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What is the process for obtaining a Thai driver's license as an expat?
Thai driver's licenseexpat living in Thailandvisas and immigrationThai regulationsdriving in Thailandlicense conversioninternational driving permit
Dec 16, 2021
4 years ago
Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHas anyone had the experience of getting a Thai drivers licence?
Any help appreciated, I’m not sure wher to start.
Any help appreciated, I’m not sure wher to start.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of obtaining a Thai driver's license involves several steps. First, you must gather required paperwork, which typically includes a residency certificate from immigration, a medical certificate, your valid foreign driver's license, and possibly an international driving permit. After preparing these documents, you proceed to the Land and Transport office, ideally arriving early. You will need to watch a brief instructional video and complete basic driving tests. The overall experience can vary, and some expats suggest using agents to expedite the process, especially if you're unable to obtain certain documents like the residency certificate.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
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Bam *****
Wolfgang *******
You have a national driver licence? Than you go to your
And ask what they want
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And ask what they want
Wyn **********
Tik Tok great service good price and can speed things up.
Andy ******
Tik Tok Ratchanee services pattaya are great
Bri ****
Got both of mine last month, motorcycle and car .
I used an agent , the province i stay in does not give out residence certificate/permit.
I used an agent , the province i stay in does not give out residence certificate/permit.
Todd *********
@Bri ***
how much was agent cost there?Bri ****
@Todd ********
this is the one I used ... A quick search on FB will give you more choices, I had an international driving permit but no residence certificate.Bri ****
@Todd ********
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0/?sfnsn=moTodd *********
@Bri ***
thx :)Reply to
Todd *********
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David *********
The only one that is valid is a Thai License. First go to immigration and get a residency certificate (300TBH). Go to a doctor and get medical certificate (200TBH). Take your passport and forms to Land and Transfer office. Arrive early. Before 08:00 am preferably. You also will need your US valid License. Watch video ( 1 hour) and then do some simple tests. Pay fee and wait for your Thai License. If you are lucky you will be finished by 12:00 otherwise after lunch.
Wolfgang *******
Wolfgang *******
David *********
@Wolfgang ******
Maybe you should do your research. The LTO accepts both Thai and English. Not like you mentioned it must be in Thai. Bad BoyReply to
David *********
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Wolfgang *******
The US driver licence must be translated in Thai and the us consulate must stamp it (check this I am German citizen and must do)
David *********
@Wolfgang ******
you are absolutely wrong. If your foreign license is not in English then you have to have it translated and sent to your embassy for verification. Then you may go with your documents to get your license. If I am correct if you have a German drivers license it is not in English, so you have first have it translated. Before you post a comment you should know the facts. To many people post wrong information.Reply to
David *********
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Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI’ve got to this group has been so helpful...thanks everyone
Terary **********
I got my Thai Drivers License in the past year. Its a simple process. Show up with your paperwork. Do a physical test, take a class, done.
I dont exactly recall the paper work but I think it was a letter form Immigration, maybe a letter from the doctor, drivers license, passport, maybe international drivers permit. They do check your real drivers license, motorcycle certified, still valid, looks legit.
I also had to take a driving class. That was, show up at a driving school give them some money, they gave me a piece of paper. You know, the Thai way.
I dont exactly recall the paper work but I think it was a letter form Immigration, maybe a letter from the doctor, drivers license, passport, maybe international drivers permit. They do check your real drivers license, motorcycle certified, still valid, looks legit.
I also had to take a driving class. That was, show up at a driving school give them some money, they gave me a piece of paper. You know, the Thai way.
Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
5555 thanksReply to
Peadrew *********
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Carlos *********
I have a USA drivers lisc and a UN international. Any time they asked me for one they seemed to favor the US one and never had a problem. Why would you need a Thai Lisc?
Carlos *********
Michael West If you dont know, you wont want to find out. I call it barter town from mad max. Where if the drunk cops arent shooting venders the tuk tuk drivers are beating up passangers. Ya just cant make this stuf up along Bangla rd
Rich *****
@Carlos ********
, because foreign licenses and international driving permits are not valid indefinitely.Carlos *********
We're you on a motorbike? Did you have the motorcycle endorsement?
I got pulled over every block in Paytong but had a MC endorsement and never paid anything.
I got pulled over every block in Paytong but had a MC endorsement and never paid anything.
Michael ******
@Carlos ********
where is paytong ?Wayne *********
@Michael *****
phuketReply to
Wayne *********
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Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTERVery different experience than dealing with blue suits in Oz
Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carlos ********
no I was in a carReply to
Peadrew *********
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Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carlos ********
I got checked at a road block a 2-3 years ago and the authorities weren’t interested in my Australian lisc so I Found my Int’l one that had already expired.....anyway to cut a long story short I think the fee was 500baht and I could drive away....worked for meReply to
Peadrew *********
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Alessandro **********
Do you have a driving license already? Cuz it's not difficult to convert it
Garrett ***********
Here's the process and all the documents you need.
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Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
many thanksKool *******
@Peadrew ********
to add to Garrett's post, if your home country license is expired you will have to take the written, and the driving tests. If you don't have a motorcycle endorsement on your valid home country license you'll have to take the written, and driving test for motorbikes. They give you a book to study while you are there, and when you are ready you take the test. You only need a 70% to pass. The driving tests are not that difficult. At the Land Transport department across from Chatuchak market, where you get your license in Bangkok, any of the motorbike taxi drivers can take you to the local clinic to get your medical certificate. Before covid it was bt170 when I renewed mine, not counting the bt30 motorci taxi fees. Appointments now can take a few months for new licenses, so be aware of that.Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
thanks for that good info.Reply to
Peadrew *********
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Bernhard ****
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Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bernhard **********
thanks BernhardReply to
Peadrew *********
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Michael ********
@Garrett **********
can help there he has good thing written up.Peadrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
thanks MichaelReply to
Peadrew *********
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