Answered3 years ago
Is it possible to get a Thai driver's license as a tourist? What is the process and requirements?
Is it possible to get a Thai driver's license as a tourist? What is the process/procedures? Requirements? Thx. 🙏
(Canada passport, 30-days visa exempt, expired home DL so can't do IDL.)
(Canada passport, 30-days visa exempt, expired home DL so can't do IDL.)
Answer summary
Obtaining a Thai driver's license as a tourist is possible, but it varies by province and depends on specific requirements. Generally, you will need a health certificate, a residency certificate (which may require proving a longer stay in Thailand), and documentation such as your passport and visa. Some users have reported successfully getting licenses on tourist visas in various provinces, while others highlighted the need for a valid foreign driving license or an international driving permit (IDP). The process typically includes a written test, a practical driving test, and possibly some training videos. It's advisable to visit the local Department of Land Transportation to confirm the exact requirements and procedures specific to your situation.
48 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Dorai **************
In Phuket, you need to have a resident cert from immigration, copy of your passport, medical certificate (fit to drive) and your country license for car and bike. If you don't have a country license you can take the exam (50 items exam) , test drive and watch 1 hr video then wait for 2-3 months waiting period for your schedule.
Arch *********
Plenty of baht 🤣🤣
Barrie **********
If you can’t do idl you shouldn’t drive
John ********
@Barrie *********
OMG your smart 😂
JP ********
OP@Barrie *********
and why is that?Barrie **********
@JP *******
wake up idiotBarrie **********
@JP *******
how do you think you can turn up as a tourist without any qualifications and be allowed to drive Get a proper visa or bring a valid international license
JP ********
OP@Barrie *********
the question was asked to find out what proper documentation is required. If you can't provide helpful responses like a normal person then don't bother commenting.
Philip ************
i got one in pattaya 1 year retirement visa , also had uk valid license , Go to the local Dept of Land and Transportation and ask for their requirements,
Istvan *********
Depends on the province. You need a health certificate, residency certificate, photocopy of your passport, visa.. If you want a motorbike license (motorbike and car license to separate things) you need a 5 hour video watching about road rules and accidents and the next day theory test. 50 questions and minimum 45 have to be correct to pass. When you pass you do the practical test. And have a colour blindness test, reaction test and depth perception test. If both are done and passed you pay the fee, get a photo, wait and you get your license.
JP ********
OP@Istvan ********
that's perfect. Thanks so muchIstvan *********
@JP *******
You're welcome. But first ask the local Land transport office. Because it can be different by province. I did mine 2+ years ago and just renewed a few weeks ago for my 5 year one. Because the first one is for 2 years (The first one is temporary)
Garry ********
Just get an international licence good for 12 months takes about 20 minutes at the motor registry and costs about $50 that's in Australia and I would assume it would be a similar process and cost in Canada
Nigel ********
@Garry *******
it's only valid in country for 90 day then you are not Insured if you have an accident they can check your entry stamp and you are f***edGarry ********
@Nigel *******
the original post states he's a tourist so i assumed he wouldn't be here longer than 3 months but i didnt read the rest of his post his licence has expired so he can't get an IDL anyway, but I'm here 1 month every 3 months, so I've never worried about going through the hassle of getting a thai licence, but maybe I should.Nigel ********
@Garry *******
Looking at the Department of Transport, it looks like they might have dropped it to 60 days in a whole year Its not an easy read its a easy process at the land registry about 500bht for both licenses including all paper requirements or use an agent if you don't have timeIstvan *********
@Garry *******
i guess he wants to drive a motorbike... In this case your car license isn't valid to drive bigger than 50cc moped which is basically a non existing thing in Thailand. The smallest usually starts at 110cc...
Rene ******
*********************************************************
Phil ******
@JP *******
yes but as others say depends. Go to the local DLT AND ASK
Matti *****
Khao San Road? 😁
Alan ******
Thai immigration certificate with a doctor signature of well being and sit thru 6 hrs of Thai training movie at Dept of Land Transportation and take computer based test, depth perception and reaction time test and a driving test.
Derek ********
I got one in chiayphum province however my canadian DL was still valid and i have an address here just went and challenged the test it wasnt hard
Dorai **************
Yes, it's possible. Pm sent sir
Stuart *********
Ok it depends on what province you’re applying in. In Bangkok you’d need to have done a 90 day report in order to get a residency certificate from immigration. Very few embassies will do one for you.
Other provinces immigration will do a residence certificate on any entry stamp.
Other provinces immigration will do a residence certificate on any entry stamp.
Rosana ****
Jan ******************
@Stuart ********
Yes, took both mine the real thai way in Buriram (theoretical and practical test) and renewed one time in Pattaya just on visa exemption.
Dennis ************
Yes you need a resident certificate from your embassy.. you can then do the tests or convert an international driverslicence ( the online ones are fake )
Giuseppe **********
Try with some driving school
Rosana ****
You need a residence certificate from the Canada Embassy which may not be possible if you dont have an address in Thailand.
