Answered3 years ago
Is there any benefit to having a Thai driving license if you don't intend to drive in Thailand?
Thai Driving Licence?
Hello all
We have our UK Driving Licence and an International Driving Permit
We have zero intentions of driving in Thailand, is there any benefit in having a Thai driving licence (other than to legally drive a motor vehicle)
Thank You
Hello all
We have our UK Driving Licence and an International Driving Permit
We have zero intentions of driving in Thailand, is there any benefit in having a Thai driving licence (other than to legally drive a motor vehicle)
Thank You
Answer summary
While there's no requirement to obtain a Thai driving license if you don't plan on driving, having one can still provide several benefits. It can serve as a valid form of identification for domestic flights, hotel check-ins, and various forms of transport, reducing the need to carry your passport everywhere. Some users have mentioned that it might help secure lower prices at certain tourist attractions and provide convenience in banking and insurance matters. However, the process of obtaining a license can be cumbersome and may not be necessary for everyone.
73 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Stephen ********
A thai driving licence is beneficial as when you go to a tourist place and show you pay the same as a thai not falang prices
Graham *******
I used an agent, there is a lot of faffing around to get one, 1) make appointment at test center, 2) make appointment at license office 3) take the test which is a colour sight and reaction test 4) get medical certificate 5) get all your papers together, like visa, residence cert 6) take it the license center and wait around. Hence use an agent.
Adam ******
@Graham ******
In and out of Cha Am office in about twenty minutes two months ago. Bike licence and car licence and no booking, I just walked in.
Grant *******
If you don't need it. Don't bother getting it. Too much stuffing around.
Gary **********
I have a uk full driving licence
How do you get the Thi licence do you just Show them yours and they sort a licence for Thiland or do you have to take a test etc
How do you get the Thi licence do you just Show them yours and they sort a licence for Thiland or do you have to take a test etc
Ronald ***********
@Gary *********
I only had to take the physical test 3yrs ago with my UK license you should get a seperate motor bike license if you have the group on your UK licensee, they last for 5 yrsGary **********
@Ronald **********
. Thank you for the information.
Ang *****
Yes, as it’s a recognised form of ID. It it worth the hassle - 🤷♀️.
Joe ******
I use my Thai driving licence in the UK to soak up any points I might get 😜
DK *****
Joe Mann Yes. They give me a break when I use an international license in other countries.
Linz ************
OPJoe Mann seriously hope we never have to return to the Uk 🤞🏼👍🏼
Frank **********
I get Thai prices at the zoo and some parks.
Bernie *************
I find it useful for the police /army road checks just hold it up and they wave you through, plus you sometimes get a better rate when visiting places of interest you pay thai prices not tourists prices
Sarah ******
@Bernie ************
Why would they allow you to pay Thai prices on an International Driving Permit? That doesn't make any sense. On a Thai DL fair enough, but international?Bernie *************
@Sarah *****
hi Sarah I was under the impression we were talking about the advantages of having a Thai licenseLinz ************
OP@Bernie ************
we were, thank you Bernie, I understand 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Bernie *************
Sarah ******
@Bernie ************
My bad Bernie.. caught only a part of the conversation! Yes, having a Thai DL might help with discounts to places. The test itself is so easy to do too!
Guido **********
most important you are insured in case you rent a vehicle
Grzegorz ***********
With Thai driver license you can get True Money account, which is quite convenient in 7-Eleven ever since they set a 200THB min. charge on card payments.
John ***********
@Grzegorz **********
200 baht limit! That's nothing.Grzegorz ***********
@John **********
Maybe, but I usually just get a coffee or some snack, and then dealing with pocket of coins was just not amusing.
Phil ******
@Linz ***********
yes. ID for many servicesDK *****
Discount at national parks. Readily accepted at banks and hotels like locals.
John *********
@DK ****
Is that official policy re national parks?DK *****
In all national parks I visited, they never accepted non-o spouse visa stamp on my passport as a proof of long term residency in my past experience. I spend a long time explaining, but official rules don't apply in these islands and mountains. I think vast majority seems to take the driver's license as some kind of long term residency. When they see a passport, they see a potential competitor to be exploited in my opinion. Some are quite insecure and hostile.
