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

Thai driver's licenseInternational Driving PermitVisa requirementsConversion processDriving tests in ThailandDocumentation for driving licenseExpat experience in Thailand
Oct 21, 2025
2 months ago
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How easy or difficult is it to get a Thai driver's license?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Obtaining a Thai driver's license can vary in difficulty based on several factors, such as whether you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) for conversion or if you need to take the tests from scratch. Many expats report that converting an IDP is straightforward, while obtaining a license without one may require passing written and practical tests and dealing with significant paperwork. The experience can also depend on the local Department of Land Transport (DLT) office's requirements and the expat's ability to navigate the bureaucracy.
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Arnold *******
Easy, but you need a patience, like dealing with any DMV
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Gary **********
@Marianne *******
 yes that's right I missed the not out of give the 5 Yr my mistake sorry
2 months ago
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Gary **********
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Charles **********
Easy
2 months ago
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Mark ************
Download the DLT Smart queue APP, all documentation requirements/link to online test and booking are in it
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Paul *********
@Dana *****
 and 3 packet tops from a box of cornflakes.
2 months ago
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James ********
@Dana *****
 Bravo , finally the correct info. Well done.
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Dana *****
 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
2 months ago
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Graham ******
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Marc ********
Depends how much money you want to pay
2 months ago
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Richard ******
@Marc *******
 bribery will not get you a license.its computer linked. Incase you didn't know it's pass or fail
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Richard *****
 oh you totally have to do the test on computer and everything. But you will get appropriate assistance and cannot fail
2 months ago
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Richard ******
@Marc *******
 well that depends on where in Thailand you take the Tests I suppose. But here in essan you won't get any assistance,and why would you need too. You know or you don't know . simples.
a month ago
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Marc ********
@Richard *****
 you have to go to agent with driving school. Not sure if they are in Isan
a month ago
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Marc ********
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Martin ********
It depends where you go, who you see on the day, and whether you meet the requirements.
2 months ago
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Markus ********
What visa?
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Peter *********
@Scott ********
 hi Scot do you need residence certificate from immigration as well as TM30
2 months ago
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Scott *********
@Peter ********
 immigration will verify the tm30. Yes
2 months ago
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Scott *********
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Corey ******
@Scott ********
 could you elaborate on the medical certificate?
2 months ago
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Scott *********
@Corey *****
 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.
2 months ago
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Corey ******
@Scott ********
 thank you, Sir.
2 months ago
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Reply to
Corey ******
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Alex *******
@Markus *******
 any visa as long as there is at least 30 days left before expiration
2 months ago
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Reply to
Alex *******
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Phil ******
Easy
2 months ago
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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!
2 months ago
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Daniel ******
@Mica ********
 no need for international driving license. I got mine based on the Swiss DL and health certificate. 5 years and 10 month.
2 months ago
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Reinhard ********
@Daniel *****
 Normaly the first Thailicence is only 2 years.The second is 5 +the months till your birthday.
a month ago
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Reinhard ********
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Kim *********
@Mica ********
 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
2 months ago
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Per-Arne ***********
@Mica ********
 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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Reply to
Mica *********
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Jason **********
@Mica ********
 1968
2 months ago
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Bob ******
@Jason *********
 IDP 3 year 1968 £5.50
2 months ago
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Jason **********
@Bob *****
 correct, the person said 1964 IDP that doesn't exist
2 months ago
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Reply to
Jason **********
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Michael *****************************
@Mica ********
 it’s very difficult if you’re on a tourist visa
2 months ago
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Teijo *********
@Michael ****************************
 nobody is asking whatkind of visa you have. Most painful is the time waiting on the line in office..
a month ago
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Michael *****************************
@Teijo ********
 how can you proclaim : nobody is asking about visa,…they have asked and denied me 3 times in 3 different offices,…because I entered Thailand on a tourist visa.
a month ago
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Reply to
Michael *****************************
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Philippe *********
@Michael ****************************
 wrong I get conversion in one week
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Philippe *********
@Michael ****************************
 me trough a very good agent
2 months ago
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Reply to
Philippe *********
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Neil ********
@Michael ****************************
 if you are a tourist then no need to get a license. Just drive on the international license.
2 months ago
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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
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Mica ********
 Tourist Visa not exest😜the 60 days are not a visa
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Fra ****
 There is a Tourist Visa. It is 60 days.

But for a lot of countries, the Visa Exemption is now also 60 days.
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Marianne *******
 that is No VISA it’s only a permission to stay 60 days
2 months ago
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Jim ********
@Fra ****
 of course there is a 60 day tourist visa
2 months ago
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Will *****
@Fra ****
 same thing call it a visa or if you like a DONKEY.
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Fra ****
 You are wrong, just stop now
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Graham *****
 no you are wrong, but I give up because you not understand the difference between a visa and a permission to stay 🤦‍♂️🧠
2 months ago
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Wendy ********
@Fra ****
 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
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Wendy *******
 it’s only permission to stay no Visa
2 months ago
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Damo ***********
@Fra ****
 go back to sleep
2 months ago
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Damo ***********
@Fra ****
 have you been drinking?
2 months ago
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Kieran *******
@Fra ****
 oh dude, you’re so wrong but hey 🤷‍♂️
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Fra ****
 You are saying Tourist Visa does not exist.

You are wrong.
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Marianne *******
 Exactly "Tourist Visa not exest"
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Marianne *******
 make no sense, you not understand 😜🤦‍♂️
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Fra ****
 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.
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
Pretty sure Fra Nky just blocked me. Facts hurt, I suppose.
2 months ago
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Wendy ********
@Marianne *******
 you are correct it even says it on the stamp in the passport
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Marianne *******
 I must be next 555
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Graham *****
 I am just amazed at how some people are so confidently wrong about some things. It fascinated me to no end.
2 months ago
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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 :)
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Wayne ********
 Good luck! XD
2 months ago
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Wayne ********
@Marianne *******
 they’re amongst us 😂🤣
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Marianne *******
 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️
2 months ago
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Wayne *********
@Fra ****
 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
2 months ago
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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 😜
2 months ago
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Lee-Ann *******
@Fra ****
 tourist visa is applied for, 60 day visa exempt no need to apply
2 months ago
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Wayne *********
@Fra ****
 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 :)
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Fra ****
 So you now you agree you were wrong when you said "Tourist Visa not exest"
2 months ago
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Fra *****
@Graham *****
 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 😜
2 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Fra ****
 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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Michael *****************************
@Mica ********
 when was this,…and where,…the DLT
2 months ago
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Mica *********
@Michael ****************************
 2022pattaya
2 months ago
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Reply to
Mica *********
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Walrus *******
@Michael ****************************
 wrong
2 months ago
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Reply to
Walrus *******
Reply
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