How To Get A Thai Drivers License
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ค. 2024
- If you want to get your Thai Drivers License this video is a full guide on how to do it.
I'll show you the entire process as I go through it, from preparing all the documents to visiting the Department of Land Transport. I'll even show you where I went to get my Medical Exam.
As promised, here's a link to check out the Safety Wing pricing calculators if you are looking for Health Insurance:
Nomad Health: b.link/safetywing/nomadhealth...
Nomad Insurance: b.link/safetywing/nomadinsura...
More Links:
DLT Office: maps.app.goo.gl/5BHDndQA2wiyS...
WellMed Clinic: maps.app.goo.gl/Hs93tFQwSUdHW...
Handy Thailand tools for you:
🇹🇭 LEARN TO SPEAK THAI: www.thailanguagechallenge.com...
🏠 Buying or Renting Property in Thailand: retiredworkingforyou.com/real...
🍲 Experience Thailand Like a Local With My Mobile App: retiredworkingforyou.com/teenee/
🌴 Epic Thailand Group Tours: www.rw4utours.com
✈️ Free Flights, Meetups, and Fun: retiredworkingforyou.com/memb...
My goal with this channel is to grow a community of Thailand Lovers who like to have fun. Day dreaming is encouraged here. Always remember, you only get so many trips around the sun... so make 'em count!
0:00 Get Your Thai Drivers License
0:48 Part 1: How to Prepare
4:10 Getting a Medical Certificate
8:44 Part 2: Department of Land Transport
14:31 Part 3: Tips For You
![BOWKYLION - ส่วนต่าง (do it without me) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7x-pwcMopzE/mqdefault.jpg)
I went to the DLT near Suphanburi, showed them my passport, O retirement visa, health cert. and USA driver's license. They made copies for me, took a photo, asked for 205 Baht, made me watch the video and then gave me the license. Took about 1.5 hours. Very nice people and easy process.
My experience getting a Thai driver’s licence was memorable. 3 hours of waiting and moving line to line with my driver advising me along the way then just over 100 baht and a colour test . On the way out we drove past a group of Thai guys standing around and I asked him “ what are they doing?” To which he responded “Mr John, that’s the expensive way that takes 20 minutes”. I said “how expensive?” To which he responded “300 baht” - I thought….wow, I just saved 200 baht and all it took was an extra couple of hours of my time…hmmmmmm. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him how I really felt.
Yeah I just did a quote online with that company and they're crazy expensive. The cheapest I could find with a 1 million policy and a $10,000 deductible was almost $400 a month. I'm almost 66 with no pre-existing conditions and in pretty good health. And don't need coverage worldwide just Southeast Asia, but at that price and my age it's cheaper to self-insure. Also it was weird they wouldn't let me pick a date outside the end of the month. I won't be back in Thailand for several months and my Medicare advantage will cover me for emergencies for 3 months. Yet I couldn't choose a July or August date.
The idea of driving in Thailand is not attractive to me however having a Thai driver's license would be a good idea for someone living there. Thanks for taking us through it.
Your enthusiasm for living in Thailand is infectious. The cure is to get back there as soon as possible.
I did my Thai driver’s license on Monday 25 March. Basically a conversion. I’m on non-O visa. Got my resident certificate early on from my embassy B$110 valid for 30 days. Went to DLT Chatuchak, building 4. Did the medical test at the clinic outside DLT for B$150 (quick & easy). Bring copies of passport details page, visa page, country’s driving license front/back. Bring the originals too. I started at the clinic 8AM and got my license done at 3PM. Lots of waiting in DLT. Basically, to submit my documents at 11AM based on the Q number then wait for 1PM to watch the 1hr video. Paid B$205.
B$110 Resident Certificate
B$20 Photo copies
B$100 car parking
B$150 Medical
B$205 Thai license
TOTAL B$585 🎉
What is involved in the medical test ?
@@jonhobson3592
Just to test your blood pressure. Mainly a simple test. More for show 😅
@@christopherlaw9184 ok thanks. I check mine regular at my local hospital where I go for blood tests so shall ask them maybe to do it.