Aake **********
@DK ****
nopeLinz ************
OP@DK ****
so getting one could prove beneficial, thank you
Sue **********
so to sum up your question: No you don‘t need to have a thai dl if you are staying longer than 90 days but never will drive in thailand.
Linz ************
OP@Sue *********
thank you 👍🏼Jan ******************
*****************************************************************************************************************
Cody *********
If I remember correctly the IDP is only valid for a limited time while in the country.
Eventually (2mos IIRC) you are required to take the test.
Eventually (2mos IIRC) you are required to take the test.
Graham ******
@Cody ********
Correct, the IDP is only valid for 90 days after you enter
Немања **********
@Graham *****
I have a multi entry Non-O visa, every 90 days I leave the country and come back. Does this mean that every time I re-enter the country I can use the IDP? I mean, does the ability to use the IDP reset for 90 days every time you enter Thailand?
Graham ******
@Немања *********
Good question, in theory yes but would it?
Stacey ****************
Will they issue Thai driver license based off USA & international drivers license?
George *************
@Stacey ***************
If by "International Driver's License" you mean International Driver's *Permit* (obtained from AAA in the US) then yes in combination with your USA license you can obtain a Thai driver's license without taking the written or practical driving test. You will still need to pass the physical tests (reaction time, color recognition) though.Stacey ****************
@George ************
thanks George. I need to get it done, my AAA one expires in April.
Brian ********
@Stacey ***************
I live in Kanchanaburi and got my bike and car licences last year. In addition to what George says I also had to get a certificate of residence (one for each licence) from immigration, about 20 mins, B500 and a health certificate from the local hospital, also 20 mins and B500.At DLT I had to watch the road safety video, 1 hour. In all it took about 2 hours in DLT
I have full UK car licence, which is also a provisional bike licence and had an IDP
Ann ************
Flo ******
How to get a bank account? Any cheap options?
Sean *********
@Flo *****
go bank to bank or use an agency. Just check on the upper limit on transfers as some banks are 50,000 maxJan ******************
@Flo *****
You can do yourself if you’re on a long stay Non O visa, someone has also managed to get it on tourist visa but it’s not easy. Trough and agent normal price 4-5000 thb.Flo ******
@Jan *****************
the agent wants 6500 , I feel that’s a bit heavy. I come several times es a year but only on a tourist visa.Jan ******************
@Flo *****
I use her. She’s very nice and fix everything fast and smooth. I don’t know about price for this exact service, but there’s also one agent named Mots service you can ask and compare prices if you wish. You’ll find page in FB.Flo ******
@Jan *****************
hi Jan, yes please, am I Patty at the moment. Would appreciate your contacts to open an account in the next few days👍🏻👍🏻Jan ******************
@Flo *****
Ok, a bit expensive in my opinion. Cheapest I’ve heard is 4000 in Pattaya and I can give you a couple options here on FB if you stay or pass by there next time. Or else I don’t know any agencies my self and I managed to open before it turned strict as today.Linz ************
OP@Flo *****
the cheapest option is do it yourself of courseLinz ************
OP@Flo *****
we used @Mots *********
not sure what your definition of “cheap” isFor us, we paid them so they took care of all the paperwork/ bureaucracy/ waiting, only you can put a value on that and yes, if we decide to convert our UK driving license to a Thai license, we will use Mots to obtain it
Taz **********
It can be used as ID for many things
Domestic flights
Buses
Trains
Hotel check in
You are also required to carry ID with you in Thailand
This has your photo & your passport number on it
Just note some hotels will not accept it for ID. On check in
I have never had an issue however some ppl have
Saves having to carry your passport with you everywhere & risking losing it or damaging it
Domestic flights
Buses
Trains
Hotel check in
You are also required to carry ID with you in Thailand
This has your photo & your passport number on it
Just note some hotels will not accept it for ID. On check in
I have never had an issue however some ppl have
Saves having to carry your passport with you everywhere & risking losing it or damaging it
Simon **********
@Taz *********
I have a pdf of my passport on my phone which I always use to check in to hotels, I don’t like carrying my passport. I have only been refused at check in once, they insisted I have my passport.
