Applying for a Thai Driving Licence

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How to Apply for a Thai Driving Licence at the DLT (Department of Land and Transport office)

> No licence.
If you don't have an existing foreign licence, then you'll have to take the full theory and practical test.
Contact your local DLT to book an appointment and find out if they have an online theory test to enable you to practice beforehand. You'll face 50 questions from a possible 90 and the pass mark is 45 correct answers.

There are multiple online sites where you can practice for your theory exam and get the correct answers. Just Google, but here are a sample;
Practice exams Thailand – Driving license education (traffic-rules.com)
Thailand Driving License Test Online (thaidriving.info)

 

> Holder of Foreign licence.
Under the Geneva Convention of 1949 (Road Traffic) a Driving Licence in English format is perfectly valid for use in Thailand. Those not in English format must be accompanied by an IDP.
(International Driving Permit.) If you have a licence not in English and do not have an IDP then they must first be translated into English and copies certified by your Embassy.

Some Insurance companies will only grant temporary cover for 3 months on foreign licences. It is therefore wise to obtain a Thai licence if you intend to remain in Thailand for any length of time.

See; https://www.dlt.go.th/en/renew-license/

Documents for Thai Driving Licence.
1. Passport + Copy of homepage + Copy of Visa or Extension.
2. Existing Foreign Licence + Copy.
3. IDP (if applicable) + Copy.
4. Health Certificate.
5. Proof of Address – Residence certificate OR Tabien Baan + Copy.
6. The Fee.

Residence certificates can be obtained from local Immigration offices.
Immigration offices may request a letter from the DLT requesting the RC for the purpose of obtaining a car/motorcycle licence. The letter should state for a licence, for motorcycle, car, or both.

After a small series of tests, colour blindness, depth perception, reaction time and peripheral vision, you will be issued with a temporary 2 year Thai Driving Licence. You may also be asked to watch a 1 hour video.
Thereafter renewal of licences are every 5 years.

 

> Renewing your existing Thai driving licence.
After the initial issuance of the temporary 2 year Thai Driving licence, they must be renewed every 5 years

Documents for Renewing Thai Driving Licence.
1. Passport + Copy of homepage + Copy of Visa/Extension.
2. Existing Thai Licence + Copy.
3. Health Certificate.
4. Proof of Address – Residence certificate OR Tabien Baan + Copy.
5. The Fee.

Residence certificates can be obtained from local Immigration offices.
Immigration offices may request a letter from the DLT requesting the RC for the purpose of obtaining a car/motorcycle licence. The letter should state for a licence, for motorcycle, car, or both.

You will be required to take the small series of tests, colour blindness, depth perception, reaction time and peripheral vision, each time you renew your driving licence. You may also be asked to watch a 1 hour video.

The DLT do not send reminders for licence renewals. Your date of birth is used as the expiry date as a mental reminder.

Procedures and requirements can vary from each Department of Land Transport office.

The above information is for general guidance only and you should first check with your local DLT office for their personal requirements.