@@jonhobson3592 Absolutely nothing. They might check your blood pressure and ask you a couple of questions. Any walk-in clinic can provide the certificate. When I was going for the health certificate, I asked my Thai friends about it and they laughed. They said all the certificate does is confirm you are "krop 32" (ครบ32). The expression comes from Thai traditional medicine and refers to the 20 earth elements and 12 water elements combined. In other words, it just confirms you're not handicapped.
When I got my license, I had to take a color blind test. The Thai man in front of me got every color wrong. People were shocked because he was obviously color blind. But the official in charge just passed him onto the next part of the test.
@christopherlaw Your post is confusing as written. What does "B$" mean? You paid 205 baht, or 205 USD?
If you haven't added Thai language to your keyboard, then please write the word "baht" after the amount to avoid any confusion.
You should be able to add Thai language to your keyboard on your mobile device. Even if you can't read Thai, you'll be able to find the symbol "฿" very easily when you tap the numbers button on your keyboard. 👍
Do I need to know how to get a Thai license?..nope.. do I absolutely love this guy and his editing style… Yeah 100%.
Very informative .
You are correct having an international driving license with your country driving license makes it easy
Three bits of paper, Doctors certificate, immigration certificate confirming residency and DLT form. Thai driving license granted with 5 minutes after photo taken for the Thai driving license. No test required
Initially granted for two years.
It depends on each DLT (province). Even with a Thai DL you must do all the tests and videos after 2 years and renewel.
@@susanzimmerli5178 …. Errrr No, never done a Thai driving test and now on my second renewal ?
nice channel...70 year old from America and have been coming to Thailand for over 20 years now..I pulled the trigger this year and bought a condo but purchased a duplex in America before I purchased in Thailand... I finally opened a bank account which was very difficult and to even find a bank that was willing to let me open an account was definitely tough. One of my major expenses is doing laundry via coin machines. .I probably go through 3 shirts a day.
I like you video of what happens when the Thailand excitement drug wears off.
I'm starting to enter the grumpy stage and I need to head that off while I can.
As you know this time of year it's hot as hell..
But im going to keep positive , plan on traveling out of the country for a break for 10 days and keep up the good videos so I dont miss anything.
Your 70 and you've bought a condo are you crazy ffs
Why not just rent? You said 70, right?
@@user-xp6qx1nb6sWhy you say this ? They bought duplex USA first Probably making enough off to pay for condo Thailand ??? Maybe
@uncapabrew4807 but why buy he's 80 ffs he could die tomorrow enjoy his money not waste on a condo crazy Americans just look at the fucked up country says it all
I have a Thai license and I got a residence certificate from immigration very easy. For those of you looking for an international license in the United States AAA which is an automobile insurance company offers one for $20.
Very nice well documented video there Chris.
iCare Thailand sent me! Love what you’ve done with them!
For the motorcycle license you need to have your landlord register you with the state. I think it was a T10. That form came from immigration. I have a two year license that expired while I was away from Thailand and now I need to renew or get a new license. To be seen. Please do the get a motorcycle license vid for everyone. Your info was quite spot on. I think different offices do things slightly different. I went to a school and that counted for a lot. It was in Chiang Mai . Thanks for what you do
exactly the video we needed thank you!!
Good and useful video, thanks Chris!
Great job Chris as always !
Thank you for this video Chris. I did already read up on this stuff but its more clear seeing it in a video like this nicely summed up
Thanks Chris for the details! Super helpful mate!
Thank you for this....take care and be safe
Thank you so much. This is really helpful 😊
Thank you, all your videos are just excellent, congratulations!
Brilliant video. Thank You.
Amazing!! Bradley is looking to get his license soon. Thank you Chris ❤
Handy to know. Many thanks.
Super helpful video, not only to finally get my long overdue drivers license but to change my health insurance plan as well. Cheers
Thank you so much for all this information, great work putting it all together. I will be going through the process soon. Car license should be easy, but I may need to do a test for the motorbike license as I don't have that at home.
