Answered3 years ago
Can I obtain a Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai with a visa exemption or do I need a tourist visa?
Hi, I'm coming to Thailand in December and I want to do the course and get a Thai driver's licence for scooters in Chiang Mai.
Will I be able to get that document if I enter on visa exemption, or do I need a tourist visa for that?
I want to get the driver's licence for insurance purposes, so the document must hold up in case of being challenged by an insurance company.
Will I be able to get that document if I enter on visa exemption, or do I need a tourist visa for that?
I want to get the driver's licence for insurance purposes, so the document must hold up in case of being challenged by an insurance company.
Answer summary
The post discusses obtaining a Thai driver's license for scooters in Chiang Mai while entering the country on a visa exemption. Users mention that a residence certificate is typically required for non-residents to apply for the license, which can be obtained regardless of the entry type, but there might be complications with a visa exemption. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for those with a national license, but limitations exist based on the license type. The conversation highlights the importance of proper documentation for insurance purposes when driving in Thailand, especially given the risks associated with motorcycle accidents.
57 repliesnewest first
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Steve **********
Just need address, resident cert. ( easy ) hotel ok, and current country or intn'l D/L. 100 baht health cert at any clinic, watch a film....easy, fast
* 2 types of lic: auto and motor bike. cant use one for the other
But w/ D/L can book in country flights, hotels. Nat'l parks etc...dont need to carry passport.
* 2 types of lic: auto and motor bike. cant use one for the other
But w/ D/L can book in country flights, hotels. Nat'l parks etc...dont need to carry passport.
Stuart ***********
Definitely get an international driving permit before you travel. This allows you to obtain the Thai driving licence without doing the driver training other than a 1 hour video.
You also need a medical certificate, but you can get that at any doctors for about 200 Baht.
You also need a medical certificate, but you can get that at any doctors for about 200 Baht.
Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart **********
thanks, but as I mentioned elsewhere in this thread, my national driving permit does not include category A1, so neither would the international one issued on the basis of the national one.
Charlie ********
I got residence certificate last year at Phuket immigration and I was on 30 day visa exempt entry. Only needed TM30 and passport.
Klee **************
driving a motorcycle here is extremely dangerous, are you feeling very lucky? Over 14,000 people die here every year on motorcycles, these are mostly Thai people that know how to drive here, your chances are far greater of dying, you couldn't pay me to drive one here, but you will do what you want of course
Thek *****
@Klee *************
This advice needs to be pinned at the top of this thread. I've been living here six months only, but have already personally seen two serious motorcycle accidents involving farangs. One of them, a young lady whose life will never be the same again unfortunately. The freedom and wonderlust of farangs (or anyone really) riding motorcycles in Thailand without a helmet usually only lasts as long as ones next accident. The human body degloved in any way is not a sight that is easily forgotten.
Klee **************
@Thek ****
I’ve been coming to Thailand for almost 25 years and I can tell you two friends of mine have died, one is in long-term nursing care, the other is a quadriplegic, I wouldn’t get on a motorcycle if you paid meKlee **************
@Sergiusz **********
even that is very dangerousSergiusz ***********
OP@Thek ****
I wouldn't even think of driving a scooter in Bangkok. I only drive in the islands.Thek *****
I'm with you on that. Every day I need to refuse a motorcycle trip with my work colleagues as that is how they get around Bangkok. I walk or catch taxi at my own expense as no BTS near our warehouse. I sleep well.
Christopher ***********
@Klee *************
Best advice! I only ride pillion when I have to. That’s frightening enough.
Ian ********
Overthinking it 😊
Sergiusz ***********
OP@Ian *******
maybe, I just wanted to make sure I don't make it impossible for myself to get the driver's licence by coming to the country the wrong way (visa exempt vs. tourist visa).Unless you mean I'm overthinking it when it comes to the insurance - in that case that's just a matter of minimising the risk. Most probably it won't matter, but in the unlikely case of me being in an accident, the consequences of not being covered by insurance can be disastrous.
