What are the steps to convert a UK driving license to a Thai driving license in Bangkok, and should I use an agency?

May 9, 2024
5 months ago
Hi. Can someone recommnend an agency in Bangkok to turn my UK and international driving licenses to a Thai driving license? I'm aware of all the scams so looking for a legit agency. Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired about legitimate agencies in Bangkok to convert their UK and international driving licenses into a Thai driving license, expressing concern over scams. Community members largely advised against using an agency, emphasizing that the process is manageable independently and often more cost-effective. Key steps mentioned include obtaining a residence certificate, a medical certificate, and passing basic tests at the Department of Land Transport (DLT). Many shared experiences indicating that while agencies can expedite the process, they typically charge significantly more for services that are straightforward to handle alone.
Kevin ***********
Can I get some advice please, what is the procedure for my Thai girlfriend to obtain a visa to visit the UK, thank you.
Mark ******
Go do it yourself, you don't need an "agent"
Phil ********
An agent isn't a scam. It's a type of bribery.

You don't turn UK licence in to anything. That just shows you can drive so you don't need to take the full test. You keep your UK licence.

1. Residence certificate.

2. Medical certificate from any clinic. They write them out in front of you. At most they'll take your blood pressure.

3.Go to land transport.

4. Watch a video in Thai and read highway code in English.

5. Depth perception test.

6. Colour test.

Collect licence.

If this is too difficult for you to do then you shouldn't be driving at all.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *******
Plenty of agency Facebook and Line scams. It's been in the media a lot lately. And I don't appretiate your last twat of a comment. It's not too difficult. That's not the issue. I run a busy business so don't have time to run around gathering everything. I have more money than time at the moment.
Phil ********
@Darren *******************
Medical 20 minutes

Residence 1 hour

Test 2 hours

Hope this helps you to get it done.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *******
It's the time it takes to get to these places in BKK and they're never open on weekends. But thanks.
Steve ***********
There's no such thing as an "International Driving Licence"
Neil ********
@Steve **********
There is in the 🇬🇧
Steve ***********
@Neil *******
show me a picture of one? You'll find it's an International Driving Permit, which must be accompanied by your home nation driving licence.
Neil ********
@Steve **********
Splitting hairs ?? Def worth going to Post Office for one
Steve ***********
@Neil *******
unfortunately many do think that International Driving Licences exist. An IDP is not a licence.
Neil ********
@Steve **********
Agree but with so many nationalities it gets lost in translation.

Leaving Wales in September and will try Hua Hin for 3 months to see if it is suitable as Wales is flooded with illegal immigrants
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve **********
I don't know the official name for it but it's what the police want to see when they stop me haha.
Steve ***********
@Darren *******************
International Driving Permit (IDP)
David ***********
It's easier to do it yourself and a lot cheaper.
Zac ********
Easy to do at yourself at your local transport office.

You need photocopies of your passport data page, entry stamp and current extension, photocopy your IDP and home country licence as well just in case.

If applying for bike and car you need 2 separate medical certs, you can get these from any clinic.

A residency cert from immigration or a work permit with your address on it.

Take all of this to the transport office, you will have to do some simple tests, brake test, matching the 2 sticks test and colour test. The first time you will have to watch an hour or so of accident videos and after that they will take your photo and print your licences, the first ones are valid for 2 years, subsequent ones are valid for 5 years.

I wouldn't bother with an agent as you will still have to supply all the documents required and it really is pretty easy to do it yourself.
Lloyd *********
For those of you that said you need an IDP, and actually have/had one, does it have your information in the Thai language, and in what country was it issued?
Lee-Ann *******
Retired for you on YouTube did a vlog on do that not so long ago
Robert *******
Are you in Thailand now
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Yes. Live in BKK.
Robert *******
@Darren *******************
oh it shouldn't be hard. But I did mind out of the country
Andreas *********
Did this about 2 months ago. As already described here, you need a registration form, national and international driving license, and medical certificate. Costs per driver's license group (car and motorcycle for example) 500 at immigration, 100 for the medical certificate (but someone else can get it for you, you just need the passport copy) and around 350 at the traffic office (for passport photo etc). In the worst Ask some questions or watch a video regarding traffic rules.
Henrik *****
No problem to get a medical certificat, took less than 5 minuts, then back on the street.

So no need to band the rules, and get somebody else to do it.
Carsten ************
I recommend a visit at the nearest driving school. They will assist you and provide all information about the tasks you need to arrange by yourself anyway. An agent isn't needed.