I'm just happy while watching your videos you make me feel at ees which is really needed for me right now I'm dealing with a cheating wife just a rough period for me so thank you
Thanks for the video Christy, I need to get a license one of these days. Living life on the edge now
Thanks again you seem to have ESP as we were just talking about this. As the house sells we will head to LA and the Thai Embassy we will also visit AAA for our International Drivers License. Again you have provided needed information in an easily understood and entertaining way. Thanks again
Just visited DLT office in video. Without any appointment no license. Walk in policy fully on hold. Asked for appointment and get after document check on 21 May. Be prepare for that. I go 7 am of the morning and still saw 100 people. 8-10% is easily foreigner. So not that easy now at least. Maybe this video make this DLT office popular. Lol
Some great tips C.J., i think a lot of people can use this. I just use my international one from back home which is 3 years valid, costs 20 euro or about 800 bath. But one day i will get a Thai one, maybe these tips can help me then, thanks buddy 🙏
Have a great weekend, happy easter Chris 🤗 and as always, C Ya in the next one, cheers 👊🍻
Great advise cheers 👍😁very useful 😁
Great show Chris. Stay cool 😎 kind and generous.
Just got my Thai DL in Phetchabun cost me 205 Baht for 2 yr DL. Went in there with my TM30, USA DL, and recent medical certificate. Had to sit through a 1 hr video and pass the DL eye test and stop/steat reaction test. Too easy man😊😊
Hi mate i live in Phetchabun also when i went up there they ask if i coult read thai i said no "then you go bangkok" was the rude anser. How did you get to do it,thank you.
@@frits4100 Man sorry to hear that. I had my Thai fiance with me so she help with initial translations. We went to the DL office in Smothot first and they were no help at all just gave us the runaround said I could not get it there. Then we went to the DL office in Phetchabun City andI gave them my TM30, USA DL, and recent medical certificate. They had me do a basic eye test and stop/go reaction test. Then I sat through a 1 hour video course that had me answer a few questions. Actually the lady was so nice I slid a 500 baht note into her hand on the way out of the office (charge for the DL was 205 baht.). Maybe having my Thai fiance with me helped the process.
@@frits4100 Went to Smothot first close to Wichianburi but they gave me the run around no can do:) So then went to the Thai DL office in Phetchabun City I had my Thai fiance with me so the speaking translation was no problem from Thai to English. Did a basic eye test then a stop/go reaction test. Then watched a 60 minute video and answered some basic questions. The lady was so nice I slipped her 500 baht before I left but the fee was only 205 baht.
TM30? That's weird.
Good job Chris 👏👏👏👍👍👏
I really hope I get to meet you one day what a great soul keep up the good work I just watch the bio luminescent episode or glow in the dark water it was called how beautiful
Great details
In Thailand, your automobile and motorcycle license are on separate cards, so you actually get two licenses...they look the same but are labelled differently on the back. You also pay an additional fee for it. I had my international license from home showing/stamped for car and motorcycle when I did this process over 2 years ago. I did have to watch the video, do the brake reaction and colour blindness test but no road test. I did mine on Koh Samui by myself, had all my documents and was out the door with both licenses after about 2 1/2 hours. I also went first thing in the morning. I just did my first renewal a couple months ago at Chatuchak and still had to do the medical, residence certificate as well as the various tests. FYI...the medical and residence certificates (for me) expired after 1 month. Coincidentally I went to the same med clinic as Chris in the video.
I did mine in Samui, 5 hours of video, then an hour break, straight into road laws exam, then the driving test itself.
Damn long day!
Nobody said anything about accepting my overseas licence (car, bike, bus, truck), 😮😆
Good vlog good to know mate🙏🙏
Great info.
thanks Chris
I just renewed my temporary 2 year motorbike and car license this week and got the 5 year. I didn't use a Visa Company the first time around or for the renewal. Straight forward I felt however everyone is different and I can understand some people being intimidated by these types of processes so it can make sense to go with an agent for this and other requirements.
what visa were you on for the renewal?
@@Eva56789Retirement OA 1 year
I love this guy but he always pushes his affiliate link for medical insurance which I found is 10 times more expensive than most others. My advice would be shop around. It's definitely NOTas expensive as the company ge promotes. Sorry Chris but most people want to save money
So you did exactly what Chris said, then. You did your own research and who you choose is entirely up to you.
