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What is the procedure for obtaining a driver's license in Bangkok for expats?

Thai driver's license expat driving license Bangkok motorcycle license car license residency certificate medical certificate International Driving Permit (IDP)driving school German driver's license visa regulations

Apr 3, 2024

7 months ago

Naj *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey everyone! 

Could someone brief me on the procedure of getting a drivers license in Bangkok? I do have a German and a Chinese one, but would like to do it here from scratch, as mine don’t contain the motorcycle license.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To obtain a driver's license in Bangkok, expats need to follow a two-step process for both motorcycle and car licenses. You must first book a test appointment, prepare necessary documentation, and secure a residency certificate from immigration (which typically requires a 90-day report). For motorcycles, you must complete a training course at a driving school, which involves practice and exams. For a car license, your German license needs to be translated and sent to the German embassy for approval. Both licenses require medical certificates and photocopies of relevant documents.

Sheridan ******

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Steve ***********

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Naj *************

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@Steve **********

thanks man:-) I was wondering if there would be anyone who archived that… but then they probably end up with a fake anyway.

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Naj *************

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David *********

The the easiest way is to go to a Driving School to get your motorcycle license. This will take 5 or 6 days of practice on a scooter and classroom instruction and watching a video. The school also does the practical test on the scooter and exam in classroom. The school will issue the paperwork for you to take to the Land and Transfer office to get your license. The only items you have to get. Is a certificate of residency ( from immigration) and a medical certificate Most clinics will issue this.

To get your car license the easiest way is call the German embassy to ask which translation office they accept. This is done because your German License is in German and it needs to be translated into English. After you have your license translated send translation to German embassy for approval. Once you receive documentation from embassy take paperwork to Land and Transfer office and apply for Thai car license. Do this the same time you go with your paperwork to apply for your motorcycle license. If you apply for both 2 certificate of residency and 2 medical certificates are required

Don’t forget to have photocopies of passport and German license etc.

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Andri **********

@David ********

can you tell please, what language the courses are held in?

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Andri **********

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Brad *********

YouTube search “retired working for you.” He just did a complete video on it. He’s legit. Good luck.

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Henrik *****

First of all you have to book a time for the test, since they can booked out for long time.

You may not be colorblind.

You need a letter of resident from the Immigration office, with you normaly only can get if staying more than 3 month.

Think twice before going for the Thai motorcycle drivers license, because it only include a few testhours on a closed curcuit, which not prepare you for the Thai Traffic especialy in Bangkok.

In Germany you would get some routinization driving hours with a dedicated driving instructor.

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Naj *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you:-) don’t worry, I drove motorbike for 14 years in china… so this here is child’s play

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Dirk **************

@Naj ************

I seriously doubt that. Wait till you operate a motorcycle here 😂😂😂

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Dirk **************

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John **********

2 separate licenses in Thailand, 1 for car and 1 for motorbike. If you have an IDP the car one will be easy but you'll need to go through the full process for the motorbike. You'll also need 2 medical certificates and 2 residence certificates. In bangkok I don't think immigration will issue a residence certificate unless you've done a 90 day report

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Jan ******************

@Naj ************

This is correct. I didn’t have any motorcycle license at home, had my national car license but no IDP and I needed to do the whole process for both from scratch. I did get a residence certificate without a 90 day report when I applied in Buriram.

I took two theoretical test both 50 questions and maximum five incorrect answers. Practical test in the backyard for both car and mc, watched a mandatory movie and did some simple test regarding sight and reaction. Paid around 700thb for both. Without long stay visa you just get it renewed for two and two years.

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Naj *************

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@Jan *****************

you don’t have the theory questions anymore to study by any luck, or🤣

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Henrik *****

When registered at the DLT you will have access to training material, but most only in Thai, but you can get a feeling of what it is about.

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Naj *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I found that the training courses can be accessed already by simply resister online for it under:

*********************

. All training materials there are available for free and instantly and it’s available in English!

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Henrik *****

That’s what I wrote 5 days ago.

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Naj *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

let’s say you slightly hinted in that direction🤣

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John **********

@Naj ************

I've never had to do them but I had an IDP for both car and motorbike. If you are starting from scratch you will need to do the theory

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John **********

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Naj *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

thanks a lot for this detailed inside. I will have my company check with the immigration for the residence certificate. I also already rent a house and I am properly registered. Hopefully that help.

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Naj *************

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Manuel *********

@John *********

correct they only issue it when you did at least 90 day report before that your embassy

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Lyndon ************

@Manuel ********

most embassy won't issue the letter. With no 90 day report in the system at Bangkok, you options are use an agent or head to Pattaya and use an agent there, to help with residence cert etc

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Lyndon ************

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