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Can DTV holders obtain a Thai driver's license without a work permit?

Thai driver's license DTV holders temporary driving license visa types work permit DLT regulations expat living in Thailand

Jun 28, 2025

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can DTV holders get a thai drivers license? I read in some places that you need a work permit

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, DTV (Digital Tourist Visa) holders can obtain a temporary 2-year driving license in Thailand without needing a work permit. However, they must have a valid driver’s license from their home country, and the rules regarding licensing may change soon. There is some debate on whether DTV holders can qualify for a 5-year license, with most информации suggesting it's not available for them according to the DLT's current regulations.

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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Cole *********

I got my thai drivers license while on a normal visitors visa. So you can definitely get one on a DTV. You need to have a valid driver's license from your home country. Some countries like China need to go through the whole school to get them. Act quickly though because they are changing the rules soon that everyone will have to go through the school allegedly..

19 hours ago

Jared *********

Yes, I got the 2 year driver's license

a day ago

Anonymous ******************

Yes i have one

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 570 great, what did the residence certificate you have to present look like, is it a TM30 or something else?

a day ago

Yael *********

משתתפ/ת אנונימי/ת To get a Certificate of Residancy, you go with TM30 to the imigration

21 hours ago

Reply to

Yael *********

Carolyn ******

Yes, DTV or tourist can get a temporary driving license. No problem 👍

a day ago

Greg ********

Yes, no problem. I was at the driving test centre with a few 2 weeks ago then saw them picking up licenses on the Monday. As above a 2 year licence which everyone gets initially..

a day ago

Dany ********

you can get a driving license. dont need a WP

a day ago

Pete *******

DTV holders can get the temporary 2 year driving license at the DLT.

a day ago

Angie ********

@Pete ******

we can assist with expedited process

16 hours ago

Dany ********

@Pete ******

and a 5 year extension at most DLT

a day ago

Pete *******

@Dany *******

nope. DTV holders do not qualify for the 5 yr license.

a day ago

Dany ********

@Pete ******

plenty of people already got a 5 year permanent thai driving license on their DTV. i guess the majority of DLT do it.

21 hours ago

Pete *******

@Dany *******

plenty of people are driving around on illegally obtained licenses. As clearly stated on the DLT website the 5 yr license is only available to Non Immigrant visa holders.

16 hours ago

Keith *******

@Dany *******

DTV has only been available not yet a year, so I don't know how this works out

17 hours ago

Fra *****

@Pete ******

What makes you so sure?

a day ago

Pete *******

@Fra ****

the 5 yr license is only available to long term residents. The requirement is listed on the DLT website.