We did our licenses at the same place a year ago and you don't need to sit one hour watching the video but can do it online and complete questionnaire at home beforehand. The online requires the video to run start to end but you can leave it running on a second PC screen whilst multi tasking. You can also just show a pink ID card and yellow house book if you have these on a retirement extension so no need to go to immigration. There's a medical cert service for 100THB at the foot of the BTS station nearby that took us 1 minute. Finally I don't know how you got away with it, but when I went dressed like you in short pants they refused me entry to the compulsory physical exam room but were renting out long pants to wear somewhere else in the building.
Thanks as always!
You’ve just saved me over 7,000 (seven thousand!) Bht = what my ‘agent’ was going to charge 😂
Great content as always!
I got my DL last year but it took way longer. The education video lasted all morning, close to 4 hours. Had to take the driving theory test on a computer afterwards. There was also a short class before the driving test, lasted maybe another 30-40 minutes. I was probably there closer to 8 hours over the course of several days.
It depends a lot on your IDL and whether you apply for converting it within the first 3 months of your stay in Thailand. If you apply later then they „punish“ you with more testing. Only few are aware of the law that says Inernat. DL is only valid 3 months in Thailand, even if the IDL itself is valid a couple of years.
Retirement visa here and I needed the residence, which in BKK they only offer you after 90days stay in BKK. I travel often still, so that didnt work.
Did the process in Hua Hin, done in 1hr.
Super Alpha info !
That’s wild I literally just asked my gf to find out how I can get mine. Hopefully I can get it this week!!
That was great. hanks. I've been stopped twice by local cops and I only have a New Mexico license. I'm planning on going to Phang Nga this week to try to get a Thai license. Do you know if it's any different if I'm just applying for a motorcycle license?
Im on non OA and have to go to imigration but remember if you want to buy car ask for 2 recidecy documents as you need when purcase car to.
Useful. I have a uk licence and shall start preparing the things soon .. I was told to wait for my new 90 day report before applying for the residency certificate.. can I get medical certificate from the hospital I have used for blood tests etc as they have my records 🙏
Hey Chris your videos are the best, not to mention reassuring and calming. I have a question about water and electric bills. After you rent a condo how do those two bill actually get to you? Do the utility company's email them to you? Does the condos front desk hand them to you? How exactly does that work Chris? I think I recall you mentioning that they both can be paid at 7-11. Am I correct about that. Also, when the time comes, I'm sure I'll be watching your drivers license video a few times to get it all right. Thanks again---Kelly
My condo puts my water and electric bills in my post box. You pay the water bill directly to the condo juristic office (120 BT approx) The electric bill: Just go to 7/11 or Lotus's ( 1200 to 1500 bt approx) I'm outside of Bangkok, so my bills may be a bit cheaper. Hope that helps👍
Remember to people just come for a short period to choose international licence of of the duration of 3 year, no only one
In ialy it cost 45 euro
Save money, time and last for 3 year
If i remember is the VIENNA convenction
Renew in your country every 3 year
Thanks Chriss for info, wonderfull as usual
neat!
been there done that 2 twice lol wish you made this video months ago lol
What immigration needs in each province to issue a residence certificate can vary. In Nothaburi I needed TM30, copy of owners Tabian Baan, and Chanote/Sales Contract/Rental agreement.
Also I am from Vancouver Canada🇨🇦 hope one day will meet for a cold one.
Rocky Alan Lane
The Amazing Rocky Lane Show !
Hello retired 🙆♀️
if you are on a tourist visa including eleie visa you can only renew it for 2 years at a time not 5 year like on a retirement visa
Cost me 800 baht to get my car and motorbike license.
Took only 15 minutes at immigration to get residency certificate.
And was in and out of the transport office within one hour.
So don’t get scammed by these agents, it’s really not that hard.
Unlikely you walk out with a residency certificate by spending just 15 minutes at Chaeng Watthana immigration as you have to wait for them to send or you pick it up in a week or two. It might be possible to pay much for to expedite it there. At Nonthaburi immigration there is no option for that and I had to wait a week before I could pick it up.
