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Can you obtain a Thai driver’s license with a tourist visa?

Thai driver's license tourist visa Thailand expat visa requirements international driving license residency DLT office driving school expat experience

Nov 5, 2025

2 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Out of curiosity, can you get a Thai driver’s license with a tourist visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, it is possible to obtain a Thai driver's license while on a tourist visa. You can apply with or without the help of an agent, though having your original driver's license from your home country can facilitate the process. Requirements include proof of residence in Thailand. The procedure generally involves taking a written test followed by a practical driving assessment. It's noted that experiences may vary by location, as some local DLT offices might have different requirements regarding visa types.

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Stephen *******

Yes

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J ***********

Yes, I have mine

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Brandon ************

Depends on the DLT office. Most don't care what type of visa (or no visa) you have, but a few require a long-term visa.

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Rene ******

@Brandon ***********

maybe it depends also if immigration office issues a residence certificate for tourists. Chiang Mai does, Bangkok doesnt afaik

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Brandon ************

has nothing to do with that. Residence certificate is required to get a license regardless of your visa type. And Bangkok has issued CoR for tourists for over a year now.

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Rene ******

@Brandon ***********

ok, good for them, 2 years ago it wasn't possible there (thus also not possible to get a driver license)

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Rene ******

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Steve **********

Good luck with knowledge questions 🤷‍♂️ some strange rules they have 😂

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Andy ********

@Steve *********

no need to do the questions if you have a driving licence in your home country. The only questions are in the video. The answers to the questions are in the video.

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Tony *************

@Steve *********

1 of the strange rules they have is you don’t have to be able to drive to get a license🤣

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Dawn *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tony ************

haha, TBH, I did get mine before I learned how to drive! Thats like almost 40 years ago though. The best part of it is that it’s a lifetime DL.

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Steve **********

@Tony ************

apparently I’ve heard someone will go & take test for you ?

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Steve **********

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Graham **********

Yes I did mine in September took 4 days for car and motor cycle if you pa's both you get 2 licences

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Andries **********

@Graham *********

for two years?

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Graham **********

@Andries *********

yes then go transport renew for another 2 years

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Brook ********

@Andries *********

yes. All provisional licenses are two years as are tourist visas.

5 year licenses are issued after the 2 year provisional licenses for annual visa holders.

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Brook ********

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Judas *******

Obtaining a Thai driver's license is possible with a tourist visa, and you can do it with or without an agent, even in rural provinces. To apply, you'll need to provide proof of residence and, if you have one, your old driver's license from your home country. If you don't have the old license, that's okay - you can still apply. The process is simple: you'll take a written test and then proceed to the driving ground for a practical assessment. The staff is very helpful, making the process easy and stress-free.

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Jim *******

Here’s the process, from an agency that does Thai DL licences every day. 4,400 THB:

1. Book an Appointment: You’ll need to schedule a visit with us. The process takes about 2 hours, and my staff will meet you directly at the DLT.

2. No Exam Required: There’s no driving test needed, just a physical test for your eyes and reflexes.

Required documents (no copies allowed):

- Passport & Visa

- Original driver’s license from your home country (must be in English or have an official translation certified by your embassy) -the Agency does it on the spot

- Proof of residence (a certificate from either Thai Immigration or your embassy)

- Medical certificate (we can arrange this near the DLT on the same day)

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David **********

you dony do a driving test i just got mine

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David **********

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Aaron ********

Yes

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Kevin *******

Yes, go to a driving school. Takes 2 days

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Shane *******

thats a for a newbie i guess

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Andy ********

if you have a licence in your home country no need for driving school.

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Sean **********

dont need school if your bring a valid drivers license from your home country plus the international drivers permit IDP

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Mark ********

Got mine in 3 hours going to an agent

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Dawn *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

that’s a lot better.

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Mark ********

went to an agent Monday morning did the paperwork they said we have a minibus going Thursday at 12 it was 1 and half hours there same back obviously lol back by 5 so okay maybe 2 hours to get the license. 2 agents came with us and sorted all the paperwork out there . But it did cost 7.500 baht for car and bike license.

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Mark ********

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Fred ****

Yes u can, and without agent . U need ur driver licence from ur country . And they will help u through every step

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Bob **********

you need a resident certificate which may not be easy on a TV

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Fred ****

no u dont and if u do its actually not a problem. My freind got his driver licence on a 60d TR-visa we went there at the same time so I know

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Bob **********

been getting my license for 16 years you need a resident certificate and you need one for each license car and bike

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Bob **********

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Pattaya ****

Yes . Using an agent . Bring them your Driving license besides international license

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Andy ********

Yes absolutely no need to use an agent. It is slightly easier if you have someone with you that can read and write Thai.

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Pattaya ****

it only takes 2 working days to get it with an agent.

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Andy ********

took me 1 hour to get paperwork together, another hour to register online and watch the video.the third hour was at the Land Transport Office. So paying an agent money to spend 2 working days doesn't sound like a great deal. Especially as I have to go to the Land Transport Office with the agent. But if you want to pay an agent please don't let me stop you.

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Andy ********

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Dawn *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I can read and write Thai. But I’ve lived in the US for so long, I know laws and requirements had changed since I left. That is one thing that popped up in my head during breakfast, and I thought it was an interesting question. I guess everyone’s experience is different from each other. It also depends on the district/province that you apply.

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Andy ********

on a tourist visa you need an address that you have registered with the local immigration office, a medical certificate, an international driving permit and watch the online video.

I don't read or write Thai and I managed it fine. The staff at the Land Transport Office in Phetchaburi were great. 😊

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Andy ********

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Lincoln *******

how do you get the residency certificate?

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Andy ********

@Lincoln ******

you can get a residency certificate as long as you have registered at your address in Thailand. I the past Bangkok did not issue a residency certificate until you had done your first 90 day report this changed about a year ago.

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Lincoln *******

oh really? I had to provide my 90 day report for the certificate 6 months ago. Probably different rules for different offices. I did mine at the one stop shop in One bangkok

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Gary **********

@Lincoln ******

obviously all done by the agency

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Lincoln *******

@Gary *********

yeah thats why I was asking Andy how they expect to do it without residency and without an agent

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Lincoln *******

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