Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

How easy is it to obtain a Thai driver's license for expats?

Thai driver's license International Driving Permit Visa requirements Thai driving laws Thai immigration procedures

Oct 21, 2025

2 days ago

Peter *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

How easy or difficult is it to get a Thai driver's license?

5,409

views

34

likes

181

all likes

72

replies

3

images

23

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Obtaining a Thai driver's license can vary in difficulty based on a few key factors. For expats with an International Driving Permit (IDP), the conversion to a Thai license is relatively straightforward, but those without an IDP may face more challenges, needing to complete a theory test and practical exam which can require months of booking in advance. The requirements can differ based on location, the documentation needed includes a domestic license, an IDP, proof of residency, and sometimes a health exam, among others. Patience and understanding of local procedures will help ease the process.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Arnold *******

Easy, but you need a patience, like dealing with any DMV

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

Go to your local DLT office and ask what they require.

If you have a license back home and a International Drivers Permit you may be able to convert this to a Thai license without too much problems, but I heard they were changing that so you'd need to do it all from scratch. Not sure how far into enforcing that they are.

You would need to watch a 1 hour movie with some questions, and do a eyesight ( color ) and brake-test at the DLT if they still allow simple conversions.

Like

Reply

Gary **********

@Marianne *******

I don't think the idp is mandatory I done mine without albeit a few years ago.but I think now if on tourist visa they do give the 5 year license when you renew your original 2 year license.

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

@Gary *********

Some offices will want it. Others wont.

They will not give 5 year if you renew when you are on a tourist visa. Some might, of course, but the latest news say they are not going to continue with that.

Like

Reply

Gary **********

@Marianne *******

yes that's right I missed the not out of give the 5 Yr my mistake sorry

Like

Reply

Reply to

Gary **********

Reply

Charles **********

Easy

Like

Reply

Mark ************

Download the DLT Smart queue APP, all documentation requirements/link to online test and booking are in it

Like

Reply

Dana ******

In Buriram I needed my DL, IDP, Doctor Exam, proper visa, Cert of Residency, reaction & spacial test. No written test... a lot of paperwork and time, but pretty easy.

Like

Reply

Paul *********

and 3 packet tops from a box of cornflakes.

Like

Reply

James ********

Bravo , finally the correct info. Well done.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

I was at the DLT in Sa Kaeo with all of those and out of there driving away after 1 hour 25 minutes so, as with everything in Thailand, it depends on the province

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham ******

Reply

Marc ********

Depends how much money you want to pay

Like

Reply

Richard ******

bribery will not get you a license.its computer linked. Incase you didn't know it's pass or fail

Like

Reply

Marc ********

oh you totally have to do the test on computer and everything. But you will get appropriate assistance and cannot fail

Like

Reply

Reply to

Marc ********

Reply

Martin ********

It depends where you go, who you see on the day, and whether you meet the requirements.

Like

Reply

Markus ********

What visa?

Like

Reply

Scott *********

@Markus *******

no visa. Just entry stamp but do it straight away not towards the expiration date. Medical certificate from local public hospital. TM30 from your hotel. Home country licence and IDP. Job done. No agent.

Like

Reply

Peter *********

@Scott ********

hi Scot do you need residence certificate from immigration as well as TM30

Like

Reply

Scott *********

@Peter ********

immigration will verify the tm30. Yes

Like

Reply

Reply to

Scott *********

Reply

Corey ******

@Scott ********

could you elaborate on the medical certificate?

Like

Reply

Scott *********

standard certificate issued by medical practitioner for purpose of obtaining DL.They do it multiple times a day so it's not uncommon. They will know what you require when you ask at reception. Cost 200-500 baht depending upon establishment.

Like

Reply

Corey ******

@Scott ********

thank you, Sir.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Corey ******

Reply

Alex *******

@Markus *******

any visa as long as there is at least 30 days left before expiration

Like

Reply

Reply to

Alex *******

Reply

Phil ******

Easy

Like

Reply

Mica *********

If you get an international driving permit (1964) from your own country, it's easy as Thai conversion is very straightforward. If you just appear or try with a normal licence - no conversion, you have to do the theory and test, booked up for months ahead!

