How to Get a Thai Driver's License

This article begins with the usual disclaimer that laws in Thailand can change on a day to day basis and like every thing else here, depends where you go, who you see and what day of the week. The information provided is based on a consensus of personal experience.

If you decide to stay long term in Thailand you should get a Thai drivers license. A foreign license is not valid in Thailand and an International License (IDL) is only accepted as long as it’s valid (for 3 months). You must apply for your Thai drivers license in the province where you live. Applications must be made in person and some of the registration offices have English speaking staff, but don’t count on it. You must count approximately 2 days spent in the office to receive your license on average for your first time. There are separate licenses for the type of vehicle you would like to drive.

If you have a foreign photo license, check with your consulate to see if they can transfer it (sometimes with a letter of confirmation). In the case in which your Thai office accepts this paper, you will only need to perform the physical exams and tests without the driving test. This can save you time and trouble as the language instructions for the driving tests are usually in Thai.

What you need: Take originals & one set of copies
To be at least 18 years of age
If not a Thai national, you must hold a valid Non-Immigrant Visa (tourists can not apply). Work permit if applicable
Medical report/certificate under 1 month old & original
Affidavit of residence executed at your Embassy or Consulate
Copy of passport and visa page
2 Photos, 1 X 1 Inch
International Driver's License or Local Driving License for weight only
Processing fee, Fee: Car 105 Baht, Motorcycle 55 Baht

You will need a doctor certificate which is easily gotten by stopping into any neighborhood clinic for a document (50-80baht). They will perform a simple eye test and give you the paper necessary. You may also need a tabien bahn (house registration, signed by the home owner) or a residence certificate. This affidavit must be less than 1 month old. If doing 2 licenses, e.g., car and motorbike, then you can use a copy for the 2nd license.

Tip: The letter from the embassy is the fastest option, but the immigration office will provide this service for free. However, it may take 3-6 weeks to complete and an officer from your local police station will visit your place of residence for verification. If you are working in Thailand: the blue workbook, better known as your work permit, can replace either of these documents and serve as address verification!

Upon arriving at the office, you will need to fill out some forms and then take the physical exams. One test is a color test, one a distance test, and one reflex speed test.

Color Blindness Test: One of the officials will point to colored dots on a poster and you should responds by stating the dot's color. Answers in Thai are preferred but generally English is understood as well.

Reflex Test: Be seated behind an alternative gas and brake pedal and push the accelerator until the green led's start to light up. Hit the brake pedal before the led's reach the red zone. You will have to repeat this test twice.

Depth Perception Test: Use forward and back buttons to align a moving pin with a fixed one, in a small box at app. 10 meters distance. Initially it looks more confusing than it actually is. You will need to repeat this test twice.

Next comes the written examination (multiple choice quiz on computer). You may need to request study materials in English, however, don’t count on the examination questions to be based on the book! If you fail the exam, then you are free to return the next day and try again.

Once you have passed, you may take your papers over to the driving test. You will usually need a vehicle, altough some offices provide rentals. When you name is called, you will be asked to do a series of test: e.g. drive as close to the curb as possible, stop at the sign, turn signal, roundabout, parallel park and reverse in a straight line. Once this test is passed, you can immediately receive your drivers license and pay.

This license is good for one year, after which you can renew for another five years: you will need another doctors’ certificate, new photos, 550 baht & 100 baht if you want a smartcard.

If you have updated information or anything you would like to add to this article, please contact Cars4Thais.com and thanks for helping us provide the best information available on the web!