Answered3 years ago
What is the process of obtaining a Thai driver's license, and how can I prepare for the tests?
Hi all!
Going for Thai driver's license soon. Got all the documents but was curious about the process on the day of obtaining the license.
I recall seeing a post where someone commented that you could watch a video or do some kind of test (not sure anymore what exactly), to save time on that day.
Did someone recently do this and would like to share more information about this? Sorry, quite vague but cannot recall exactly what it was. :)
Going for Thai driver's license soon. Got all the documents but was curious about the process on the day of obtaining the license.
I recall seeing a post where someone commented that you could watch a video or do some kind of test (not sure anymore what exactly), to save time on that day.
Did someone recently do this and would like to share more information about this? Sorry, quite vague but cannot recall exactly what it was. :)
Answer summary
The process of obtaining a Thai driver's license varies by region but generally involves watching a video, taking reaction and eye tests, and passing a written test. Many commenters noted that those with an international driving permit (IDP) can bypass some requirements, while others may need to complete more extensive tests, especially if they are applying for the first time or if their previous Thai license has expired. It's recommended to book an appointment in advance and gather necessary documents like a medical certificate and a residency letter. Experiences shared by others suggest that the entire process can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the local requirements.
29 repliesnewest first
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Tim *********
In Pattaya a few weeks ago. Check in and sit around for an hour in a video room with no video showing. Called into the practical tests to identify the colours red, yellow and green in random order (20 seconds) then show you can press the right pedal when the light is green and move quickly to the left pedal when light turns red ( 5 seconds). Get a bit of paper given to you. Queue up to pay a fee (25 minutes). Queue again to get your picture taken (15 minutes) and wait for licence to be printed (30 minutes).
Frank **********
Wow, I see comments where people say use an agent. You don't need to use an agent. Watch the video online, get a doctor certificate, Residency certificate from Immingration and go with your license, take the three simple test and your done. I was in and out in about an hour without an appointment. The only thing an agent can do is do the paperwork and maybe bring you there. You still have to do all the test anyway.
Nick ************
@Frank *********
I'm still waiting for a certificate of residence from immigration after nearly 5 weeks. It is often far less stressful and much quicker to use an agent.Frank **********
@Nick ***********
wow, where do you live. I live in Maha Sarakham province in Isaan and I always been able to get one the same day in like 30 minutes.Frank **********
@Nick ***********
sorry to hear that they are making things hard for you. I hope you can get it taken care of. Try talking to the Supervisor and see why it takes so long. Good luck.Nick ************
@Frank *********
I need one for changing blue book to my name. They flatly refuse to issue one at immigration but tell me to go to LTO who request one. I never know what is happening or how far the process has got and it is very difficult to find out. Nakhon Phanom.Nick ************
Don't forget the medical certificate
Jordi ********
I didn't have a license yet and had to watch the video (Trat office).
- First day 9am, short reaction and eye test, +/- 5 hours of videos with some English subtitles. Finish around 5pm
- Second day 9am, written test failed the first, second was
- First day 9am, short reaction and eye test, +/- 5 hours of videos with some English subtitles. Finish around 5pm
- Second day 9am, written test failed the first, second was
*****
minimum, she said I could do it two times, practical test which is some turns a slalom, make sure to enter it from the right side (left) I failed because of it and had to come back on Monday;). Pickup your license which was around 150,- baht if I remember
Paul *************
If you have idp and driving license from your home country you don’t have to watch the video I’m pretty sure. But for bike and car with no license in home country it was 5 hours learning, then go back next day for test and collecting license.
This was at krabi transport office, I’m sure I’ve seen people say it varies depending where you go
This was at krabi transport office, I’m sure I’ve seen people say it varies depending where you go
Graham ******
@Paul ************
Correct for Sa Kaeo tooStuart ***********
If you have an international driving permit all you need to do is watch a 1 hour dlt driving video and pass a few questions. Take a screenshot of your pass grade, book an appointment and do the reaction tests on the day.
I did mine in Chaam a year and half ago, it was easy and took about 30 minutes for everything including getting the licence.
Why anyone would pay an agent is beyond me (but each to their own) and must be illegal. There are also lots of scammers offering licences, so be careful.
I did mine in Chaam a year and half ago, it was easy and took about 30 minutes for everything including getting the licence.
Why anyone would pay an agent is beyond me (but each to their own) and must be illegal. There are also lots of scammers offering licences, so be careful.
Step *****
OP@Stuart **********
thanks Stuart! The video and the questions, should these be done on the day that I booked the appointment? Or do I need to do that the days before?Stuart ***********
@Step ****
also, don't forget you need a medical certificate from a doctor and a letter of residency from immigration too. Both easy to get for a couple of hundred baht.Stuart ***********
@Step ****
I booked the appointment a few weeks in advance and did the video questions during the waiting period before my appointment.
CjandBrigitte **********
Remember to do a online booking. Else you will sit and wait your turn. Present the qr code for your booked time when you arrive at Dlt, a lot easier and quicker.
Paul ********
I did my self year's ago Very hard work??Use Agency easy Time
Graham *******
u watch a video and do a reaction test. Depending where u do this its a lengthy process, most people get tru all with an agent, its worth it but up to you.
Brian *********
It depends on what you already have as licensing. Having an international license will likely get you through the process only having to take basic motor skills tests, paperwork and a photo. I got car and motorcycle months ago. Making the appointment took as much effort as the licensing.
Henrik *****
Remember to check if your travelinsurance will accept a Thai drivers license, and if they regard driving in Thailand as a hazardous activity.
Brian *******
In buriram if it’s your first time and not a renewal they want to watch 2 videos 3 short test in office for colour test reactions test and another eye test.50 questions on pc where you need to get 45 right and then a short practical driving test on a course outside..just done it in car and motorcycle and got a five year license.some people where moaning about it but I quite enjoyed it even though I’ve been driving 20 years in Thailand and 40 odd years in total.but I know other places you can get it easier
John **********
@Brian ******
odd. I was sure your first license was only for 2 years. I guess you didn't have an IDP thus having to do the complete test?Brian *******
@John *********
like I said I quite enjoyed the experience met a few new friends and had a nice time.opened my eyes a little as well..Brian *******
@John *********
I have a full uk licence and a idl and had a 2 year thai license that ran out in covid.someone at land transport told me there making it harder to get licenses??John **********
@Brian ******
not that I'm aware of. I don't know the DLT requirements in buriram but I'm in an adjoining province. With my UK license and IDP (not to be confused with the scam IDL) all I had to do was the reaction & colourblind tests. I've never watched a video or had to drive anything and I have both car & bike licenses. I guess it may have been because your original Thai license had been expired for more than a year in which case you have to start over, although I'd have assumed starting over would mean back to where you were before you had one at all but maybe notFrank **********
@Brian ******
I didn't have to do any driving. Did you have any kind of drivers license,?Graham ******
I didn't need to do the video in Sa Kaeo province, just the 3 tests. I was away in 75 minutes.
Rene ******
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Bob **********
You can watch the movie online
Rene ******
@Bob *********
i think its only with extensionActivity
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