Like

Reply

Daniel ******

no need for international driving license. I got mine based on the Swiss DL and health certificate. 5 years and 10 month.

Like

Reply

Kim *********

not where I live in Isaan. contacted a driving school. Lessons began about 3 days later. Finished on day 4 and got the license same day - no appointment - waited about 30 minutes

Like

Reply

Per-Arne ***********

use an agent, they have time slots. No theory test but you have to watch the video online and do the practical test and of course have all required docs.

Like

Reply

Mica *********

@Per-Arne **********

lol thanks I've already got my licences, it's the author you need to post this to. Btw the agent cost 100 GBP to do this but in fairness they did provide transport to and from the centre on two occasions , did the photos and completed the paperwork in Thai so, not a great deal for this service.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Mica *********

Reply

Jason **********

1968

Like

Reply

Michael *****************************

it’s very difficult if you’re on a tourist visa

Like

Reply

Philippe *********

@Michael ****************************

wrong I get conversion in one week

Like

Reply

Michael *****************************

@Philippe ********

it depends on which DLT your visiting,…and who sits I front of on the day.

I have 3 times went for a 2 years renewal,…where they denied me,…1 time in Tallingchan Bkk and 2 times in Chang Wattana,…so I went to Siratchar, Chonburi and here was no problem,…for the time being.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Michael *****************************

Reply

Neil ********

@Michael ****************************

if you are a tourist then no need to get a license. Just drive on the international license.

Like

Reply

Mica *********

@Michael ****************************

I was on tourist visa, without problem. Stipulation was that must be 25 days remaining. But with the extension ( it was original 30 days visa exempt) it's not a problem

Like

Reply

Fra *****

Tourist Visa not exest😜the 60 days are not a visa

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

There is a Tourist Visa. It is 60 days.

But for a lot of countries, the Visa Exemption is now also 60 days.

Like

Reply

Fra *****

@Marianne *******

that is No VISA it’s only a permission to stay 60 days

Like

Reply

Jim ********

of course there is a 60 day tourist visa

Like

Reply

Will *****

same thing call it a visa or if you like a DONKEY.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

You are wrong, just stop now

Like

Reply

Fra *****

no you are wrong, but I give up because you not understand the difference between a visa and a permission to stay 🤦‍♂️🧠

Like

Reply

Wendy ********

60 day visa from some countries allow non Thai citizens and residents to remain in the country for up to 60days from the date of arrival. Hence it is a permission to stay visa for that period so this information is correct. See it says visa class on the arrival stamp

Like

Reply

Fra *****

it’s only permission to stay no Visa

Like

Reply

Damo ***********

go back to sleep

Like

Reply

Damo ***********

have you been drinking?

Like

Reply

Kieran *******

oh dude, you’re so wrong but hey 🤷‍♂️

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

You are saying Tourist Visa does not exist.

You are wrong.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

@Marianne *******

Exactly "Tourist Visa not exest"

Like

Reply

Fra *****

@Marianne *******

make no sense, you not understand 😜🤦‍♂️

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

I understand perfectly.

There is a Tourist Visa.

And there is a Visa Exemption.

They are not the same, and Visa Exemptions are not available for all nationalities.

They both currently give 60 days permission to stay in the country.

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

Pretty sure Fra Nky just blocked me. Facts hurt, I suppose.

Like

Reply

Wendy ********

@Marianne *******

you are correct it even says it on the stamp in the passport

Like

Reply

Graham ******

@Marianne *******

I must be next 555

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

I am just amazed at how some people are so confidently wrong about some things. It fascinated me to no end.

Like

Reply

Wayne *********

@Marianne *******

Some people to stubborn to take advice. See if he disagrees with me now or will say sorry I was confused and wrong :)

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

@Wayne ********

Good luck! XD

Like

Reply

Wayne ********

@Marianne *******

they’re amongst us 😂🤣

Like

Reply

Fra *****

@Marianne *******

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Like

Reply

Wayne *********

Visa exempt is 60 days no visa. TR60 is tourist visa also 60 days you apply for and pay. As the others tried to explain can use ether method to enter but why get 60 day visa when can get 60 days exempt

