How to obtain a Thai driving license?

A driving license is very useful to help you move around, and travel for work or leisure. After getting settled in Thailand and obtaining a visa permit to live here, the next step is to take all the necessary steps to make your stay as legal and enjoyable as possible. If you want to drive legally in Thailand or Pattaya, you need to have an international driver’s license upon your arrival. You can obtain it from your home country. However, if you plan to stay more than 3 months in Thailand, you will need to obtain a Thai driver’s license. This is part of the legal requirements. If you need more information on how to obtain a Thai driving license, this article will offer you all the guidelines you should know about. 

Now it is easier than ever to obtain legal permits, an education visa, and even a driving license. With the help and counseling offered by J&E Concierge, all the processes and procedures will be obstacles-free for you. There are many advantages when counting on the help of a counseling company. Not only in obtaining visas but also in applying for other legal documents you need in Thailand. 

As mentioned before, a Thai driving license is a requirement for long stays. Once you have it, you can avoid unpleasant events, such as police checks. It is common in Thailand and Pattaya to be stopped by police officers who check your documents. When you have a Thai driving license, you will get back on the road in less than a minute, without any legal problems.  

Moreover, if you also need an all-terrain bike license, you will need to apply separately. This license will allow you to ride bikes in Pattaya and in Thailand. Fortunately, you can obtain both a driving license and a bike license through the same visa. You don’t need to apply twice. You will be issued two driving licenses and will be legally allowed to drive all around Thailand.

However, you should know that if this is your first time applying for a driving license in Thailand, it will only be valid for 2 years. After this time expires and you apply for renewal, your driver’s license will be valid for 5 years. 

What are the requirements to obtain a Thai driving license?

There are some requirements you need to be aware of. They are not difficult to fulfill but they are obligatory to have and pass. 

What documents do you need?

• A valid passport
• A non-immigrant visa obtained upon your arrival in Thailand 
• Proof of your address
• A valid medical certificate
• Your home-country driving license (translated in English. Unless you have one, you will need to pass additional study tests and practice tests.)

What tests do you need to pass to obtain it?

There are also some tests you need to pass to obtain a Thai driving license. These are both a medical test and a question test. All these are meant to achieve higher safety on the roads and fewer car accidents. 

• Question-only screen written test (you must obtain 90% correct answers. The test has 50 questions and is available in both Thai and English
• Medical examination (eyesight examination and reflex examination) 

The written test applies only to first-time applicants who intend to obtain a Thai driving license. Once this one expires and you want to apply for a renewal, there are other procedures you need to be informed about. However, these are more relaxed and not as hard as previous ones. 

Obtaining a Thai driving license for 5 years

The required documents are not any different than before. You will still need your passport and non-immigrant visa, confirmation of your address in Thailand, and a valid medical certificate. In addition to these, you will also need to have a driving license that has expired. The only test you need to pass again is the medical test that examines your eyesight and reflexes. Luckily, there are no written tests to pass. 

You also need to know that in case your Thai driving license has expired for more than one year and you have not followed the required procedures to renew it, you will have to take the written test again. This falls under Thai laws and regulations. It is to your benefit to make sure all your permits and documents are valid and that they do not expire. Otherwise, you are required to start all processes from the beginning. 

What are the advantages of choosing J&E Concierge to help you?

When choosing a trustworthy company to help with the whole process of obtaining legal documents for your safe stay in Thailand, everything becomes easier and more accessible for you. At J&E Concierge, we value every client who chooses our services and guidance. We know how important it is to you to have all legal paperwork done properly and as soon as possible. Therefore, there are some advantages for you when working with us!

• You are always informed about the newest regulations and document requirements. We always follow closely every change that may appear in terms of laws and documents and inform our clients.
• Avoid the time spent waiting behind closed doors. If you choose to apply for legal documents on your own, you will have to face bureaucracy and long waiting hours. You will avoid all that when choosing us and we will make your stay in Thailand more enjoyable. 
• We will guide you about your next steps or other legal documents you may need. You don’t have to spend time searching or asking around for information regarding other legal documents for staying in Thailand. We will offer you guidance and information about all you need to have in terms of documents.

All this information has the purpose to guide you and give an insight into the documents you need to stay legally in Thailand. You need to know how to obtain a Thai driving license before you arrive in Pattaya or Thailand. Once you are here, J&E Concierge can come to your help and work closely with you to make sure you obtain your driving license. Afterward, all that is left is to enjoy Thailand and its beautiful landscapes.