How can an Aussie obtain a Thai driver's license while on a Non-O retirement visa?

500 baht for a 2 year license.

Licence B105. Need online test, medical sign off. Reaction/ perception on the day. Pay 105 Baht per licence. Car 🚘 bike. 🏍️ each.

I used agency as backlog in Pattaya. Went to Rayong.

It depends where you do it. Last time I did one in Pattaya I arrived at 8:30 and got a ticket then waited till 13:00 and was told no more people being seen today even if you have a ticket. They open at 8:30 I think but there is someone at the door from about 7:00 so went 7:00 next day and got another ticket and did get seen that day. Last one was in Khon Kaen (I've moved) wandered in at about 12:00 just to check on bookings and came out with my renewed license about 30 minutes later. For the first one you will need a residency certificate from Immigration and a medical certificate from a clinic (no need to pay hospital prices) and if it hasn't changed if you have a international driver's permit and you driving license it helps. You need to do the online test but you can do that at the center if necessary. There are several practical tests, the one that give me trouble is the colour blind test as I'm red/green blind.

I met a Spanish guy who paid 7000 to get his licence,I said did it myself for 200

Get an international license from the AA, depending how long you are staying here , dictates if you need a Thai license. The first issue of the license is for 2 years as no life time license now. Think you are ok for about 6-9 months on Aus lcense with International as back up, but if long term you are required to get a Thai license, hich is pretty easy .

@Lawyers **********************

ask for Mint, she took care of everything for me

Is it true you can only use an international licence for 3 months in Thailand? If you stay longer,do you need to get a Thai one? Anyone?

If you have the funds, everything is easy here 😉

Pranburi DLT

License requirements

Did it last year

Need Aust license

- IDP

- residence certificate ( 500 baht )

- medical certificate ( 100 baht )

Watch a video on the DLT website

Go in a DLT office

Fill in paperwork

Do a basic 4 step reaction test

That’s it

If you do it yourself less than 500 baht

First License is 2 years

I’m renewing my Thai DL at the moment. Attached are the documents required. You need to make a separate application for both car and motorcycle x 2 copies.

The online training is 2 x videos in Thai but subtitled with multiple choice questions at the end, which are easy. Once you pass this part you can download and print your certificates ready to hand in.

Next stage is take all your documents to the transport office. Depending on your office location, you will either then wait to take a reaction and colour blind test or get in my case get an appointment ment to come back and do that. I’m having to wait 2 months in Phuket.

Hope that helps.

Go to your local DLT.

Even though many have written about beeding say the nonO as part of enabling getting thai licence - On subsequent visits if one reverts to simple visa exempt, does a thai DL remain valid if you are again a tourist?

Much,much simpler ,easier and cheaper to use Bolt,Grab taxis whenever you need a delivery or want to go somewhere..Can relax in ac comfort and even have a drink.Driving in Thailand is chaotic.

Not SO difficult and indeed also depends a bit in which area you do. For sur buy an International drivers permit !! You need it anyway to drive max 3 months with you home license.

RESEARCH IS KING 🤴

use your existing license,

convert to thai license.

prepare some documents.

- address(resident address from immigrations)

- health certification from local clinics/hospital

- passport

- visa

and do some basic multiply choice, basic colour test and reactions test.

and take your photos on the spot.

1st license usually grant you a 2 years temporary license, further renewals might be 5 years depending on visa type.

Thanks for the question James. I’m moving to Hua Hin on a Non-O also, and am interested in the responses.

Is a ‘local’ health cert. required? Or does a recent AU cert. suffice.

And where would I find the ‘official’ video, and where is the ‘eye test’ and ‘reaction tests’ done? Can I choose the clinic?

And finally, can I simply drive on my International License as I did last year in Chiang Mai? (the rental company didn’t ask for a Thai license).

Thanks

Your first licence will be for 2 years and costs just over 200B if you have a valid driving licence and International Driving Permit. You will also need a Certificate of Residence from Immigration and a medical certificate from a clinic or doctor. The ease will depend on where you are applying. Mine in Sa Kaeo was very easy, took about 75 minutes (no need for video test).

It's not that hard. Health check, watch a 2 hour video, do the eye test. Do the reaction tests. Sit a computer knowledge test then a driving test. First one is 2 years. Cost, I can't remember