Getting a Thai Driver’s license is quite easy, it’s not really a lot of paper works and loads of things to do. We bet that if you experience or see first hand how Thai’s drive, you will wish that they will improve their standards on issuing Driver’s license. If you want to drive a car in Thailand you will need a Thai Driving License but if you are just renting for a few days or a week (not more than 60 days) then you don’t need to get one. You may think that getting a Thai Driver’s License is quite hard and is a lot of work but it’s actually easier compared to the other countries. Having a valid driving license from your home country will make the process of getting a Thai driving license go faster.
Thailand has a different rule for Driver’s License. You need to have two different licenses if you want to drive both cars and motorcycles. You will have to apply two separate driving permits and you will be issued two driver’s license card. What’s great about Thailand’s Land Transportation Office is that you can get both during the same visit or same application.
Requirements for Thailand Driving License Application
- Passport (copies of the front page, current visa, latest entry stamp, and TM.6 departure card)
- Residence Certificate or Work Permit (if you have a Work Permit, no need to show or get a Residence Certificate)
- The fee is about 105 THB (for the 2-year temporary license)
- Medical Certificate (you can get this at any hospital or clinic, no specifics)
- Valid Driver’s License or International Driving Permit. (it will make the process a lot faster and easier if you have this with you)
- Application Form for Thai Driver’s License
Things to Remember when getting a Thai Driving License
- You have to present your passport with valid Non-Immigrant Visa and your TM.6 or departure card
- If it’s your first time getting the license, you will get a temporary card valid for 2 years, when the expiration date is almost up, you can renew it and you will be issued a license valid for 5 years.,
- You can present your valid driver’s license from your home country so you can skip the practical exam (driving skills test).
- The best day to visit the Land Transportation Office around Bangkok is during Tuesdays and Wednesdays to avoid a lot of people.
- Make 2 copies of each documents required for the Thai Driving License Application.
When renting a car with us, we don’t usually require a lot of documents, a valid passport with visa/entry stamp, an international license (issued from your home country), or a Thai Driver’s License if you already have one.
Remember that before you apply for a Thai Driver’s License, you must first collect and complete all the necessary documents to avoid any hassle on the process. The process might take around 2 days in unlucky to complete depending on the number of people applying for the same license. We suggest that you go to the Land Transportation Office as early as 8:00 AM to complete the application and take all the necessary exams.
Our law firm partner Siam Attorney can help and assist you with your Thai Driving License Application, contact them for more information.