What are the requirements for obtaining a Thai driving license with a foreign license?

Never come without a international license then its very easy to transfer first to a Thai 2 year license.

Hi Nigel, Its because an Irish driving licence is a bilingual/ dual language licence. There is English already. Theyve just not noticed it ,and they did notice the Irish on it, so automatically think it needs to be translated. It doesnt.

I had the same issue years ago, but when they understood it was accepted. I've pmd you a longer more detailed answer with some ideas about what to do 👍

Just finished doing mine today

To renew Thai car driving licence ar Roiet

DLT eonline 1 hour video and simple 4 question test.

Go to Dr and get medical certificate. 80฿ 10 minutes.

Get 2 photos for immigration 20฿ 10 minutes

Go to immigration to get address confirmation letter.

They also supplied copies of relevant passport pages and Thai ID. 500฿ 30 minutes

Transport office. Submit documents obtained at immigration office with medical cetificate and e test screen shot. Give them old licence

Show passport.

Take eye sight colour test. reaction and depth perception test

Pay 505฿ 45 minutes

Everyone interacted with very helpful.

All done.in about 3 hours plus travel time.

I did for two international driver licences- in English, there was never any requirement to translate any document. A Thai driver licence card has two languages ( Thai and English). You may be do it in other places that make it easy. Go online and read about the rules - I found each office slightly different.

Use these guys... Ive been using them for 15 years now and never had an issue. The IDP is legit and lasts 3 years. They send it to you for 60 quid.

Done my driving license car and bike in Buriram City. English driving license no problem in and out 2 hours. Look on the internet you can get it without leaving your house

What's about international driving license ?

I just handed over my British license they looked at it and gave me it back okay done the traffic 🚦 test pick up my Thai license all in about 30 minutes mind that was about 8 years ago now in Kalasin

would it be easier just to have a driving test rather than go through all that BS paperwork, check out the way Thai people drive, the test couldn't be that hard

There is an hour online video and test requirement . Google

DLT elearning.

I used my Aussie license..... they were confused but I showed them the government website explaining our licenses and then they accepted it.

Just use a agent they will get one for you

An IDP is recognized in 150 countries. It's another way of saying you have a valid driver's license. Without one, I suppose they need that translation

If you are here for longer than 3 months, your IDP becomes invalid. You therefore have to apply for a Thai licence. My husband did so, last week. He had his IDP and UK licence with him, plus passport. He now has 2 separate Thai driving licences,one for motorbikes and one for a car. On the other hand, although I had my IDP with me ( you also need a medical, which is cheap and easy to get), because I had my UK licence stolen on 01.01.24, despite having a report from the Thai police giving this information, I had to do a full day's training followed by a practical and theory test on the following day. I got my Thai licence yesterday, after passing both.

Stop messing around. Go to an agent. It will cost you virtually nothing. They will take you to the office and get it all done. If you go to court and take a lawyer with you. Anyone who doesn’t is a fool and has time to waste. Same same here.

It's easier to just get a Thai license

And the first is only valid for 2 years

As said mate just go to the licence plc near your home and you might be lucky and with a wee dip into you Irish pocket you.mihht not have to sit the test. T.I.T.

They want an IDP - which most people don’t realize until they are here

I used an IDP and had no trouble, they don't like original driving licences. Good luck 🤞

I’m not sure why you would bother with a Thai licence?

Just use an International Driving Permit

How much does it cost if you get an agent to do it for you? I have a full UK car and motorbike licence and an international driving licence as well? Any recommendations of a good agent?

@Nigel *************

firstly some offices ask for your English license translated and some don't. Secondly yes you should have gotten an IDP as its much easier.

Finally if you were picked up you would have been fined with driving here without a valid licence. They have tightened the rules here

If you have Non-O or any long term visa type in Thailand, you can apply for a Thai Driving License. Check DLT website for required documents.

My husband use his Indian license to apply for a Thai license a year ago. He didn't need to do any test except the physical exam and listen to some training video.

Even with an IDP, some offices want a translated copy of your licence certified by your embassy. Without an IDP, most offices want a translated copy of your licence certified by your embassy. However, I have heard that some people have circumnavigated this by using an agent. As always, though, your mileage may vary. Failing all that you can always take the "tests"

Not having an IDP is an issue in some offices. You will also need a residence certificate and a medical certificate. Some offices also require you are on a long term visa

Process for french: get a copy of your national license certified (true copy) by your embassy, get it translated by a certified translation service and then get this certified by your embassy again, it worked for me without any agent or tea money

Is it a “Euro” style licence? I have a UK licence and getting Thai driver and bike ones was no issue, I did use an agent though.

Yep, had to have my German license translated into Thai at the German Embassy and then have the translation authenticated before I could get my Thai license. Normal process.

If your lic is not in English, then they wld want it translated since it is not IDP

Do the test

Normally you need an IDP to "convert" from your home license to a Thai license. I guess they are giving you an alternative option to do a conversion since you don't have an IDP. It's either that or start from scratch and do the test and driving test etc.