Answered8 months ago
What tests and requirements do I need to complete when converting my foreign driver’s license to a Thai driver’s license at DLT?
I have a question about converting my drivers license into a Thai drivers license at DLT? I have all the paperwork done and an appointment set up at DLT. When I go, will they be having me take an additional test aside from the online video that I passed and have a QR code for ? And is there a practical test where I have to either drive or sit in some machine at DLT? I’ve seen posts addressing this but frankly I haven’t really understood them. Do they really make you sit in a box and press the gas pedal and stop pedal or is it more involved? I’ll be going to the DLT in Bangkok. Thanks
Answer summary
When converting a foreign driver's license to a Thai driver's license at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) in Bangkok, you typically need to complete several tests. These include an eyesight test, a color blindness check, and a reaction test. The requirements can vary based on the license type and your home country. It's recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to simplify the process. While some expats mention doing a lengthy training course, others report completing the process in about 90 minutes with only basic tests needed. Ensure all required documents, such as a residency certificate and a medical certificate, are prepared before your appointment.
57 repliesnewest first
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Jump****
OPThanks all! The whole thing took 90 mins in Bkk. Only did the color and reflex tests. So silly, but overall kind of fun. They didn’t even ask for the QR proof of watching the video or taking the test. Pretty easy if you have all your docs ready. Thanks again!
John **********
I did the online test,took the QR code to the licence center who then gave me Reaction,Colour Blindness and Peripheral eye test.Then gave me my new licence.
Paul **********
Were abouts in Thailand are you most provenance go about it different
Wayne *******
Come guys stop advising on a situation that’s since has changed in 2026.
THESE ARE THE FACTS ABOUT GETTING A LICENSE NOW.
Required Documents (Originals + Copies):
Passport: Valid passport with a non-immigrant visa (tourist visas may be accepted at some offices, but long-term is preferred).
Residency Certificate: Issued by Thai Immigration or your Embassy, or a Work Permit.
Medical Certificate: A "5-diseases" form from a clinic/hospital, valid for 30 days.
Driving Licence: Your home country licence, plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) if not in English.
The Procedure:
Book Appointment: It is highly recommended to book an appointment at your local DLT office in advance, as appointments can be weeks out.
Training & Tests: You must complete a 5-hour training session, physical, theory (
Fees: Approximately 205 THB for a car and 105 THB for a motorcycle.
Validity: You will initially receive a 2-year "temporary" license.
Key 2026 Notes:
Theory Test: The 90% pass rate (
Video Training: A 1-hour road safety video/E-learning must be completed, often with a QR code proof.
No Exceptions: Foreigners must go in person for the first license, even if holding an IDP
THESE ARE THE FACTS ABOUT GETTING A LICENSE NOW.
Required Documents (Originals + Copies):
Passport: Valid passport with a non-immigrant visa (tourist visas may be accepted at some offices, but long-term is preferred).
Residency Certificate: Issued by Thai Immigration or your Embassy, or a Work Permit.
Medical Certificate: A "5-diseases" form from a clinic/hospital, valid for 30 days.
Driving Licence: Your home country licence, plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) if not in English.
The Procedure:
Book Appointment: It is highly recommended to book an appointment at your local DLT office in advance, as appointments can be weeks out.
Training & Tests: You must complete a 5-hour training session, physical, theory (
*****
to pass), and practical exams.Fees: Approximately 205 THB for a car and 105 THB for a motorcycle.
Validity: You will initially receive a 2-year "temporary" license.
Key 2026 Notes:
Theory Test: The 90% pass rate (
*****
) is strictly enforced, with questions covering traffic signs and rules.Video Training: A 1-hour road safety video/E-learning must be completed, often with a QR code proof.
No Exceptions: Foreigners must go in person for the first license, even if holding an IDP
Kevin ********
DLT online training takes approximately 2 hours and consists of watching 4 parts video and answering questions. Presenting your application at DLT requires a doctor's note, proof of address, your visa for Thailand. You will get 4 other tests at DLT (2 hours). Pay 505 baht, photo taken and license issue.
Pierre ********
You never know...l think its different every time you go.. just smile...be nice...take your Thai woman with you and pay when told....its less painful that way..( not painless...just less painfull)..but its something you need so pony up with that smile and in ya go!
Tom ***********
Acronyms are the worst. DTV, IDP, DLT. It feels like you have to be in an elite group to understand what’s going on. 