Mu *******
@Rosana ***
3 continuous months’ stay?Rosana ****
@Mu ******
was there a communication gap? I was talking about getting an affidavit from the Canadian embassy to prove residency address. For that I got one and went on getting a Thai drivers license. No need to call people a fool. Be kind!Rosana ****
@Mu ******
they did!Henrik *****
@Rosana ***
You are a fool.Until 3 months you can use the international Drivers license.
After 3 month, you need to have a Thai Drivers license.
As it is almost everywhere in the world.
And for that you need to be registered at a adress in Thailand.
Mu *******
Tq
Rosana ****
@Mu ******
nope but you need a thai resident address. I suppose not a hotel address. You need to sworn in under oath at the Canada embassy you are getting an affidavit so sworn in front of a canadian embassy staff. I can only speak for application in Bangkok.Henrik *****
@Rosana ***
the canadian embassy can not make papers, the you have an adress in Thailand for at least 3 month.Henrik *****
You need a resident certifikate from the Thai Immigration, (NOT Canadian embassy), which under normal circumstances will need to have stayed 3 month.
The biggest hurdle, may be getting a appointment for the driving test, which may needed to be reserved many weeks before.
Ex. first open date to reserve on phuket is today 4. july
The biggest hurdle, may be getting a appointment for the driving test, which may needed to be reserved many weeks before.
Ex. first open date to reserve on phuket is today 4. july
************************
Rene ******
@Henrik ****
in Chiang Mai you can, with a tourist visa. 500 baht for express service, 1200 with an agentRosana ****
@Henrik ****
that’s why I said I can only speak for Bangkok or should I say according to my personal experience. Either way I just shared my personal experience.Rosana ****
@Henrik ****
you can only get a resident certificate from Thai Immigration after you have done an initial (first) 90 days reporting. If you have not done that you can only get a resident certificate from your country of origin embassy.
Graham ******
@Rosana ***
Not true (unless you're in Bangkok and maybe a couple of other provinces). I got one on my Non-O 90 day entry stamp, I've never done a 90 day report, I now have my Thai DL dated Jan-2567..Henrik *****
You need to have stayed 3 months IN THAILAND, to get the resident certificate, needed for driving license.
Where in the world you stay, is of no relevans.
Where in the world you stay, is of no relevans.
Lasse ********
I Got one in krabi on a turist visa
Gordon *********
Everything is possible here
Graham ******
That depends upon which province you are staying in. Some require a long term Visa such as a Non-O. Go to the local Dept of Land and Transportation and ask for their requirements. Without a valid licence (and IDP) the likelihood is you would need to do the practical driving test if they do allow it.
David *******
@Graham *****
hi Graham how do I find my local office. I’m in Bangkok.Graham ******
@David ******
There are a few Dept of Land and Transportation offices serving Bangkok, use googlemaps to show the locations and go to the closest oneActivity
25 joined25
people
Related
25Do I need an International Driving Permit to get a Thai driver's license with an O visa?
3.4k34206mo
Can you enter Thailand multiple times on a visa exemption without issues in 2025?
9.4k65951y
Can you obtain a Thai driver’s license with a tourist visa?
8.1k41901y
What are the requirements for obtaining a Thailand driver's license as an expat?
2.8k23211y
What are the steps and documents needed to obtain a Thai driver's license with a DTV?
1.6k1432y
What are my options for applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand without flying back to Canada?
2.5k15322y
Can someone with a DTV visa apply for a Thai driver's license?
3.9k26212y
Do I need a multiple entry visa for multiple short stays in Thailand within 30 days?
1.4k9102y
What is the procedure for obtaining a driver's license in Bangkok for expats?
2.7k20113y
What is the process for obtaining a Thai driver's license as a retirement visa holder?
5.4k45393y
Can I buy a motorcycle or car in Thailand on a tourist visa?
3k15123y
Can someone open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa while planning to switch to a retirement visa later?
4.1k35353y
Can my son renew his expired Thai driver's license while he is on a tourist visa?
3.4k26323y
What are the consequences of overstaying a tourist visa for children in Thailand?
2.2k9153y
Can I obtain a Thai driver's license while offshore through an agent in Pattaya?
3.3k25334y
Can I get a second 30-day extension after a 30-day extension and a 60-day COVID extension in Thailand?
1.1k695y
Do I need a letter from the US Embassy to transfer my US driver's license to Thailand?
2.5k16235y
How difficult is it to obtain a Thai driver's license for expats?
9.7k83996y
What is the process and requirements for renewing a Thai driver's license?
1.6k8166y
What should I do if my non-B visa is about to expire while changing my workplace in Thailand?
426127y
Do I need to provide a TM30 form for a visa extension in Thailand on a tourist visa?
4017y
Can one obtain a Thai driver's license on a 30-day tourist stamp?
10.7k110619y
What are my options for obtaining a Thai tourist visa after receiving a refusal in Vientiane?
1.5k8169y
How can I get a 60-day extension for my tourist visa in Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam?
39939y
Can a person with a Non-O visa convert a foreign driver's license to a Thai driver's license if the licenses are from different countries?
1.5k1179y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served