Like

Reply

Fra *****

@Wayne ********

The 60 day Visa you have to apply and pay , the 60 days you get on arrival is a commission to stay NO VISA! So I agree with you , but 90% here not understand 😜

Like

Reply

Lee-Ann *******

tourist visa is applied for, 60 day visa exempt no need to apply

Like

Reply

Wayne *********

They do understand. You said tourist visa does not exist thats where the discussion started and they tried to explain it does exist. But I think we are all on same page now :)

Like

Reply

Graham ******

So you now you agree you were wrong when you said "Tourist Visa not exest"

Like

Reply

Fra *****

it exist but have nothing to do with the stamp on arrival, you have to apply for it what makes no sense like Wayne mentioned 😜

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

You're saying that a Tourist Visa does not exist.

It does.

And there is a whole other thing called a Visa Exemption, which is indeed not a visa.

They both currently give you a 60 day permission to stay.

Not sure what you're confused about.

Like

Reply

Gerard **************

@Marianne *******

You are correct. 60 exemption on arrival but ,at least from Canada, you can apply for a tourist of 2 months and can be extended to 4 months with either a visit to Immigration or a border run.

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

@Gerard *************

A Single Entry Tourist Visa can normally be extended with 30 more days, not 60.

I think you can apply for a 60 day extension if you are family with a Thai citizen though.

But regular extensions are only 30 days.

You can do these same extensions on a Visa Exemption.

Border runs are not extending anything. You are just getting a visa exemption stamp if you are eligible and they let you back in.

And they are getting much stricter with people doing this.

Like

Reply

Marianne ********

For some reason I can't get my replies to end up on the other comment thread I am replying to... It ends up in this thread instead..

So that's annoying.

Like

Reply

Michael *****************************

when was this,…and where,…the DLT

Like

Reply

Mica *********

@Michael ****************************

2022pattaya

Like

Reply

Reply to

Mica *********

Reply

Walrus *******

@Michael ****************************

wrong

Like

Reply

Reply to

Walrus *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can my friend get a Thai driver's license without taking a test if they didn't get an International Driving Permit?

31 comments

4 months ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Thailand driver's license as an expat?

23 comments

5 months ago

How can I obtain a Thai driver's license as an expat?

69 comments

6 months ago

What is the process for obtaining a Thai driving license as an expat and what paperwork is required?

72 comments

7 months ago

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a temporary driver's license?

26 comments

9 months ago

What are the requirements to obtain a Thai driver's license if I have a German driver's license and an International Driving Permit?

18 comments

a year ago

What are the steps to obtain a driver's license in Bangkok for expats?

31 comments

a year ago

Is the process of obtaining a driving license different for Thai citizens compared to expats in Thailand?

16 comments

a year ago

Can I transfer my US driver's license and international driving permit to obtain a Thai driver's license without full training?

40 comments

a year ago

How can I convert my UK driving license to a Thai driving license?

49 comments

2 years ago

Is it possible to get a Thai driver's license as a tourist? What is the process and requirements?

48 comments

2 years ago

How Can I Obtain a Thai Driver's License As an Expat?

5 comments

2 years ago

What is the process of obtaining a Thai driver's license, and how can I prepare for the tests?

29 comments

2 years ago

What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?

98 comments

2 years ago

How long can I drive in Thailand with an International Driving Permit before obtaining a Thai driving license, and what is the validity of the Thai license once obtained?

7 comments

3 years ago

Do you need residency status to get a driver’s license in Thailand?

25 comments

3 years ago

How can I obtain an International Driving License in Bangkok?

39 comments

3 years ago

How can I obtain a Thai driving license and what challenges may I face during the process?

52 comments

3 years ago

What is the process for getting a Thai driver's license as an expat in Samut Sakon?

31 comments

3 years ago

Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?

59 comments

4 years ago

What is the process for obtaining a Thai driver's license as an expat?

36 comments

4 years ago

Is it difficult to get a driver’s license in Thailand, especially in Phuket?

80 comments

4 years ago

How can a Thai citizen obtain an International Driver's Permit for temporary use outside Thailand?

15 comments

4 years ago

How difficult is it to obtain a Thai driver's license for expats?

83 comments

5 years ago

What are the requirements and process for temporarily driving in Thailand?

66 comments

5 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.