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Can a DTV visa holder apply for a driving license in Thailand?
DTV visadriving license ThailandThai immigrationresidence certificatebank account setupThai driver's licenseexpat living in Thailand
Aug 26, 2024
2 years ago
Goel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERCan we apply for driving license in Thailand on DTV visa?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The possibility of applying for a driving license in Thailand on a DTV visa mainly depends on the requirements of the local Department of Land Transport (DLT) office. Although some DLT offices may require a long-term or non-immigrant visa, many do not, provided that you can acquire a residence certificate from the immigration office, which is a crucial requirement for obtaining a driver’s license. Several users report successfully obtaining their driving licenses and setting up bank accounts with varying visa types, emphasizing the importance of having a residence certificate.
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.
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Magnus ***********
I got drivers license for car + motorcycle two years ago (I had a non O visa but I that is not required I think). I also used an agent and paid some 2500 baht but you can do it yourself too.
In my case I had a foreign car drivers license so I could convert that into a Thai car license. But since I also wanted a motorcycle license I had to do some driving tests and do theory test (I can give you some useful links of these tests if you like). Besides these tests they also have some reactions and eye tests and those you have to do even if you just convert your existing license.
My first license is actually expiring now after 2 years so now I booked a meeting with them to renew it. The waiting time was about 5 weeks in Bangkok On nut and my meeting will be September 6. The steps is more or less the same for renewal except that I now don't need to do drivers or theory tests, the reaction test I have to do though. The steps for renewing follows below and this time I do it myself, it will cost some 700 baht they told me to renew.
I actually asked ChatGPT and got the following instruction which seems to be accurate, these were the documents they told me to get when I went to DLT:
Required Documents
1. Current Thai Driver's License: Your expiring license.
2. Passport: The original and a copy of the photo page, visa page, and entry stamp page.
3. Residence Certificate: Obtainable from the Thai Immigration Office or your embassy, or use a work permit if applicable.
4. Medical Certificate: Issued within the last 30 days, available from most clinics or hospitals in Thailand.
5. Application Form: Available at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office.
Renewal Process
1. Visit the Department of Land Transport (DLT) Office: Go to the nearest DLT office. It’s recommended to arrive early to avoid long wait times.
2. Submit Documents: Present all required documents at the counter.
3. Eye and Reflex Tests: You will undergo simple vision and reaction tests.
4. Attend a Brief Training Session: Usually a one-hour video presentation on road safety.
5. Pay the Fee: The renewal fee is typically around 605 THB for a five-year license.
In my case I had a foreign car drivers license so I could convert that into a Thai car license. But since I also wanted a motorcycle license I had to do some driving tests and do theory test (I can give you some useful links of these tests if you like). Besides these tests they also have some reactions and eye tests and those you have to do even if you just convert your existing license.
My first license is actually expiring now after 2 years so now I booked a meeting with them to renew it. The waiting time was about 5 weeks in Bangkok On nut and my meeting will be September 6. The steps is more or less the same for renewal except that I now don't need to do drivers or theory tests, the reaction test I have to do though. The steps for renewing follows below and this time I do it myself, it will cost some 700 baht they told me to renew.
I actually asked ChatGPT and got the following instruction which seems to be accurate, these were the documents they told me to get when I went to DLT:
Required Documents
1. Current Thai Driver's License: Your expiring license.
2. Passport: The original and a copy of the photo page, visa page, and entry stamp page.
3. Residence Certificate: Obtainable from the Thai Immigration Office or your embassy, or use a work permit if applicable.
4. Medical Certificate: Issued within the last 30 days, available from most clinics or hospitals in Thailand.
5. Application Form: Available at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office.
Renewal Process
1. Visit the Department of Land Transport (DLT) Office: Go to the nearest DLT office. It’s recommended to arrive early to avoid long wait times.
2. Submit Documents: Present all required documents at the counter.
3. Eye and Reflex Tests: You will undergo simple vision and reaction tests.
4. Attend a Brief Training Session: Usually a one-hour video presentation on road safety.
5. Pay the Fee: The renewal fee is typically around 605 THB for a five-year license.
Marcin *******
@Magnus **********
the required documents for renewing are the same ? Do you still need medical certificate and residence certificate ?Reply to
Marcin *******
Reply
Henrik *****
If you are colorblind, then you have and ekstra hurdle to pass, unless you have the same categories in your international Drivers license.
Magnus ***********
@Henrik ****
Yes it is very strange that they test if you can see colors.Henrik *****
In my homecountry I’m certified to drive emergency vehicles ( Police and Fire ), but I can not get a motorcycle drivers license in Thailand.
Need the Thai motorcycle Drivers license, because staying longer than 3 month.
Need the Thai motorcycle Drivers license, because staying longer than 3 month.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
John ********
Yes
Henrik **************
I did it on a visa exempt entry but that was like 8 yrs ago, I only needed a certificate of residence from immigration office and to visit a clinic and answer some questions if I remember correctly.
Roy ********
Type in one stop visa Pattaya on you tube.
Roy ********
Yes I did mine on 30 day tourist visa and a Thai Bank account Bangkok Bank with internet banking.
