Answered3 months ago
What should I do before leaving Canada to make getting a Thai driver's license easier?
Is there anything I should do *before* leaving Canada that will make the process of getting a Thai drivers license any easier?
Answer summary
Before leaving Canada to obtain a Thai driver's license, consider the following steps: ensure your Canadian driver's license is valid, acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP), and check the specific visa requirements that may affect your application. It's also recommended to complete any necessary medical certificates, and familiarize yourself with the driving regulations and differences in driving culture in Thailand. Experiences may vary by province, so be prepared for different requirements at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) offices.
26 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Jeff *************
Just a FYI, you need 2 licenses 1 for a car or truck, the second one if you plan on driving a motorcycle or scooter on the streets
Rick **********
You should of get it in Canada same day
Emil ***********
Make sure your Canadian driver's license is still valid. Sometimes, you might need it to facilitate getting your Thai license. Also, take a few driving lessons here as it is much different driving in Thailand than in Canada.
Thorsten ***********
You need the right Visa !
GentleG********
OPThorsten Massinger Mine is a Capital One 😉
Richard *******
Get your international licence and make sure that you're current licence isn't close to the expiry date.
Paul **********
Are you staying here long term and wanting to drive legally or looking to pass the test and then use the licence upon return to Canada?
Because the latter you cannot do.
Because the latter you cannot do.
GentleG********
OPPaul Franklin long-term
Lee *************
Get an international driver's licence, and bring your home country Drivers licence with you,
Michael *********
Get insurance too. It’s dangerous on the roads.
BTW, if oncoming traffic flashes their lights it means ‘I’m coming through’ not ‘go ahead’ like in Canada.
Driving protocols are different in Thailand, and very nuanced. Things like a more expensive car expects you to yield, and you better do it, losing ‘face’ is serious, and some people carry guns. Don’t honk more than once, see above. The lane is not yours, you will share it with motorcyclists, don’t weave.
BTW, if oncoming traffic flashes their lights it means ‘I’m coming through’ not ‘go ahead’ like in Canada.
Driving protocols are different in Thailand, and very nuanced. Things like a more expensive car expects you to yield, and you better do it, losing ‘face’ is serious, and some people carry guns. Don’t honk more than once, see above. The lane is not yours, you will share it with motorcyclists, don’t weave.
GentleG********
OPMichael LaCroix In Canada a lights flash usually means "cops ahead," and I've had a gun pointed at me driving on Beltway 8 in Houston, so hopefully I'll be prepared. 😉
Scott **********
Bring an international drivers licence
Jack *****
phan dlt would not accept the on line test.. sat through 4 hours of video.. like I understand Thai.. asked AI for practice quiz.. 50 question quiz also 10 question quiz.. do multiple times as some of the questions change.. .. passed the test next day. Chiang Rai province.
Floyd ******
Your california license will be no good without an international driver's license.You must have an international license.Get it from AA
Paul ********************
@Floyd *****
you do realise Canada is a independent country not part of the state of California don't you ❓🤦
Graeme *******
Make sure you have an International License
Lionsa******
If you plan to rent a scooter, make sure you have your CA motorcycle license as well.
Radius ******************
Come with your international driving license and your actual driving license.And it's a lot easier
Damon *********
Many DLT offices differ in how they interpret and apply the rules. Banglamung (Pattaya) has a reputation for being one of the stricter offices, but experiences vary and policies can change.
David *****
Damon Campion I'm not sure what office you are referring to but the Chonburi office closest to Pattaya is easy. Did my 5 year renewal there yesterday
Dave *******
For me, no road test.
I had my Canadian drivers license , medical certificate from any clinic and a resident certificate from immigration
Prior to going to DLT office, completed an online test. At the office, three assessments;
Color blindness, spacial assessment and stop reaction test.
I had my Canadian drivers license , medical certificate from any clinic and a resident certificate from immigration
Prior to going to DLT office, completed an online test. At the office, three assessments;
Color blindness, spacial assessment and stop reaction test.
GentleG********
OPDave Allen Medical cert from a Thai clinic?
Brandon ************
Get an international drivers permit. At some DLT offices it will help you when applying for the Thai DL. You'll see lots of people say you don't need it, but better to be overprepared than underprepared. When I got my license in Chiang Mai they wanted the IDP.
Graham ******
@Brandon ***********
me too, first licence in Sa Kaeo province no driving test or no video because I had a valid IDPGentleG********
OP@Brandon ***********
Did you have to take a road test, or just a written test?
Lewis ***********
Probably get your Canadian drivers licence and international driving permit.
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