These are questions from new people, including myself. Use the real word so everybody knows what everybody else is talking about 
These are questions from new people, including myself. Use the real word so everybody knows what everybody else is talking about 
Ian ********
Destination tourist visa .international driving permit .Department of land transport
Wilfred ********
Eye sight test, reaction test. Perception test
Michael ******
I had only online video and short test. I had my dl from the state that was still valid...that the important document. No driving test, or gas pedal test. Maybe color chart...can't remember.
Haim *******
You will have to pass the reaction test and dept of field perception test
Brenton ******
I had an Australian car and motorcycle licence as well as an International Drivers Licence, I had to do only the colour test. I'm in Chiang Mai.
Magnus *********************
The test is easy if you convert, it’s the paperwork then the test, 3 different stations, and since your foreigner they try put you in a class that has English subtitles in video and put you in front so you can read it. Video is 45 min.
Then you wait for your turn and get your license. (2 year in my case) Converted way (mine was included that I had IDP).
My Thai license expired during covid and I changed it 2 years after, that time it was expired and I had to do the full test, it means a loooooooong video, several hours and then do the written test (50 questions, 45 has to be correct. (No worry, all questions and answers are online) and they have them in English.
Passed and got 5 year license.
It’s no big deal actually and only cost 505 Baht 😆
I’m my country it would cost 50.000-100.000 baht…
Then you wait for your turn and get your license. (2 year in my case) Converted way (mine was included that I had IDP).
My Thai license expired during covid and I changed it 2 years after, that time it was expired and I had to do the full test, it means a loooooooong video, several hours and then do the written test (50 questions, 45 has to be correct. (No worry, all questions and answers are online) and they have them in English.
Passed and got 5 year license.
It’s no big deal actually and only cost 505 Baht 😆
I’m my country it would cost 50.000-100.000 baht…
Graeme *******
Think it makes a difference where you front, International drivers license a must plus license in english language helps. Line up at DLT then they send you onto the next waiting line, hand over license pay money think it was 200 baht then they asked me would I watch a video, said yes then onto the reaction test colour test and not sure what it is called but you line up two cables with markers on them then pic. On to watch video, with all the Thais sat there for about 30 mins watching this time english subtitles wife said they calling you handed me my new 5 yr license. Lunch in Maha Sarakham. Actually while there another farang who said no to video, my wife said lady behind the counter talked to his wife, no video no license. So take your time tests are easy , but have that International license with you.
David *********
The actual physical tests are simple to say the least
Wayne *******
David Shearer David not anymore all changed in 2026
Graham ******
Wayne Lucas You keep saying that but don't say what changed.
David *********
Wayne Lucas ok didn’t know
Needed to be more comprehensive
Needed to be more comprehensive
Chuck **********
Oh, and I forgot a medical certificate. It cost me 50 but I believe and I already do is take your blood pressure and a couple little things like that. Bring that certificate with you also
Chuck **********
If you have an international drivers license, it’s very very easy I went there. I had to have a certificat from immigration of your address. All I did was take the certificate. I went to drivers in Huson and just did a high test near and far and that’s about it. I got it like right away. They printed it out right there my license and everything it’s very easy I would not even use a agent or anything.
Wez ***********
I applied for the Thai car and Motorcycle licences at Khon Kaen DLT, done the 5 online E learning Modules, saved the QR, went just after opening the next morning, lodged all the paperwork as well as my IDP and Australian(Victorian) licence, Passport and 2 copies of each for the separate licences, got sent upstairs to do the colour test, the proximity test and braking test, however they only asked me to do the colour test, went back downstairs,paid for the both Licences, 5 minutes later photos taken and Licences issued, all under 45 Minutes.
Also a medical certificate, a local clinic in Khon Kaen charged me 60B, the doctor checked my BP only and gave me the certificate.
Also a medical certificate, a local clinic in Khon Kaen charged me 60B, the doctor checked my BP only and gave me the certificate.
Dave *******
Took the test yesterday for renewal of DL
Online review in Thai with English subtitles. After was 5 simple questions to answer . Once passed get a QR code to show at local DL office.
At office,
1) Test for color blindness
2) Depth perception, line up two vertical bars
3) Brake reaction test, to see how quickly you react from green light to red
4) not sure what this tested , placed your head between a device looking straight head ,pressing buttons and reacting when saw two white patterns on the side, assuming checking peripheral vision
Passed all and got 5 year renewal
Overall about 2 hours
Online review in Thai with English subtitles. After was 5 simple questions to answer . Once passed get a QR code to show at local DL office.
