Answered5 years ago

Do I need to attend a driving school to obtain a Thai driver's license with a valid US license?

Thai driver's license US driver's license conversion International Drivers Permit (IDP)driving school requirements driving test procedures Si Racha

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asked Jan 12, 2022

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Do I need to go to a driving school to get a Thai drivers license, for a car, if I have a valid US license? 

I just got back from scheduling a time to renew my motorbike license and decided to get a license for a car as well. They told me I need to go to a class through a school. I thought they would just accept the valid US license. 

Si Racha, Chonburi

Answer summary

If you have a valid US driver's license, you do not necessarily have to attend a driving school to get a Thai driver's license, provided you also have an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Without an IDP, you can still convert your US license but may need to take a written test at a driving school, which is authorized to administer this test.

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David *********

The Land and Transfer office now requires a written drivers test for initial and recurrent licenses The easiest way to write this test is to go to a driving school who are authorized to administer the test. If you live around Bang Saray Mityon Driving School can does this and they charge 200 THB.

You will need Certificate of residency (issued by immigration 300 THB), Medical Certificate (get at most clinics 200 THB), Passport, Valid Foreign Drivers License and photocopies.

Go early as you have to watch a one hour video and do some practical test.

Or you can pay an agent to do so. Just Money

5 years ago

Alessandro **********

No, don't need. Just need to convert yr existing US dl

5 years ago

Charles ********

IDP is not needed. Many people regularly convert US DL to Thai DL. I did it just a few months ago in Bangkok.

5 years ago

John *****

No, you can take your US lic to convert to TH lic. Just do 4 simply reflex test.

5 years ago

Frank-Steven ***********

If you have a valid International Drivers Permit (in addition to your national license), you can get a Thai drivers license without attending training / driving school / test. No IDP, then start from scratch - which isn’t hard either (just like in the US).

5 years ago

Helpful ********

Frank-Steven Eichholtz That makes sense. I think it's a misconception with the Thais as well because they just gave me a motorbike license a couple of years ago. When all I had was my US car license. 😄

5 years ago

Helpful ********

Frank-Steven Eichholtz Thanks, everything I have read made it seem like you only need to have a valid driver's.

5 years ago

Rogerio ******

@Toohotma *******

I got a Thai car (and motorcycle) driver license with just showing my US one. I did have to pass their little lights/reaction test though.

5 years ago

Paul *******

@Toohotma *******

Correct. International Drivers permit is not a licence in itself. All it does is translate your national licence into English. If your national licence isin English that is all that is needed for Thai authorities to issue you a Thai licence.

5 years ago

Martin ********

@Paul ******

I believe it also certifies that your national (or state) license is valid. No way to validate every foreign license.

5 years ago

Stan *******

@Toohotma *******

I think they also want a letter from your embassy confirming you are a real person. The UK embassy wanted 2,800 baht or something in 2004 so I just said stick it and use an IDP. I've only ever been stopped twice in that time. The first time I knew the cop and he just smiled and said off you go. The second one was a bit stricter but as soon as I showed him my tax and insurance and my UK licence he was fine and just told me to stay in the inner lane. No tea money, nothing.

5 years ago

Helpful ********

Paul Darby, that's what I believed, but at the Land Transportation office today, they insisted I needed some other sort of training somewhere else before they issue one.

5 years ago

Frank-Steven ***********

@Toohotma *******

A valid drivers license in a foreign country means (most of the times) either a) a drivers license of that country, or b) you national drivers license in conjunction with an International Drivers Permit. It is a common misconception that a US drivers license on its own would be valid in Thailand - at least that is my take on this subject.

5 years ago