@@wheric correct, I spent 15 minutes at immigration. The certificate was sent in the mail to my condo as this is the protocol in Bangkok
I miss your videos Chris
letter of residence (just went to immigration with letter of stay from hotel), doctor certificate, international driver's license, Canadian drivers license, passport and copies of everything. They wanted me to come back in 6 weeks for appointment, provided a copy of my ticket home and they let me in that day. Just light/reaction test for 2 year.
5 year renewal booked appointment online, watched safety video online (brought proof), needed letter of residence, doctor certificate, and thai license. Did light/reaction test again.
for the renewal, did you get your letter of residence on a tourist visa/visa exempt or are you on a long-term visa? I need to renew mine end of the year but will be in thailand on a tourist visa.
cheers
@@Eva56789 as long as you can get the letter from of residence from immigration, it should work. I now have a long term visa, but still had to go and get the letter
@@Eva56789 as long as you can get the letter of residence, you should be fine. I do now have a long term visa now and I brought copies of my passport, but the DMV didn't want it.
Depends on where you are in canada. This process may take 1 year and 1000$ :)
24/7 service in all time zones. LOL, glad they don't fail to offer 24 hour a day service in certain time zones vs others.
How long is it valid for?
If you visit for a month. Can you drive with a US driver license?
How long is medical certification valid for, if you don’t get licence straight away ?
I got my license in Chiang Mai. I did everything in one day. They issued me with 2 licenses one for the car one for the bike. You cN apply for a 10 year license but you need to show you have been in country for a while.
Do you know if US driver license is good to use in Thailand?
yea that works your drivers licence from your country
😂😂😂คุยทำใบขับขี่ได้เร็วกว่าคนไทยแท้ๆเสียอีก คนไทยอยู่กันทั้งวันเลยนะ 😅😅😅
Bring international driving license from your country, you can convert easily to thai car license.
Perhaps you could get this vid translated into Thai because in my opinion,I’m not sure how many drivers in Thailand actually bother with having one.
Can I rent a light motor cycle or a scooter with a normal car license (without a motor cycle license)?
...just pay an agent to do it, its worth the extra cash just to relieve yourself from all the hustle.
I had an agent, a serious one, I still had to collect all needed docs myself, and as I convertet my IDL within the first three month I didn‘t need to do all these tests anyway, so no need for an agent if you convert it within the 3 months.
There is a shortcut to obtaining a driving license by going through a licensed driving school. It's easier than going through all the processes by yourself. Most of the processes, including the driving exam, will be conducted at the school. I own a licensed driving school in Nonthaburi called 'Firstdrive Driving School.' You can take the MRT Purple Line to the last station, and we will take you to the school.
I will offer you a 200 baht discount if you show this comment to the school staff.
Do I need to have driving experience or visa?
@@ares9195 It would be better if the student does not has any driving experience. The main materials for Thai driving licenses are the certificate from driving school and the residence permit.
The USA should emulate this practice.
Any Samui folks do this streamlined conversion from an International DL? Or do they make you fulfill the entire process (written and practical)? Cheers
Answering myself: (NO SHORTCUTS IN SAMUI) The Land Transport Office did NOT recognize my International and USA licenses, even though both had Car and motorcycle endorsements so… I had to do the entire LONG version with videos, written and practical tests. 1 long day 0730-4PM, next day practical. Cheers
Renewed my 5 year license last September. Got a residence cert. from Chaeng Wattana. Watched the long video but did not receive any booklet to study. Because of this I had to take the computer test three times. Many questions needing answers not presented in video and for which no logical answer worked. Also did not take any driving test. First time I have heard of this.
Do Thai person who lives in Malaysia, have a Malaysian driving license need to get a Thai driver’s license in order to drive Malaysian car in Thailand for a month?
I was refused entry to the video room because I didn't come in long pants in Apr, the hottest month of the year.
Lawyer job done
My wife got hers (a transfer from Japanese license to Thai license) at this same place.😊
You are able to avoid Proof of residence at immigration by getting a Yellow book this save you time when get your dl register a car on motorbike you can use al your life. But you have to find the owner of your house willing to help you .