Christopher ***********
@Sergiusz **********
Good that you understand the risks. My Thai family have suffered several serious injuries coming off their motorcycle’s. One involving amputation. No motor insurance. Treatment was provided under Thai National Health Service but the family later received bills from the hospital because the cause was a Road Traffic Accident and that’s what motor insurance is for.Ian ********
@Sergiusz **********
it's Thailand if you have accident it's your fault no matter who caused it 😢 if you was not there it would not have happened 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 no one asks for driving licence to hire anything and their insurance well that's debatableSergiusz ***********
OP@Ian *******
I want to be covered by my own insurance while riding a scooter, precisely for covering damages in accidents caused by me. My insurance won't cover me if I'm riding the scooter illegally (i.e. without the necessary permit).
Anna *********
What happens if you have 60 day visa but leave country before 60 days is up and return? Is that 60 cancelled and you get 30 days when you return?
Stuart *********
@Anna ********
Yes. Unless you pay for a re entry permit. All that would do is keep the original entry stamp “alive” on your return. It wouldn’t give you any extra days, so is fairly unusual on a tourist visa. It can be obtained but costs 1,000 baht so you’d have to weigh up whether it’s worth it for the time remaining on your stamp.Bonnie *********
What country are you coming from? Be sure to get an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement and you're good, just like John wrote.
Sergiusz ***********
OP@Bonnie ********
I do not hold a motorcycle driver's licence. In my country, I'm able to ride scooters on a B-class (car) licence, but that does not translate to the IDP.Bonnie *********
@Sergiusz **********
If you rent, and get stoped without a license, it is a 500 baht fine. It’s tourist season, so it is likely you will get stopped. Just information, make your own choices.Christopher ***********
@Bonnie ********
Good to know, thanks for your report and hope your knee soon mends.Bonnie *********
@Sergiusz **********
Yes, and thanks for your comment. The hospital, ambulance, and prescription cost 475 baht.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Bonnie ********
I'm sorry to hear that. Were you covered by insurance (theirs or yours)?Bonnie *********
@Sergiusz **********
Someone hit me last week, with a car. Me knee is still messed up.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Bonnie ********
of course, thank you, I'm aware of that. I want to get the licence for insurance purposes - so that if something happens to me while riding the scooter, I get covered by my tourist insurance.
John **********
All depends. I don't know about Chiang Mai but where I live you need to be on a long term visa. If you're just coming as a tourist get an IDP from your home country before travelling which will cover you for 3 months
Sergiusz ***********
OP@John *********
thank you for your advice. I do not hold a motorcycle driver's licence. In my country, I'm able to ride scooters on a B-class (car) licence, but that does not translate to the IDP.John **********
@Sergiusz **********
when I got my IDP in the UK they were happy to tick the relevant box on the IDP because I'm also able to ride scooters in the UK from my car license which allows me to drive categories A & A1Sergiusz ***********
OP@John *********
that's super interesting. I don't think it would work where I'm from, but I'll look into it.
Phil ******
@Sergiusz **********
yes as long as you have a residence address certificate but I have a simple question. Why do you need a thai drivers license to hold up in court? Surely you can obtain an IDP from your country or residence?Sergiusz ***********
OP@Phil *****
I do not hold a motorcycle driver's licence. In my country, I'm able to ride scooters on a B-class (car) licence, but that does not translate to the IDP.Sergiusz ***********
OPYes, I could, but I decided it would be harder, more expensive and make less sense in general, considering my circumstances. This is also based on a post on that exact topic which I wrote here a few months ago, exploring those options 🙂
I didn't mention that in my OP because I mainly wanted to know about the paperwork required for the Thai driver's licence (and residence certificate).
I didn't mention that in my OP because I mainly wanted to know about the paperwork required for the Thai driver's licence (and residence certificate).