The driving school will charge peanuts only.
Michael ********
Fatboys
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
They do not it. Just asked them.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
Is that the bike rental place?
Wayne *********
@Darren *******************
I know people who used fatboys said they were good
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
They do not do it Wayne. I aksed them just now.
Wayne *********
@Darren *******************
I wonder when they stopped then. Maybe could not scratch the right back anymore
Marcin *******
No, it's not difficult. If you have managed to get that far in life I'm sure you can do it without speaking a word in thai, I've done it myself with all the info I could find on the web.

To summarize it:

1. Visa: Tourist -> more than 30 days validity

2. Location: Bangkok: -> You need to have had TM30 filled if renting privately. I don't know how that would work with a hotel.

Step 1. Go to immigration (Immigration Division 1, Immigration Chaeng Wathana ) with copy of your address registration and ask to apply for a letter confirming your address for the purpose of obtaining driver's licence. They have this special form.

Pay and wait 14 days.

Step 2. With that letter, go to DTL building 4 (I think) and apply for thai licence with your IDP. You will need to do a few tests, such as colour blind test, reaction time etc.
Henrik *****
Go to the DLT (Department of Land Transport) website
*********************


There you can see what to do and which documents you need.

Don’t waste money on a agent, for things you can easily do yourself, and then you will not be scammed.

Be aware that there can be a long waiting time ( months) to get a appointment.

After booking the appointment, you have access to training videos.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
Thanks Henrik
Ian *****
Why you need an agency ....simple process at DLT.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ****
It doesn't sound simple enough for me if I need to get a residence cerificate and doctors report first. I know it's likely easy to get both but an agency saves me the additional trips and would be much quicker.
Jan ******************
@Darren *******************
You get a residence certificate at 300 baht at the immigration (Jomtien) and just pass by a doctor/private clinic by the road. They know what you need and one time I didn’t even see the doctor 50 baht. The fee at the DPL for two licensed is about 700 baht. And agents will charge you around 6000 baht for this job. Up to you🤷🏼
Robert *********
@Darren *******************
You might need to get those documents even if an agency " helps". I doubt there is any agency willing to do it without you providing any documents ... Or if there is might ask you way more than it worth.... What agencies normally do, they help you jump past appointments , lines and exams...
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
The agency I spoke to say I need to attend 2 appointments and only need to test for bike. Not car because I already hold UK and international license. And no additional docs needed. Fast track service is one week and one appointment. Time is money in my opinion so i'm happy to pay for an agency to save me all the additional trips and appointments I would need to make without one.
Jan ******************
@Darren *******************
I did the same myself and needed to take both a theoretical and practical test for motorcycle as I didn’t have one at home. 50 questions with minimum 45 correct answers and a practical test in a track at the DLT.
Jan ******************
Can you get a residence certificate and do you also have a IDP on your licensees? In that case you’ll only need to get a health certificate or a doctor statement and do some simple test regarding sight and reaction at the DLT to convert.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
I'm sure I can get a residence cert yes. But what is a IDP?
Henrik *****
International Drivers License, which you can use the first 3 month in Thailand.

But is only valid for the same vehicle types as you have in your homecountry ( no motorcycle driving on a car IDP)
Jan ******************
@Darren *******************
IDP is a International Driving Permit. This is mandatory in Thailand when you use your national licence. I’m not sure how this works for all nations. Previously our Norwegian embassy offered to give a notary certificate and confirm our national driver license, but this stopped some years ago. So now we need a IDP as well to convert.
John **********
@Darren *******************
IDP = International Driving Permit
John **********
It's pretty straightforward to do this yourself but you also need a medical certificate and a residence certificate. To get the latter in bangkok you need to have done a 90 day report
Evelyne *********
Faites vous même la démarche auprès du Land Transport!facile et rapide et peu coûteux
Terry **********
Go and do it yourself. It will work out a lot cheaper and it's not that difficult.
Gordon ************
@Terry *********
Tik Tok in Pattaya đź‘Śđź‘Śđź‘Ś
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terry *********
Thanks. Do you have a legit link where I can apply directly?
Naj *************
@Darren *******************
official DLt website gives you all information and, if you need, all online courses for free to study. Www.dlt.go.th
Terry **********
@Darren *******************
initially go to DLT close to you and ask what is required bud
Mick ********
MOTS services.
Darren ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mick *******
Thanks. I contacted them but they are Pattaya based? I'm considering them.
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