At office,
1) Test for color blindness
2) Depth perception, line up two vertical bars
3) Brake reaction test, to see how quickly you react from green light to red
4) not sure what this tested , placed your head between a device looking straight head ,pressing buttons and reacting when saw two white patterns on the side, assuming checking peripheral vision
Passed all and got 5 year renewal
Overall about 2 hours
Malcolm **********
If you have an international license (I think just a license from you own country is enough) then you shouldn't have to do the mandatory 2 day course (might have changed since i did it) but you will still have to do the practical tests, colour blind, reaction, peripheral vision & depth perception. If you don't have a license from your own country then be prepared for having to do the 2 day course.
Pete *******
Malcolm Whitlock no such thing as an international license and a home country driving license is not enough to legally drive in Thailand. You must also hold an International Drivers Permit. It is the permit that validates your home country license to drive in Thailand. The DLT will convert your home country license into a Thai license without an IDP as long as it is in English. Otherwise you will need an Embassy certified translation into Thai of your home country license, as I needed to do with my German driving license.
Jim *********
I did car and bike. My IDP covered me for the car. Online 10 question test and 3 sitting test, colour, breaking and perception.
Didn't have IDP for motorcycle. Had to do full test. 50 questions in DLT office, actually driving test on course in DLT. Fairly straightforward. Do a bit of homework on rules of the road
Didn't have IDP for motorcycle. Had to do full test. 50 questions in DLT office, actually driving test on course in DLT. Fairly straightforward. Do a bit of homework on rules of the road
Jump****
OPThanks everyone, I have IDP, but when I went to DLT to set up my appointment they told me that I didn’t need to bring it when I actually came in for my appointment. I have a regular drivers license for driving a car and that’s the license I’m looking to obtain. It sounds like the three tests are quite simple. I just didn’t know the three colors light test was any different than the US? I notice that sometimes at a traffic like in Thailand, you see a flashing yellow or flashing red light and I just didn’t know if they were going to ask me specifically about that or about any of the traffic signs (from the video)? It sounds like it’s more simplistic? 
John **********
Jumper25 Just the 3 main colours, red, yellow and green. No flashing involved
John **********
Do you have an IDP? That makes the process so much easier.
Test wise, assuming you are only looking for a licence for categories you are licensed for at home, you usually need to do a reaction test (the braking one), a traffic light Test (colours) and a perception test (lining up 2 markers)
Test wise, assuming you are only looking for a licence for categories you are licensed for at home, you usually need to do a reaction test (the braking one), a traffic light Test (colours) and a perception test (lining up 2 markers)
Wayne *******
@John *********
John not anymore 2026 all changedGraham ******
Wayne Lucas What changed? I renewed mine in January, no driving test for the first one two years ago or for the renewal (Sa Kaeo province) i.e, no change.
Wayne *******
Graham Seal it’s not a renewal issue. It’s obtaining your first two year Thai licenses starting in 2026.
The aged 70 and over rule will also be enforced so all the 70 year olds currently who have a five year license and when it’s renewed LTD has the right to enforce license term as per the policy.
The aged 70 and over rule will also be enforced so all the 70 year olds currently who have a five year license and when it’s renewed LTD has the right to enforce license term as per the policy.
Ian ********
I went to my DLT yesterday and they said that I had to do a 2 day course with a driving school so maybe rules vary across Thailand
David **********
Ian Carman you have to have an idp
Ian ********
I have one
Wayne *******
Ian Carman spot on Ian in 2026 they changed it for expats it’s a lot harder now.
There is a reason for it police found expats with licenses involved in an accident and they couldn’t speak Thai or English so police queried how did they get a Thai license, so they put an implementation date and things were to be changed.
There’s a way around it and I would assume you know what that is?
There is a reason for it police found expats with licenses involved in an accident and they couldn’t speak Thai or English so police queried how did they get a Thai license, so they put an implementation date and things were to be changed.
There’s a way around it and I would assume you know what that is?
Wayne *******
Not with renewal and the only impacts for expats is the timeframe available for an appointment. But for a change over from own country license to a Thai license it’s changed.
Not like originally colour eye test and reaction, residents certificate, medical, IDP and own country license done.
For a change over of licence first time it’s all changed.
I personally couldn’t care less I have Thai licenses so I am not impacted but from a friend who thought he would outsmart the system it backfired badly.
