How to get driving license in Thailand for foreigners
If you hold an ED visa in Thailand or plan to study in Thailand for an extended period of time, a motorbike or car driving license is extremely useful. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, and legally as well!
Please see below for a list of the most common FAQs for foreigners who want to get a driving license in Thailand.
Q: Can I get a driver's license on a tourist visa?
Q: Can I get a Thai Driving License with an ED Visa?
Q: What are the lists of required documents for a driving license in Thailand?
- Passport with Visa (original and photocopy)
- Original present residence address in Thailand and certification from embassy / immigration bureau ( valid for 1 year) or work permit (with present residency identified) and original photocopy
- Original medical certificate ( 5 diseases form) from clinic or hospital (Valid for 1 month)
- Original and photocopy of valid international driving license (1949 convention) or local driving license (translate into English or Thai language and certify by embassy if it is not in the English language)
Q: How to apply for a motorbike license in Thailand?
A: Applying for a motorbike or car license in Thailand is a relatively easy, if not a time-consuming process, providing you have the necessary documentation. After submitting an application and document, you will wait in the queue for the procedure and tests as follows.
- Take a training 1 hour (Road Safety video)
- Take a physical test (Color Blindness test, Reflex test, Depth Perception test)
- Take a training 5 hours
- Take a theory test (30-minute multiple-choice, requires a 75% pass rate)
- Take a practical test ( you can use your own bike or car, and rent one there for 50 – 100 baht. If you fail, you might be able to try it again a few times on that day base on an examiner’s decision, and if the Queue is an on that day a lot, you might get an appointment to do a practice test again on another day.)
You will generally need to pass a practical and theory test before receiving your license but once you have it, what could be better than cruising the streets after a day learning Thai in class!
Q: How to apply for a car license in Thailand?
A: The process for attaining a car driving license is the same as applying for a motorbike license. The theory test will probably be easier after you learn the Thai language as you will have no need to brush up on your translation skills before the test.
Q: Can I download and print out real test questions?
Q: Can I renew a Thai Driving License online?
A: The mandatory training course for a Thai driver’s license is now available online. The e-learning course is accessible on the website www.dlt-elearning.com, which works with PCs, tablets, and smartphones.
To move on to the physical competency test, get in touch with your local Department of Land Transportation with your result. The period of time starting on the day you pass the test until the driver’s license is issued is 90 days.
The e-Learning lesson is only applicable if the license expires in less than a year or for an early renewal that lasts less than 90 days, so please take note of that.
Alternatively, you can go to local Land Transport Office where you obtained your original license. Normally when you get your first driving license. It’s originally for two years, lasts for two years after that you can renew it, and then renewed license will be for five years. Renew Fee 505 bath at the time of writing.
To renew a driving license, the list of required documents is as follows
- Original 2 years Thai Driving license
- Passport with non-immigrant visa (original and photocopy)
- Original present resident address in Thailand Certify from embassy/immigration bureau ( valid for 1 year) or work permit (with present residency identified) and original photocopy
- Original medical certificate ( 5 diseases form) from clinic or hospital (Valid for 1 month)
Q: If I have my own country’s car driving license, Do I need to take a test?
Q: If I already have an international driving license, Do I need to test again?
Q: How much does it cost to obtain a motorcycle and automobile license?
Remark:
We advise visiting the Department of Land Transport before 8:00 am to submit your application, provide supporting documentation, and obtain your queue if you are applying for a new license. On that day, most tasks will be completed. The next day, you must return for the driving test, hopefully.