Obtaining a Driving Licence in Thailand: Procedures and Requirements

If you are planning to have a trip and you decide to stay here for more than 3 months you will need a Thai driving licence, even though international driver licenses are legally accepted.
Each country has its own rules and differences. Driving in Thailand is a good way to get off the beaten track, but there are a few things to be aware of before you hit the road.

While hectic in places, especially main cities, Thailand’s road system is generally quite good and well signposted with traffic signs, warning signs, and regulatory signs in both Thai and English.

Driving on open roads at night is not recommended, however, due to the increased number of heavy goods vehicles at this time. Truck drivers, in particular, have gained a reputation for not respecting car users, while motorbikes also pose a particular hazard as they weave in and out of larger vehicles.
You can get a Thai Driving Licence by yourself but the forms are written in Thai, so non-Thai-speakers its recommended that you take along a Thai speaker for interpretation and to help fill in the forms.

Thai Driving License Availability in Pattaya: Weekly Schedule for Thai and Foreign Nationals

If you wish to be able to drive both cars and motorcycles in Thailand, then you’ll have to apply for 2 separate driving permits, and you’ll be issued 2 different physical cards. You may need help. It is a lot easier to let J & E Concierge assist you with the whole process!

• Thai National- Thai Driving Licence in Pattaya available every Wednesday!
• Foreign National- Thai Driving Licence available every Tuesday and Friday!

Can you drive a motorcycle with a car license?

Driving Licence in Thailand

The most important thing to consider when it comes to driving in Thailand is to ensure that you have the right license for the vehicle you’ve chosen. Whether it’s a car or a big bike, having a license that qualifies you to drive is the bare minimum precaution to take. That’s why J & E Concierge is here to assist.
If you wish to be able to drive both cars and motorcycles in Thailand, then you’ll have to apply for 2 separate driving permits, and you’ll be issued 2 different physical cards.

What happens if you ride a motorcycle without a license?

It should go without saying, but in a country, like Thailand, it’s important to ensure that you’re always wearing your seat belt. At this point, Thai law mandates front-seat passengers to wear seat belts. For that reason, it’s safer to wear seat belts in all seats due to road conditions and driving abilities.

On top of this, there are several other laws you’ll need to be aware of, from turning left on red to the speed limits on different roads. There are many car, motorbike, and jeep rental firms, including many international firms. So, driving in Thailand requires a valid international driver’s license, as most companies won’t provide cars or insurance without it. This licence and a valid passport must be carried at all times while driving.

On the other hand, there’s seemingly no lack of them. Many Thais have no awareness of road rules and probably don’t even have a driver’s license. It is extremely easy to pass a driving test in Thailand.

• drunk drivers
• teenagers
• Baht bus drivers on energy drinks (and that’s IF it’s an energy drink)
• tourists with no Thai driving experience
• drunk pedestrians

That’s driving in Pattaya: People will- pull out in front of you without looking.

• stop for no apparent reason
• ride their motorbike at 50 KM an hour with one hand while talking on the mobile phone
• ride the wrong way up the road into oncoming traffic
• pass you on either side at full speed
• weave through traffic like immortals
• and much more impressive

                                                              What is Pattaya known for?

Equally important, you also must know that in Thailand people drive on the left side of the road. So, on many rural roads, you’ll occasionally happen upon motorcycles, cars, and even 12-wheel trucks maneuvering against one-way traffic.

As a matter of fact, Thais often drive on the wrong side to bypass traffic using the emergency lane instead of making a U-turn.

So, if you ask this Thai girl why she doesn’t wear a helmet, maybe she will reply “ki kiaet sai”. Now ask this truck driver why he didn’t put on his turn signal before he turned and he may reply “ki kiaet peut”.

Navigating Traffic in Pattaya: Tips and Insights

”Ki kiaet” means lazy in Thai and it is a derogatory word, like most words beginning by ki-. I’m not saying Thai people are lazy, but we can safely say that generally speaking, they drive lazily.

In short, it means that they choose the easiest, smoothest way to do things, not the safest, or not the most considerate.The “ki kiaet” attitude, translated as lazy, easy, or simply “ki kiaet,” provides a comprehensive understanding of Thai driving habits.

For that reason, drivers often drive on the wrong side, enter gas stations incorrectly, and engage in risky driving behaviors.

For that reason, J & E Concierge is here to assist. Even more, we can assist Thai citizens and foreign Nationals in getting a Thai driving licence in Pattaya.