Getting a Thai Drivers License

Want to have a Thai drivers license?

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To obtain a Thai driving license you to have to be in good health without mental or physical handicaps.

Any foreigner with

 • a driver's license from their home country

 • an International driver's license

 • and a Non-Immigrant visa

can apply for a Thai drivers license.

If you have the above mentioned documents you do not need to take a driving test or the written exam.

You will have to pass the teats listed below.

The Simple Tests You Do Need To Pass


better to have a Thai drivers license
  • for color blindness
  • reaction/reflexes
  • depth perception

After passing these simple tests you will be provided with a "temporary / provisional Thai drivers license" with a validity of one year.

If you do not have an International and a valid driving license from your home country you are required to take the driving and written test.

A drivers license in Thailand is obtained at the Department of Land Transport Office. Some offices in Thailand offer the exam in English but in most offices they are in Thai.

If the examiner permits you may be able to bring a friend to interpret (or an interpreter) who can help you during the process.

You may also have to attend a seminar, maybe watch a movie which is in Thai also.

Documents You Will Need:


It is a good idea to bring 2 photocopies of all documents needed.

  • Valid International Driver's license
  • Valid passport with a valid Non-Immigrant visa
  • 2 copies of passport's pages of signature page, Non-Immigrant visa, Immigration card, and latest entry stamp
  • A letter from a doctor certifying you are in good health mentally, physically, and you are fit to drive. Issued within the previous 30 days.
  • 2 photos taken within the previous 6 months for the residence certificate ( photos for the license are digitized now)
  • A certified letter of address from the Immigration office, or from your embassy. Issued within the previous 30 days

The "written test" is usually done on a computer typing machine and has 30 question. You pass when you answer 23 correct. The driving test is usally only driving around the parking lot, reverse parking, signaling, and that should be it.

Renewing a Thai driving license is only renewable after it expired. ( Go the day after the expiration date ).

Documents You Will Need For Renewal


  • Valid passport with a valid Non-Immigrant visa
  • 2 copies of passport's pages of signature page, Non-Immigrant visa, Immigration card, and latest entry stamp
  • A letter from a doctor certifying you are in good health mentally, physically, and you are fit to drive. Issued within the previous 30 days.
  • 2 photos taken within the previous 6 months for the residence certificte ( photos for the license are digitilized now)
  • A certified letter of address from the Immigration office, or from your embassy. Issued within the previous 30 days
  • Your old Thai drivers license

Fees may change. Bring 1000 Baht and you will be okay. Just in case you forgot something and need to pay for copies or photos.

Related Pages

Driving In Pattaya

Getting Around Pattaya

› Thai Drivers License

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