Sergiusz ***********
OPYes, I've heard that Australian policies are more strict in that regard. Thank you for the input :)
Eden *******
@Sergiusz **********
I know in Australia if I go overseas I'm not covered for a motorbike unless I have my licence there regardless if I have one for Indonesia etc, we can also drive a scooter at home, but only 50cc and in Asia it's usually 110-150cc. But maybe its different where you are fromSergiusz ***********
OP@Eden ******
most policies I saw just have disclaimers for accidents that happen while riding without the needed permit. As far as I understand, a Thai driver's licence is enough to ride a scooter legally when in Thailand, whether I'm a resident or not.Also, I am allowed to legally ride a scooter in my country without a motorcycle licence, since my B-class (car) licence covers that.
You are of course right that insurance companies might try to get out of paying, but that does not mean it doesn't make sense to try and make it harder for them :)
Eden *******
@Sergiusz **********
unless you have a motorcycle license in your country your travel insurance will be invalid for a motorcycle accident, I would ask a few insurance companies to make sure you are covered with a Thai license. You are not a resident in Thailand so why would you hold a Thai drivers licence, and if you were a resident you wouldn't need travel insurance for Thailand.... insurance companies will try and find any loophole to get out of paying.Phil ******
@Sergiusz **********
why didn't you say that in your OP? Can you do lessons and gain a license in your home country?
Paul *******
I do not know if it is possible while you are on visa exempt stamp. If you have a nationasl licence (and possibly an International Drivers Permit) in English you will need a doctors certificate (easy at any clinic or hospital for 100-200 thb) and a certificate of resedence from immigration (possibly more difficult on a visa exempt entry). It may not even be possible to get an appointment at the transportation office at short notice. If it is possible, Honda Safety Riding Park would be your best option. See: From a previous post:
Honda Safety Riding Park. (On the 118 Road on the way to Doi Saket.
Marlyn Culton
I did my training at Honda Safety since I had never riden before. It was great. I learned so much and got on the road so quickly.
You’ll need the pre riding course (2 days), then the basic course is (1 day), then the test is 1 day on the computer and 1 day actual driving test. So 5 days total.
They will set you up. Literally no one fails…they help you pass.
Total cost was 2,500 baht. 2,000 for pre riding course and then 500 for the basic course which includes the testing days. They don’t charge for test days. They also have deals they offer if you buy things up front, which I didn’t do.
Highly recommend them! And if you take these courses you don’t have to wait 4 weeks to get an appointment at the DLT. Honda Safety will help arrange an appointment for you via the DLT app. You’ll be in within a week. You’ll just submit the paperwork Honda Safety gives you to DLT and get license right on the spot. Even with an appointment and necessary paperwork the wait at the DLT was around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Not an easy process, but this is Thailand you learn deep patience.
Good luck!
Honda Safety Riding Park. (On the 118 Road on the way to Doi Saket.
Marlyn Culton
I did my training at Honda Safety since I had never riden before. It was great. I learned so much and got on the road so quickly.
You’ll need the pre riding course (2 days), then the basic course is (1 day), then the test is 1 day on the computer and 1 day actual driving test. So 5 days total.
They will set you up. Literally no one fails…they help you pass.
Total cost was 2,500 baht. 2,000 for pre riding course and then 500 for the basic course which includes the testing days. They don’t charge for test days. They also have deals they offer if you buy things up front, which I didn’t do.
Highly recommend them! And if you take these courses you don’t have to wait 4 weeks to get an appointment at the DLT. Honda Safety will help arrange an appointment for you via the DLT app. You’ll be in within a week. You’ll just submit the paperwork Honda Safety gives you to DLT and get license right on the spot. Even with an appointment and necessary paperwork the wait at the DLT was around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Not an easy process, but this is Thailand you learn deep patience.
Good luck!