Lennart **********
@Taz *********
can you please tell me where I find my passport number on my thai driving licens,since I cant find it myselfLennart **********
Thanks,im blind
Nick **********
@Lennart *********
The Thai driving licence CAN have your passport number. But it doesn't need to. Could be Thai id number instead.
Claudia **********
@Lennart *********
last row front pageTaz **********
@Lennart *********
under your date of birthIn Thai it says
National identification number / ID No. then your passport number
Damo ***********
@Taz *********
good advice.
Wylie *******
@Taz *********
hotels are legally required to file a tm30 for all foreigners, so it they're doing that then they'll need your passport anyways.Taz **********
@Wylie ******
depends on the hotel, many accept your Thai drivers licence as it has your passport number on it
Brandon ************
@Wylie ******
the only other thing they need is your nationality. If they ask you that when you hand over your DL you'll know they're going to file.
John **********
@Taz *********
it does but doesn't have the country so not quite sure how they can do a TM30, I never give my passport to hotelsWylie *******
@Taz *********
correct. I assumed that they needed more info from the passport that isn't on the license to file the TM30 though. Perhaps that is not the case. I do know many hotels don't even ask for any ID and therefore don't file the TM30.
Carsten ************
You don't need to carry your PP or a copy of it with you anymore. No other benefits (anymore).
Stuart *********
It can be used as ID for internal flights and as a replacement for passport at hotel check-ins etc.
Jan ******************
@Stuart ********
It’s very convenient, but regarding domestic flights; *****************************************************************************************************************
Mark ********
@Jan *****************
The article specifically mentions Thai DLsBrandon ************
@Jan *****************
I've used mine to fly since this "announcement"Jan ******************
@Brandon ***********
Yes of course, I will do too.Brandon ************
@Jan *****************
of course I always have it. But it's buried safely away in my bag. I'll use my license until I cannot.Jan ******************
@Brandon ***********
The article is three weeks old. If it’s still possible you could also one day risk that they will ask for your passport at the airport.Activity
42 joined42
people
Related
25What should I do before leaving Canada to make getting a Thai driver's license easier?
3.4k26453mo
What do I need to know about obtaining an IDP and motorcycle license in Thailand?
4.4k47225mo
How can an Aussie obtain a Thai driver's license while on a Non-O retirement visa?
15.6k403925mo
What are the requirements and processes for obtaining a Thai driving license using an international driving permit (IDP) and a foreign license?
1.7k15106mo
Can I use my UK driving license to drive in Thailand while on a 12-month extension?
4k31469mo
How can I obtain a Thai driving license for motorcycles in Pattaya if I already have an international driving license?
3k30169mo
Can tourists obtain a driving license in Thailand?
4.2k32401y
Can I legally drive in Bangkok with an IDP on a DTV visa?
4.2k42201y
What is the best drivers license company in Thailand?
622351y
What is the process for obtaining a Thai motorcycle driving license as a foreigner with an international driving permit?
1.4k531y
Can my friend get a Thai driver's license without taking a test if they didn't get an International Driving Permit?
3.2k31171y
Does my International Drivers Permit and UK License allow me to drive in Thailand for 1 year with a DTV?
2.4k20141y
Can I obtain a Thai driving license if I visit my wife in Thailand a few times a year?
8.8k80741y
Do I need to renew my international driving permit after changing my address on my driving license?
1.7k1292y
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) while in Thailand with my home country motorcycle license?
6.4k14302y
What paperwork is required to convert an international driver's license to a Thai driver's license?
10.1k51492y
Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?
24.1k1381022y
What are the requirements for driving legally in Thailand with an Australian driver's license?
10.7k53913y
What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?
11.7k981133y
What paperwork and licenses do I need to buy and ride a motorbike in Thailand as an expat?
3.1k21183y
Where can I obtain an International Driving Permit in Chiang Mai?
4.5k21274y
How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?
8.1k66866y
What are the requirements and process for temporarily driving in Thailand?
7.7k66646y
Is an International Driving Permit valid in Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Visa?
7k54776y
Do UK holders need an International Driving Permit when entering Thailand on an Elite Visa?
4.1k32378y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served