Goel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roy *******
can you guide me for process plsRoy ********
One stop visa Pattaya Soi 6 near beach road Mark and Pom. Good service.
Goel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roy *******
thanks 😊Reply to
Goel ********
Reply
Dale **********
Easy, just need residency certificate visa doesn't matter
Goel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dale *********
can you guide me for process plsDale **********
@Goel *******
definitely recommend using an agent or you'll be there all day and possibly have to go a few daysGoel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dale *********
thanksReply to
Goel ********
Reply
Dale **********
@Goel *******
I used an agent cost me 5000 for one day processing, for motorcycle and car, took around 3 hours, just needed to give my passport, residency certificate one for each licence, and a copy of my international driver's licence which showed I have both car and motorcycle.Daniele ***********
@Dale *********
so you paid 5000 for him to basically taxi you to the dlt office. For 5000 I'd want the license delivered to me without having to do anything at all, residency certificate includedDale **********
@Daniele **********
you probably can't even ride a motorcycleDaniele ***********
@Dale *********
I can but that's completely irrelevant in the process of getting a driver license in ThailandDale **********
@Daniele **********
you require a motorcycle licence if you want to get a Thai motorcycle licence... If you're doing a swap or else you go to lessons and pay moreDaniele ***********
@Dale *********
I don't have IDP, just booked my appointment and went to dlt 2 times, got both car and motorbike for approx 200 bahtDale **********
@Daniele **********
bit dodgy, lucky you though, that's pretty good. I'd still pay though as I'd prefer not taking two days off workDaniele ***********
@Dale *********
it's the standard procedure, if you have IDP you have to add time and cost for getting that as wellDale **********
The agent took me to the driving place, I did like 4 physical driving tests, took photo and got both licence cards same day
Reply to
Dale **********
Reply
Tomasz ********
What about bank account? Is it possible to set a Thai bank account?
Phil *******
@Tomasz *******
bank account is easy, just pay an agent and it will happen, Thai phone number and a passport, I was only on 30 visa exempt, straight through.Steve *******
@Tomasz *******
I've talked to SCB about this and they basically refuse to let you open a bank account without a work permit because "the head office said so".I talked to their customer support yesterday, while at the bank branch and they asked me to bring every document I used to apply for my DTV and a resident certificate to see if "maybe" the bank will let me open an account.
It's easier to buy a living tiger in this country, than it is to open a bank account.
Brandon ************
@Tomasz *******
That's between you and the bank. Each branch manager sets the requirements for that specific branch.Tomasz ********
@Brandon ***********
thank you. Just wanted to know if there is slightest chance and if anybody managed to do it.Magnus ***********
@Tomasz *******
I did it on a tourist visa 2 years ago and my friends told me to visit Bangkok Bank at EmQuartier in Bangkok. They were helpful and as I remember I only had my passport and a certificate of residence + 500 baht in cash to deposit.Brandon ************
@Tomasz *******
Your best bet is likely with a Bangkok Bank branch that will let you open an account if you purchase their insurance (about 5k baht)Magnus ***********
@Brandon ***********
I didn't need to buy any insurance at Bangkok bank in EmQuartier, Bangkok. Just needed 500 baht in cash for a first deposit + passport with TR visa + certificate of residence.Reply to
Magnus ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
That's between you and your local DLT office. Some require you to be in a long term or non-immigrant visa in order to apply for a drivers license, but most do not. The more important thing is if you're able to get a residence certificate from your immigration office which is also a requirement for drivers license.
Daniele ***********
@Brandon ***********
possible to use yellow book instead of residency certificate?Peter ****************
@Daniele **********
In Korat, the DLT on the road to Chokchai, only extend it for 2 years with the yellow book. With certificate from immigration you get the normal 5 years.Daniele ***********
@Peter ***************
wow that doesn't make any sense, I know it doesn't have to, I'll try at my dlt in PattayaReply to
Daniele ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Daniele **********
you'd have to ask your DLT. Some will accept it and some will not.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Peter ****************
@Brandon ***********
I think they HAVE to do it, isn't it ? Because with DTV you are here for 180 days each time. After 3 months I thought its mandatory to drive with a Thai one ? Or am I missing something ?Brandon ************
@Peter ***************
DTV is classified as a "special" tourist visa. And no office in Thailand HAS to do anything. They are little kingdoms unto themselves and get to decide their own rules and policies. Many DLT offices do not accept applications from those on tourist visas, despite there being nothing in law that says they are not eligible for a drivers license.Just like each immigration office makes its own rules and requirements despite there being published visa rules.
Just like each embassy makes its own rules and requirements, despite the MFA having published rules and guidelines.
Just like each individual branch of a bank makes their own policies on who can get a bank account and who cannot.
In Thailand the local level gets huge amounts of latitude.
Peter ****************
@Brandon ***********
I know, I know Brandon, and maybe "have to" is not the right saying but 'should do'. Because it would be a verry strange contradiction, isn't it ? I mean allowing people to stay for over 3 months, and not allowing a Thai drivers License which I thought is mandatory after 3 months driving with y'r home license and IDP. But y'r right, after 7 years living hear: TiT.Reply to
Peter ****************
Reply
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