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Can DTV holders obtain a Thai driver's license without a work permit?
Thai driver’s licenseDTV visatemporary driving licensevisa requirementsexpats in Thailanddriving regulationsdriver's license from home country
Jun 28, 2025
10 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERCan DTV holders get a thai drivers license? I read in some places that you need a work permit
TLDR : Answer Summary
DTV holders can obtain a temporary 2-year Thai driver's license without needing a work permit. Many users have shared their experiences of acquiring either a 2-year or even a 5-year license while on a DTV. Nevertheless, the availability of the 5-year license appears to depend on the discretion of different driving test locations and their specific regulations. Users have reported mixed experiences regarding the issuance of the 5-year license, with some stating it is available to DTV holders while others caution that it is primarily reserved for non-immigrant visa holders. It is important for DTV holders to have a valid driver's license from their home country when applying.
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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Melissa *************
DTV visa can be the temporary (2 year) license and renew it after the 2 years
Jo ****
Depends on province, Chiang mai so easy, lamphun is a joke and won't issue you a residence certification on DTV visa, says need a long term visa, yes 5 years isn't long enough 🤣
Oli *******
You can get it with tourist visa too. No problem.
Sefton ********
Can in Chiang Mai. Both 2y and 5y ones.
Moonny ************
Can ,PM please
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..
Jared *********
Yes, I got the 2 year driver's license
Anonymous ******************
Yes i have one
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 570 great, what did the residence certificate you have to present look like, is it a TM30 or something else?
Yael *********
משתתפ/ת אנונימי/ת To get a Certificate of Residancy, you go with TM30 to the imigration
Reply to
Yael *********
Reply
Carolyn ******
Yes, DTV or tourist can get a temporary driving license. No problem 👍
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..
Dany ********
you can get a driving license. dont need a WP
Pete *******
DTV holders can get the temporary 2 year driving license at the DLT.
Angie ********
@Pete ******
we can assist with expedited processDany ********
@Pete ******
and a 5 year extension at most DLTPete *******
@Dany *******
nope. DTV holders do not qualify for the 5 yr license.Sefton ********
@Pete ******
yes you can. I did it.Renewed my license in September and got a 5 year license while on a DTV.
They even had printed signs up explaining tourist and visa exempt for knee and non imm, DTV and ltr for 5 year, fully clear system.
Pete *******
@Sefton *******
go read the requirements for the 5yr license on the DLT website. Only Non O licenses qualify.Sefton ********
@Pete ******
Nonsense.. I hold a 5 year license issued on a DTV !! CM had pre printed notices up on the walls indicating which classes they issue 5 years to (everything bar TR's, visa exempt, and Visa on arrival all get 5 years). Non imm EDs ?? Non imm B's ?? LTRs ?? PR ?? Your seriously trying to say only the non imm O's get it ?? Thats just obviously incorrect.
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.René *******
@Dany *******
how they can get a 5years license if first have to obtain the 2years temporary license but DTV was introduced only last year?Dany ********
@René ******
most people got a driving license before the DTV got introduced. not everyone is new to thailand.René *******
@Dany *******
got it👍🏼Kool *******
@Dany *******
not true at all.Dany ********
@Kool ******
??? plenty of people got a 5 year license with their DTV… many DLT do it.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.Keith *******
@Dany *******
DTV has only been available not yet a year, so I don't know how this works outDany ********
@Keith ******
many many many people got a temporary (2 year) thai driving license before the DTV. on a tourist visa, on visa exemption, on ED, on whatever visa they had… so it is irrelevant how long the DTV is availableMark *********
@Keith ******
If the person changed visas to a DTV halfway through their original visa then this doesn’t matter. The renewal is under DTV
Fra *****
@Pete ******
What makes you so sure?Pete *******
@Fra ****
the 5 yr license is only available to long term residents. The requirement is listed on the DLT website.Reply to
Pete *******
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