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

Driving LicenseThailandExpatsImmigrationResidence CertificateMedical CertificateDLT App
Aug 8, 2024
4 months ago
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone know if obtaining a driving license is different for a Thai citizen than us expats?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of obtaining a driving license in Thailand is similar for Thai citizens and expats, with a few key differences. Thai citizens, for example, do not need a residence certificate since they have a house book to prove their registered address. Both groups are required to present a medical certificate. However, there can be variations depending on the specific office, as some may have more appointment availability for expats. These insights were shared by community members based on personal experiences, indicating that while the general requirements are the same, local practices may differ.
Greg *********
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4 months ago
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Peter ****************
I think, as usual, it differs a bit from office to office again. Had my original Dutch drivers License with International Drivers Permit, indeed a Certificate of Residence from immigration and a Health Certificate from a small clinic for 60฿. This with some copies (passport etc.) let me do the 4 tests (Colour, fast break and depth) without seeing movie or drive test. Got it for 2 years. Was in DLT Nakhon Ratchasima on the road to Chokchai. But must admit this was 6 years ago 🤷‍♂️🙏
4 months ago
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Rod ********
Really?
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
Thai people don't require a residence certificate, as they have a house book for their registered address. Everything else is the same, including the medical certificate. The only difference I've seen is that there are often more appointments available in DLT app for foreigners than there are for Thai people.
4 months ago
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John **********
@Brandon ***********
 except in certain DLT offices you need to be on a non immigrant visa in order to get a Thai licence. In others you can't get a 5 year licence
4 months ago
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Rene ******
@John *********
 curious what I will get with a DTV in Chiang Mai next year
4 months ago
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John **********
@Rene *****
 I don't know the rules in Chiang Mai, if it's anything like my DLT you won't be getting anything as the DTV is a tourist visa
4 months ago
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Rene ******
@John *********
 then it will 2 years. Got my residence certificate on STV via an agent there
4 months ago
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John **********
@Rene *****
 my DLT won't let you apply unless you are on a non-immigrant visa
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Rene *****
 the first license is always 2 years. The law creating the DTV calls it a special tourist visa, so I would expect renewals to also be 2 years.
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Marty *********
@Brandon ***********
 Is this the app?
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Marty ********
 that app is the one that lets you store your Thai drivers license on your phone
4 months ago
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Carsten ************
@Marty ********
 If Pattaya, that's for Thai only.
4 months ago
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Carsten ************
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Brian *********
@Brandon ***********
 there’s an app? 🤣
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Brian ********
 There are 2 apps. One lets you keep your license in the app that way you can show it if you don't have the physical license. The other one is for setting appointments.
4 months ago
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Carsten ************
@Brandon ***********
 Appointment for farang only in person, not through the app, at least in Pattaya.
4 months ago
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Carsten ************
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