Having rented or bought property in Thailand to move permanently or stay in the Kingdom long-term, many foreigners want to comfortably move around the country with their own vehicle. By car, it is convenient to explore kilometres of picturesque beaches and unique natural landmarks, experience Thai culture, and just take your child to school or kindergarten. Getting a driving licence in Thailand is quite easy. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to get it.
Content:
- What are the benefits of a Thai driving licence?
- Applicant eligibility criteria
- Where to get a licence?
- List of required documents
- Passing your driving test
- How to get a motorcycle licence?
- Driving licence fees
- Buying property in Thailand
What are the benefits of a Thai driving licence?
Having a local driving licence provides the holder with a number of benefits, namely:
- Upon obtaining a licence, you get an insurance policy that allows you to feel confident and not worry.
- A Thai driving licence can be presented instead of an identity card.
- A driving licence allows you to legally move by car across Thailand and neighbouring countries.
A Thai driving licence can be used in 10 ASEAN countries.
Applicant eligibility criteria
In order to apply for a driving licence in Thailand, the applicant must meet a number of requirements, namely:
- being not younger than 18 years old;
- having a valid non-immigrant visa;
- being in good physical and mental health.
You can get a new licence in Thailand in a day if you already know how to drive a car, and it costs only a few hundred baht.
Where to get a licence?
The licence to drive a motor vehicle is issued by the Department of Land Transport of Thailand. There are offices throughout the country. The phone number of the organisation in Bangkok is 02-271-8888. Here are the addresses:
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Branch Office Area 1, Bangkhuntien
Tel: 02-415-7337
-
Branch Office Area 2, Talingchan
Tel: 02-882-1620 1635
There are other branches in the city as well.
In Thailand, there is a special mobile application DLT Smart Queue where you can make an appointment at the local land transport office.
List of required documents
To apply for a driving licence, you must submit a package of documents:
- a non-immigrant visa;
- a photo page of the passport (copy);
- a valid visa page (copy);
- a page with the last entry stamp for Thailand (copy);
- a TM6 arrival/departure card;
- a residence certificate issued 30 days or less prior to the application and certified by your embassy or the Immigration Bureau; or, alternatively, a work permit indicating your address;
- a health certificate issued 30 days or less prior to the application.
Along with this package of documents, you should also present a valid international driving licence or a licence obtained in your country. In the latter case, the licence must be certified by your embassy. The entire package of documents must be submitted to the nearest office of the Department. Once all the papers are approved and stamped, you will need to go through mandatory procedures.
Passing your driving test
If you have an international driving licence or a licence obtained in your home country, you do not have to pass theory and driving tests in Thailand. In this case, you must pass mandatory tests, in particular:
- colour blindness test;
- reaction test;
- peripheral vision test.
When tested for colour blindness, you will be shown dots of different colours on the poster. You must name the colours correctly. The reaction test involves pressing the gas and brake pedals, depending on the colour of the lamps (green or red) that light up in front of you. When testing peripheral vision, you will need to look at the examiner and say which colour is to your left and right. You cannot turn your head or look around.
You also must answer a few questions about traffic rules in Thailand. In addition, you will be asked to drive a car along a small road and reverse the distance between the set of poles and get as close to the kerb as possible. A testing officer will check your performance.
How to get a motorcycle licence?
In Thailand, you can also get a licence that allows you to drive a motorcycle. This type of transport is very common here; it is used everywhere due to its mobility and accessibility. The list of application documents in this case is the same as for driving a car. However, the practical test is different. You will need to rent a vehicle or motorcycle. The candidate must drive on a narrow road and demonstrate knowledge of the signs, stopping or moving in accordance with them.
Driving licence fees
You can get a temporary licence for 2 or 5 years, which costs ฿305 and ฿605 respectively. You will have to pay ฿105 for a motorcycle licence. Please be aware of the additional expenses:
- ฿300 to 500 to get a residence certificate certified by your embassy;
- ฿200 for a health certificate.
Compared to many countries, driving licence fees in Thailand are very affordable, and, as you can see, the whole process of getting it takes a very short time.
In Thailand, you need an A/A1 licence to ride a motorcycle and a B/B2 licence to drive a car. Driving without a licence of the required class is punishable by a fine. There are also fines for motorcycle drivers and passengers not wearing a helmet.
Buying property in Thailand
The ease of obtaining a driving licence is one of the many benefits of living in Thailand. Gorgeous architecture, clean and warm sea, constant sun, affordable prices for housing, food, and entertainment, smiling and friendly locals—this country can be explored endlessly! If you are interested in a house or apartment in Thailand, do not put off your dream and get detailed advice from our experts right now. Reach out to us in a convenient way for you, and they will tell you how to buy an apartment in a development project or a villa in Thailand on favourable terms. See you!