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Answered10 months ago

What is the process to apply for a Thai driver's license as a foreigner with a DTV?

Thai Driver's License Expatriate Guide DTV Visa International Driving Permit DLT Process Motorcycle License

Stormtr*******

OP

asked Jan 2, 2026

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Hi everyone 👋

I recently moved to Bangkok last month on a DTV and I’m looking for guidance on how to apply for a Thai driver’s license (both motorcycle & car).

I already have:

 • TM30

 • Residence Certificate for Motorcycle & Car issued by the Immigration Bureau

 • Valid driver’s license from my home country + International Driving Permit (IDP)

Could someone please share the latest process, required documents, and whether an appointment is needed at DLT? Also, any tips or recent experiences would be really appreciated.

Thank you in advance 🙏😊

Answer summary

An expat living in Bangkok on a DTV visa is seeking guidance on applying for a Thai driver's license for both motorcycle and car. They have the necessary documents including a TM30, a Residence Certificate, and a valid foreign driver’s license with an International Driving Permit (IDP). The community provided tips on the application process, suggested resources for guidance, and noted that appointment availability may vary significantly across different DLT offices.

15 repliesnewest first

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Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Onur ******

Onur ******

In Bangkok, you cannot find an appointment until April-May as of now. I got my appointment 3 weeks ago and it’s in March.

0

Phil ******

Phil ******

Usually varies for different offices but this here is a general guide

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

0

Axel *******

Axel *******

Wach the one hour video online and get a medical.

I used a step by step guide for this. Super easy.

1

Benjamin *********

Benjamin *********

Ask agent. It depends if you already have licence in your country, international licence, country etc.

Around 2-8k if already valid

10 20k if have to pass it here

1

Axel *******

Axel *******

@Benjamin ********

what the????

Why would anyone pay that.

Makes no sense

1

Xennex *******

Xennex *******

I agreee waste of money I know where all the police check points are in cnx easy to avoid :)

0

Benjamin *********

Benjamin *********

i do. Because i dont have time to waste.

0

Axel *******

Axel *******

@Benjamin ********

I appreciate that time is a very valuable commodity but you still have to compile all the info / documents yourself so the agent just checks it. And fills out the form for you. If The agent is doing it for you , like the test than that’s most likely not the legal way to do it.

If they help getting you to the front of the queue then maybe

0

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

Just go to DLT. Use google translate . You might get refused a same day appointment, but they are generally quite helpful and will let you know how to make the appointment.

Also, try the website and app for guidance

1

Stormtr*******

Stormtr*******

OP

Anonymous participant 600 I tried making an appointment but it shows all slots full for the entire month.

0

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

Stormtrooper23 so yea, you have the answer already. I think bangkok has 5 different DLTs. Try all of them, also, try going in person super early. It has worked for multiple people, including myself.

Just make sure you ask lots of questions and don’t get pushed off with a “make an appointment” Mae the path of least resistance the path of you walking out with an appointment or a license.

0

Onur ******

Onur ******

Anonymous participant 600 In which office did you try this trick and got lucky? Some of the offices do renewals only and don’t do new licenses as far as I see on the appointment website.

0

Stormtr*******

Stormtr*******

OP

Anonymous participant 600 Got it! Thanks.

0

Toni *******

Toni *******

Yes you go to DLT and convert your idp to thai license... thats all

1

John **********

John **********

Varies by office, best to ask your local DLT

1

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