Rene ******
@Paul ******
its not three days now? I have it from 7 to 9 Dec. 2 days learning and 1 day test for 3000 bahtSergiusz ***********
OP@Paul ******
thank you. I do not hold a motorcycle driver's licence yet, so I want to take the exam, and then get the licence.My main concern for now is whether I need to enter Thailand on a tourist visa, or will the visa exemption be sufficient for the purpose of getting the driver's licence.
Sergiusz ***********
OPThanks. I hope the backlog in CM will be shorter, as waiting 3 months would defeat the purpose for me ;)
Richard *********
@Sergiusz **********
No motorcycle License- u need first make an appt< on first day u need spend a wasteful 4 hours watching video's before taking the written test. Next day the practical> than stop and eye testI did mine in Feb as never held a Motorcycle incense here, only a car
Get the cor on a visa exempt BUT no idea the backlog< here in Phuket it like 3 months or so
Stuart *********
As far as I’m aware you can get a residence certificate in CM on any entry type that will allow you to get a Thai drivers license for a bike.
The residence certificate is not a document that would “hold up in court”. It’s just a document you need to get the driving license.
The residence certificate is not a document that would “hold up in court”. It’s just a document you need to get the driving license.
Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart ********
thank you for the answer. So I take it that it does not matter if I enter on visa exemption or tourist visa.As for the "holding up in court" part, I meant the driver's licence itself, not the residence certificate.
Stuart *********
@Sergiusz **********
I’m not up on the rules in CM, but I’m guessing they’re the same as Phuket as in it doesn’t matter Tourist Visa or Exempt. You can still get the residence certificate.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart ********
thank you again for all the info, you were really helpful :)Stuart *********
@Sergiusz **********
That site it a bit misleading. In order to obtain a residence certificate you need a filed TM30. Your landlord should be able to do it for you online. If they can’t/won’t then you can self file for one in person at an immigration office using the items listed in point 5.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart ********
I'm sorry if I didn't express myself clearly. What I meant is:the website I linked before (
******************************************************************************
lists the following documents as being necessary to obtain a residence certificate:"4. A copy of your Address Notification Receipt (TM.30).
5. A copy of your house lease agreement and rental contract where you stay including:
– A copy of ID/Passport (if a foreigner) of the landlord
– A copy of the house registration book of the landlord
– A copy of the title deed to confirm who is the owner required if the landlord is not a household"
What you said is that for items mentioned under 5., landlords report it online somehow. I know that is the case for item 4. (TM.30), so I'm asking if all those items (listed under 4. and 5.) are in some way handled together automatically by the system.
Stuart *********
@Sergiusz **********
A TM30 receipt is not the same as a residence certificate. You need the former in order to obtain the latter.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart ********
so it's basically the same as "A copy of your Address Notification Receipt (TM.30)"?I'm asking because the TM.30 and the items I mentioned before are listed in separate points on the website I linked above.
Stuart *********
@Sergiusz **********
Many landlords will have access to the online reporting system and will do it automatically. Failing that stay in a hotel for a night and ask them for a screenshot of their filing.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart ********
thank you, that's very helpful. That would mean that the only thing that might be hard for me to obtain will be:"A copy of your house lease agreement and rental contract where you stay including:
– A copy of ID/Passport (if a foreigner) of the landlord
– A copy of the house registration book of the landlord
– A copy of the title deed to confirm who is the owner required if the landlord is not a household"
I'm planning to stay in CM for a month, so I guess that means I'll have to find a room where the landlord agrees to provide me with all the above.
Any tips on that?
Stuart *********
@Sergiusz **********
In Pattaya or Phuket you can get a certificate on a tourist or exempt entry. Probably the same in other offices too.Stuart *********
@Sergiusz **********
That’s specific to Bangkok. Afaik they are the only office to implement that rule.Sergiusz ***********
OP@Stuart ********
it says here:*****************************************************************************
that in order to obtain a residence certificate, I need to have completed the 90-day reporting at least once. Is that true? That might be problematic, since I wanted to get the licence ASAP after coming, and also neither the visa exemption nor the tourist visa require 90 day reporting....
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