He booked an appointment at a LTD where he couldn’t get in for three weeks, he should have don’t it locally.
Anyway he spent the night in a hotel went to the regional LTD for his appointment at 8:30am found out he had to do the question tests, watch videos, failed the test by this time it was mid afternoon, in frustration he stated to walk out of the LTD but the staff member called him back and told him he could sit the test again and this time he passed the test.
End of story no, he had to book another night stay in the hotel he had to go back for the riding skills tests, finally left the LTD with license in hand at 12:30.
He told me if he knew what was ahead of him he wouldn’t have done it by himself but got help from an agent.
What was the case isn’t the case now.
Not like originally colour eye test and reaction, residents certificate, medical, IDP and own country license done.
For a change over of licence first time it’s all changed.
I personally couldn’t care less I have Thai licenses so I am not impacted but from a friend who thought he would outsmart the system it backfired badly.
He booked an appointment at a LTD where he couldn’t get in for three weeks, he should have don’t it locally.
Anyway he spent the night in a hotel went to the regional LTD for his appointment at 8:30am found out he had to do the question tests, watch videos, failed the test by this time it was mid afternoon, in frustration he stated to walk out of the LTD but the staff member called him back and told him he could sit the test again and this time he passed the test.
End of story no, he had to book another night stay in the hotel he had to go back for the riding skills tests, finally left the LTD with license in hand at 12:30.
He told me if he knew what was ahead of him he wouldn’t have done it by himself but got help from an agent.
What was the case isn’t the case now.
Ian *******
Wayne Lucas yes there are agents who do it all for you. They don't care whether you speak Thai or English.
Wayne *******
Ian Whyte not correct Ian are you an agent or an offical and the answer is no and you are basing your statement on hearsay information.
There have been agents posting responses to individuals on this platform to stop spreading baseless claims which yours is.
Just stop it you hinder more than help
There have been agents posting responses to individuals on this platform to stop spreading baseless claims which yours is.
Just stop it you hinder more than help
Graham ******
Wayne Lucas I renewed mine in January, no driving test for the first one two years ago or for the renewal (Sa Kaeo province) so not harder ;)
Jump****
OPIan, what city are you in?
Ian ********
Pathum Thani
John **********
@Ian *******
I'm guessing your home license/IDP didn't cover you for the category of license you were applying forIan ********
I’ve got a uk license and IDP but both DLT and driving school said I had to do the 2 day course .This obviously contradicts the general consensus but I will probably have to go along with it .Its only 3000bt but its more the time wasted then cost .Only upside is that the driving school seems to get preferential treatment at DLT and can queue jump as I witnessed yesterday with my wife
Graham ******
Ian Carman yes, could be a scan ongoing with the staff and driving school
Ian ********
I know just want to speak to someone maybe more knowledgeable than the info desk guy
John **********
@Ian *******
without the residence certificate and a medical certificate they're not going to entertain youIan ********
It’s the official one .I will go back to DLY because I think there was a misunderstanding.Dont get my COR until the 12th so plenty of time
John **********
@Ian *******
is your IDP a legitimate one obtained in the UK from an authorised outlet or one of the dodgy ones you can buy online?
Atrustwor*********
Ian Carman yes probably thought you want bike licence and if its not on the IDP you have to do the lot driving tests etc so maybe a simple misunderstanding
Ian ********
It’s for car .I will go back to DLT and try and speak to a manager and find out the policy as I think I was wrongly advised
Atrustwor*********
Ian Carman did you ask for a thai bike licence and do you have a UK bike licence ? Not known anyone that had valid licence and idp to do a 2 day course
David **********
there is an eyesight colourblind check and a brake reaction test very simple
James ******
David Chinnery I am colour blind but have drove for over 30 years in uk is this a problem in Thailand
Michael *******
@James *****
don’t worry it’s simple I’m also color blind your first licence is valid for 2 years .. then your renewal will be for 5 years I Did mine in Bang Chak not far from BTS station ..Michael *******
@James *****
I had the same your international license it’s only valid for 90 days in Thailand even if your license is valid for one year ..If you have an accident the first think insurance ask is for your license and passport thy check to see if your IDP is valid and check you arrival stamp on passport it’s only valid for 90 day .. I had an accident no fault of my own I was inside off the period so I was ok but the insurance broker who came out to the accident advised me to change to full Thai license …
James ******
Michael Flynn thankyou for response i have my international licence but thinking about staying longer so thai license will be better
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