How can I apply for a motorbike license in Bangkok without a work permit?

Motorbike License Thailand DMV Visa Issues Retirees in Thailand Soft Power Muay Thai Document Requirements Driving License DTV Visa

Jan 24, 2025

3 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone,

I went to Taiwan Taipei Thai embassy on Wednesday Dec 17 9am to apply soft power Muay Thai they told me to come bakc at 3 pm and came late so they told me to come back the next day 3pm. They asked me a few questions like how long have you been in Thailand what do you do for work do you have a Thai bank account they asked me when I first came to Thailand 2018 as a tourist in and out and got stuck out when covid happened. Officially moved to Thailand when I opened a business and  worked in it because of covid business slowed down a lot amd we shut it down. After shutting it down I did a education visa and tried to apply for,the Thai elite visa but got refused because education visas were frowned upon (a blessing for me I’d say) and the DTV came out applied for it and got approved picked up my passport. 

Now I’m having trouble applying for a motorbike license went to 2 places they both refused because I didn’t have a work permit.im under 50 retired. Anyone know a legit place in Bangkok preferably sathon Rama 3 area.

Thank you all in Advance for taking the time to read this.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user shared their experience applying for a motorbike license in Bangkok as a retiree and encountered difficulties due to their lack of a work permit. They mentioned applying for a DTV visa and previously holding an education visa. Commenters clarified that a work permit is not needed to obtain a motorbike license, emphasizing the importance of having the right documentation, such as a residency certificate and a doctor's certificate. They provided tips on where to apply and encouraged checking the DLT website for requirements and appointments.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Fąndn *******

If you are applying using soft power activity option, why are they asking about your job....

I am considering this option.... But I am not working.. would they hv denied my application if I dun hv a job

2 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Fąndn ******

exactly I’ll do what people advised me to do.

2 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Paul *******

You don't need any visa to get a motorcycle license. You do need a certificate of residency and a doctor's certificate (most DLT offices have pop-up clinics either on-site or just outside), pay whatever it is, maybe 100 Baht and pick one up just before you go to the DLT, along with any other documents you need to bring along (your passport, copies of the relevant pages and if you hold a foreign license, that too) and you'll be fine.

2 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

thank you

2 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Thorsten *********

You need your visa, a tm30 and and pictures of you. I did my driving licenses withlut problems

3 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Thorsten ********

thank you.

2 days ago

Paul *******

@Thorsten ********

Normally they want to see a certificate of residency. A TM30 is not normally requested; although I've heard of some offices accepting it as an alternative to the certificate of residency.

2 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Anonymous ******************

Can I ask which you Muay Thai school you used? I’d also like to apply for the DTV from Taiwan!

3 days ago

Jeremy *****

Just used her for license , 2 different type of residency certificates yesterday! She got it allll done in one day for me!

Awesome lady !

@https://www.facebook.*********************

3 days ago

David ********

You don't need a work permit or be retired to get a motorbike licence. But you do need correct documents. First search what is required. You actually apply for an appointment to do the licence online DLT website. It's not up to an individual to allow you a licence anyone can apply. But get the appointment and get you documents in order. I can't remember off hand what you need but it's not difficult.

3 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thank you 🙏

3 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *******

2 places told no work permit no can

3 days ago

Paul *******

Anonymous participant However, let me point out that with a DTV you MIGHT only receive a 2-year license each time you EXTEND it. MIGHT as in, it depends on the office you use.

Another one of these annoying things in Thailand, where each office interprets the rules differently.

2 days ago

Paul *******

Anonymous participant You definitely don't need a work permit to obtain a driver's license. That's complete nonsense. Also, normally, driving schools should make the process EASIER, not harder.

I did my 10-year Cambodian driver's license through a driving school there. They charged me $30 extra to obtain the Cambodian equivalent of a TM30 for me, as I wouldn't have any way of getting it on my own, not worth the trouble.

Now I did have to pass both a theoretical and practical test on my own volition, merely by going through them, I wouldn't have passed. Cambodia's test is much more difficult than the Thai driving test. The questions are badly translated and you can only get 5 questions wrong; the practical test involves a difficult three point turn between two poles. Hit the poles with any part of your vehicle or try to correct the maneover and it's an instant fail. Then there's the reverse parking, which is a little easier, but again, if you hit the kerb behind you, you fail (you are permitted to touch the kerb on the right and make a forward correction.

Now Cambodian visas are simpler than Thai ones, but I did need at least a 6-month E category extension. Only a 6 or 12 month one are eligible; tourist visa holders aren't allowed to apply for a Cambodian license.

However, they are much more transparent about the process than here. It's black and white. You need X visa to get it, there's no other way around it. It's not a case of, this person says this, and that person says that.

2 days ago

David ********

Anonymous participant because you are going to a driving school they just ripped you off. Look at my first post. You can do it your self direct with transport authority cost 150 bht it's easy

3 days ago

Reply to

David ********

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *******

3 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *******

both schools I went to asked for working permit.

3 days ago