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What is the process for obtaining a Thai driver’s license in Bangkok with a foreign license and an IDP?

Thai driver's license Bangkok expat guide driver's license requirements International Driving Permit Non-O visa

Aug 20, 2025

5 days ago

Немања **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone,

I need some information regarding obtaining a Thai driver’s license in Bangkok.

I currently hold a valid national driver’s license from my home country, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP). My national license is bilingual (my native language and English), and the IDP is in three languages (my native language, English, and French).

I understand that, in addition to these, I also need a residence certificate from Immigration, a medical certificate, my passport, and copies of all documents.

I also hold a Non-O visa with a one-year extension.

While searching through the group, I found a lot of contradictory and incomplete information. I’d appreciate clear answers specifically for Bangkok (in my case, the DLT in Chatuchak).

Here are my questions:

1. Do I need to have my national driver’s license translated into English and officially certified?

My assumption is no, since my license already includes English.

2. Do I need to make an appointment at the DLT (Chatuchak), or can I just walk in?

My assumption is no appointment is necessary since I’m applying for a conversion and not taking the full driving test.

3. Can I obtain the required medical certificate from any nearby hospital or clinic (private or government)?

My assumption is yes.

*4. Regarding the residence certificate: is it possible to obtain it on the same day in Bangkok, or do I need to wait 7 (or more) days to receive it by email? I’m willing to pay any applicable fee for same-day service.

I would appreciate direct answers from those with actual experience in Bangkok (not other cities), without unrelated recommendations. 

Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To obtain a Thai driver's license in Bangkok, you must hold a valid national driver's license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and additional documents such as a residence certificate, a medical certificate, and copies of all documents. Key points include: no need for translation of an English bilingual license, an appointment is necessary at the DLT (Chatuchak), and medical certificates can be obtained from any nearby clinic. Users confirm that the residence certificate can potentially be acquired the same day, and some suggest watching an online training video prior to the visit.

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Bent *************

Considering how Thais drive their cars and motorcycles as if Thailand had no rules at all, it’s crazy what they require from foreigners!

TiT

4 days ago

Wannikea *********

Probably less stress hiring an agent.

4 days ago

Bob **********

Your IDP is sufficient you’ll need to make an appointment you can watch the video online resident certificate and medical only reaction tests with the IDP

4 days ago

Jeremy ********

It was super simple in BKK

just walk in at the DLT office in Chatuchak go the office downstairs bring your home country DL and passport along with visa tm30

Scan the QR code, take the online drivers course takes about an hour

Make an appointment so you can do the in person tests

RGB test

Depth perception

Peripheral eye test

Brake test

Watch the video as long as you need to to understand the tests prior to going in

Dr Note = ฿200-฿1,000 depends on where you go

Passport translated if not in English = ฿800

DL ฿200

That’s it

4 days ago

Phil ******

@Немања *********

checkout a recognised Visa agent here in Bangkok.

4 days ago

Nongnuch ********

visit an agent in Pattaya and have your Thai drivers licenses both for motorcycle and car the next few days . . check out F.S. Consulting Co.

4 days ago

Ian **********

I obtained my car and motocycle licences after providing the following documents :

* Passport.

* Host country licence in English linked to IDP, but the host licence was the important part.

* Visa Certificate

* Certificate of Residence (one certificate per licence and each certificate cost 500THB. (passport, proof of residence , visa certificate, 2 passport photos for each certificate to be shown)

* Medical Certificate specifically for a driving licence application.

* Complete online one hour course, and show the confirmation receipt from my smart phone.

* Once my document check was complete, I was asked to do some practical reaction tests, and was then issued my two licences for 10THB each.

The DLT I visited asked to see my original documents from which copies were taken except the original Certificate of Residences which they retained.

The whole process took about 1.5-2 hours.

4 days ago

Marianne ********

Not answering any of the actual questions here, but you'll probably need to have watched a 1 hour training video as well, it has 4 questions you'll need to answer..

But this can be done in the comfort of your own home by registering at

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

Keep the QR-code it gives you at the end, the DLT office will probably want to scan it.

5 days ago

Немања **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marianne *******

Thanks for the advice.

Do you happen to know if there is a time limit for watching that video, ie. if I can watch it today and go to the DLR office next week (in 7 days) for a driver's license?

4 days ago

Graham ******

@Немања *********

Check with your DLT as in my province (Sa Kaeo), because I had a valid IDP, I didn't need to do the video test to get my first 2 year licence

4 days ago

Marianne ********

@Немања *********

6 months

4 days ago

Reply to

Marianne ********

Jesper *******