Answered3 years ago

Can I apply for a Thai driver's license if my Australian license was suspended or cancelled?

Thai driver's license Australian driver's license driver's license suspension driving test in Thailand international driving requirements expat driving in Thailand

Brett ********

asked Feb 28, 2024

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Hi all,

My query relates to Drivers licenses. I have a Full Australian drivers license, if my license was cancelled or suspended can I apply for a Thai driver’s license by taking driving lessons and a driving test to the satisfaction of the examiner in Thailand and then be issued a new Thai drivers license ?

Thank you in advance for any advice

Answer summary

An expat with a suspended or cancelled Australian driver's license is inquiring about the possibility of obtaining a Thai driver's license by taking driving lessons and passing the required tests in Thailand. Community members noted that there may not be a method for Thai authorities to verify foreign license suspensions, implying that one could potentially convert their license without issue. Overall, if the individual passes the driving test, they can be issued a Thai driver's license.

11 repliesnewest first

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Kerry *******

Different country, no recorded suspensions.

3 years ago

Brett ********

Thanks for the info.

3 years ago

John **********

If you sit the full test and pass you can get a Thai license

3 years ago

Jon ******

@John *********

your better off doing this it’s easy

3 years ago

Derek *******

@Dorai *************

can help you

3 years ago

Jan ******************

No issue, I took both licenses without any motorcycle license from home. Different if you just want to convert your national license into a thai license.

3 years ago

Michael ********

To be honest how would they know license was suspended. Do they take it off you physically or mark it in some way ?

If not just convert to Thai driving license

3 years ago

Andy **********

@Michael *******

if banned, eg for being drunk, killing someone, you don't have a licence anymore. In principle Thailand will check if a foreign licence is legit, that why they are in the convention. If they don't and you lie, that's a can of worms, that ends with a Go Fundme and the Clink.

3 years ago

Michael ********

@Andy *********

I know plenty of people who converted licenses that had been suspended in there home countries to legal Thai licenses. Then they have a legally issued Thai license no gofundme or jail involved. They cannot check other countries police records and being banned from driving doesnt exactly come under interpols juristiction

3 years ago

Brett ********

@Andy *********

My understanding is if a full Australian license is suspended I retain possession of the physical license but cannot drive for the term of suspension. If this suspended license is produced to Thai officials can Thai officials see the term of suspension and will they issue a Thai driving permit which notes the suspension not allowing you to drive for term of suspension.

If the full Australian driving license is cancelled the authorities destroy the physical license and you cannot drive whilst you have no license. In this instance is it ok to apply for new Thai license (do the lessons and driving test) Thanks

3 years ago

Andy **********

@Michael *******

When you are banned from driving, you no longer have a driving licence to convert. In the UK, your licence is taken off you by the court and sent to the DVLA for destruction. Same in Australia. In both cases, when your ban comes to an end, you have to apply to get a new licence issued to you. Your banned driver mates, when they go to the Thai DMV to convert their driving licences are basically lying by telling the Thais they have a licence. They don't have a licence anymore when they are banned. Lets see what happens when they get in a crash and the police start snooping around. And Interpol has nothing to do with this. Driving licensing agencies talk to each other. And probably the Thais don't check at the time, but that comes down to the morality of the person applying for a driving licence. But then, if they have been previously banned for drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving etc, they lack morals anyhow. So not surprised if you know people like that. They walk among us.

3 years ago