymous ******************
@Oswald ******
lol. Another false answerAnonymous ******************
@Oswald ******
Looking forward to hearing your explanation as to why not? 🤦😆Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
John **********
Depends where you are. Some DLT offices want you to be on a Non-immigrant visa
Bob *******
Yes, I just did in Rayong.
Mo ******
@Bob ******
Rayong is next to pattaya not at the border though?Bob *******
@Mo *****
correctReply to
Bob *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Any visa can do.
Jeremy *****
Yes i have automobile and motorcycle both ✌️
Bob **********
Yes, but you’ll only get a two year which is a temporary license
Łukasz *********
@Bob *********
Everyone gets two years first, that’s how licenses work in Thailand.Bob **********
@Łukasz ********
but to get a 5 year it depends on the visa you are on even the Elite visa only allows 2 year licenses and my first one was 1 yearŁukasz *********
@Bob *********
That’s not what the school told us, but I don’t know it for a fact.Bob **********
@Łukasz ********
if you if you on a non-b you’d get 5 yearReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Tim ***********
@Bob *********
But after two years it will automatically be extended to five, right?Bob **********
@Tim **********
no only on a long stay non-o visaReply to
Bob **********
Reply
26 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
What is the process for obtaining a Thai driving license as an expat and what paperwork is required?
72 comments
a year ago
17 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
26 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
44 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
11 comments
a year ago
33 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
23 comments
2 years ago
40 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
1 comments
2 years ago
Can DTV holders obtain a 5-year Thai driving license, and are there differences based on visa types?
28 comments
2 years ago
26 comments
2 years ago
34 comments
2 years ago
41 comments
2 years ago
19 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.