If you wish to drive legally in Pattaya and throughout Thailand, you can obtain a Thai international driving license/permit, normally from your country of residence, but if plan on staying longer than 3 months you are better advised to get a Thai driving license.

This is due to certain insurance companies stipulating in their small print that you are not fully covered unless you have a full Thai drivers license. As a matter of fact, obtaining a Thai driving license in Pattaya is relatively straightforward. For that reason, a Thai drivers license offers additional benefits such as the ability to use it as an ID and receive discounted entrance prices at certain tourist attractions.

Requirements and Process

Documents you need to get it right:

• Your international drivers’ license, or your original driving license.
• You must have a non-immigrant visa, (you can not get a Thai driving license with a. tourist visa).
• A passport with the visa inside, or a work permit if you have one, is better with both.
• To verify your address, obtain a letter from immigration or your embassy dated within the last 30 days. Also, bring rental agreements, utility bills, or other relevant documents.
• Signed copies of your passport front page, visa page, entry stamp, and T.M. card, (arrival & departure card).
• A doctor’s certificate (not more than 30 days old) can be this from any clinic, just tell them you are applying for a Thai driving license.
• Recent passport photos, usually purchased outside, might be unavailable due to a new digital system, but they are necessary.

     Is it hard to drive in Pattaya? Thailand-Pattaya driving licence

In Thailand, you are required to drive on the left-hand side of the road. City and town speed limits peak at 60 km/h (35 mph), while expressways and rural roads vary from 90 to 120 km/h (52-60 mph). Police regularly check motorists’ speed. Wearing seat belts is compulsory and drunk driving laws apply. All insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit.

All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license can be either Thai, from the renter’s country of residence (with an English translation), or an international drivers permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving. Pattaya Car Hire requires drivers to be at least 21 years of age, and there are no age surcharges or maximum age limitations.

Navigating Traffic in Pattaya: Tips and Insights

A yellow line indicates the division of a two-way traffic road (it’s the centerline), while a white line indicates a lane. A solid line can’t be crossed, whereas a broken line can be crossed if it is safe to do so.

White squares indicate parking spaces. There can also be a specific parking space for motorbikes.
Big yellow “X” marks on the road mean no stopping in this area (usually so as not to block an intersection while waiting at a traffic light).

A red and white curbside means no parking. A yellow and white curbside means no parking, but temporary loading/unloading of goods or passengers is allowed. Curbside can also be painted in black and white, to help distinguish them. Parking may be allowed, watch for the signs (and also watch for anyone who might be upset if you park).

The pedestrian crossing is those white stripes on the road that all vehicles ignore and that pedestrians sometimes venture on, usually ending up running for their lives.

Drivers must pay attention to arrows indicating where their lane is going, especially in Bangkok. Some lanes are for buses only.

        How quickly can you get a Thailand-Pattaya driving licence?

The new tests will be mandatory for all new drivers applying for a license for the first time (the 1 year license). Drivers renewing their 5-year license must attend a one-hour Thai lecture, usually watching a DVD in a room.

                                                      Is it safe to drive a motorbike in Thailand?

At this point, in Thailand, it’s crucial to ensure you have the appropriate license for the vehicle you’ve chosen to drive. 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.
Even more, if you want to rent a vehicle in Thailand, you need a valid license from your home country or obtain one in Thailand for the specific vehicle class.
At least, you will need a driving license from your home country if you want to hire a motorbike or car. Equally important, if you do not have an international license or a Thai license, you will be driving illegally.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe while on the road

• Wear protective clothing – long trousers and a jacket of sturdy material. Flip-flops, a T-shirt, and shorts don’t count as sturdy. We know it’s hard when it’s
• stinking hot and humid in Thailand, you’re just zipping back from the beach.
• People wear gloves to protect themselves in case of a fall, even on a hard bitumen road at speeds of 30 mph (50 km/h).
• Don’t speed, drink, or do drugs and ride.
• Don’t ride at night.

In conclusion, feel free to ask if you have any information about our drivers’ license services.