The patterns of Thai driving test are obsoleted since these have been carried on from the past 60 years ago once the cars were much less on the roads.
We 've criticized this for sometime ago there must be changed to cope with the reality and tighten the discipline of some motorists but the bureaucracy has moved so little to change.
Can I rent a scooter if I have a motorcycle license in the states. I’m only visiting for less than a month, so not a resident.
Yes you can rent it. But unless you have a international driver's permit you will be fined if pulled over by the police. And even if you do have an international driver's permit you still may be fined. They will gladly rent you a motorcycle or scooter but not tell you about the other requirements. And if you don't have helmets on they'll fine you for that too.
Correct, need international drivers license , mine has motorcycle endorsement because my state drivers license has this. To drive in Thailand you need your driver license from home country, international driver license, and I assume motorcycle endorsement.
It's easy at mo chi DLT they have less people and proper information
Did you have to surrender/exchange your Canadian Driver's License when you "converted" to a Thai license or they let you keep it?
You get to keep your home country's DL
Chris I spent over a hundred dollars for Thail challenge five days ago, but the lessons on the left are still not accessible. When I try to contact Thai teacher on whatsapp it is also not working. Frustrated. Can you help me in some way? Thanks.
email info@thailanguagechallenge.com and you will get help.
Warning everyone - This morning (22/4/2024) at the DLT office at Bang Chat they were turning away foreigners who did not have the residence certificate from their embassy or Thai Immigration. You were then required to make an appointment to come back in a week, 1 May in my circumstance. I am on a 10 year visa with a work permit and thought I would roll the dice, no cigar!
Thanks for leaving this helpful comment.
The problem with the Safety Wing Insurance is that there is not human being you get to talk with. It is all through the internet chat. So, if you get into a health situation, there is no one to help you (in person on a phone).
Wow, I did almost none of this stuff. They just wanted me out of their way. Took about 11 minutes.
My story :
* I bring my international driving license
* Went to clinic to check if I had a pulse and alive (I Was)
* Bringing "Dad" with me to immigration, taking a "passport" photo with a cellphone, also waiting allot.
* Copy of passport pages and visa
* Going to DLT and wait.
* Try understand what they talk about
* Misunderstandings
* Taking a brake test
* Check if I was color blind
* Take a photo and Pay 200 thb
* Done, Got my card.
* They wrote my birthday motnh wrong,
* Going back
* Waiting
* pay additionally 200 thb
* New photo
* Get new card.
* Apply for True wallet. - Win!
paying rent is throwing away money....I have bought and sold several properties..making a profit every time...I buy..live in it rent free..then sell out. That is good business management...not so crazy to me...
Get a decent lawyer job done wor kid 🙏🏻💚🇹🇭
Where can we find that awkward shirt :)
Got dental
You didn't button up the bit about the Thai license being usable in other Asian countries... ???
I think among those "ASEAN" the card is valid not on any random asian countries.
@@kittenastrophy5951 thank you 🙏🏼
@@inCARSONate 👌👌
When I got my license I saw one forigener rejected because he was wearing a T shirt and they insisted you had to have a shirt with a collar for the photo 😂 I think you do need 2 copies of most things, if you are getting a licence for a car and a motorbike.
Correct we even had to make 2 medical certificates (not just copy) each one for car and one for motorcycle
I would definitely NOT use Safety Wings Nomad Insurance! This maybe a good option if you are traveling for a month or so BUT not for annual healthcare plan in Thailand.
There are many better options you can get in Thailand with some very good companies. I am 52 and my full cover insurance is only 44K! If I used Nomad Insurance it would have cost 254K!!!!
Can I ask please which company you found as I’m looking for one myself?
I use Muang Thai, but there is a few.
@@andyc7386 thank you. Much appreciated.
Unfortunately, 5 different people could very well have 5 different experiences and outcomes. Pure discretionary purgatory, just like Thai visas.
I miss the old Chris fun first, then informative. Noble causes and a real vlog. Now the content has become too much geared towards making a dollar than a community. I really do love the channel more than you know so it pains me to be this guy in the comments.