All the useful information to renew the Thai driving license 

One of the most useful things you can own is a driving license. It gives you the freedom to travel by car and arrive at any destination without any worry. As you may already think, a driving license is as useful in Thailand as it is in any other country. However, there are specific regulations that foreigners have to follow not only to apply for a driving license but also to renew a Thai driving license. All this information should be clear before you decide to move to Thailand and start a life there. 

A Thai driving license for a foreigner has more advantages than you could think of. Besides giving you the right to legally drive around the country, it also serves you as an identification form. Further on in this article, you will find useful information and answers to any questions you may have regarding the renewal of your Thai driving license. 

Legal regulations about Thai driving license for foreign citizen

After you arrive in Thailand, you want to make your stay in the country as enjoyable as possible. If you enjoy traveling and exploring new places, the best way to do it is if you own a driving license. There are two case scenarios. 

The first one is when you already have an international driving license and you just need to obtain a Thai driving license for foreigners. In the second situation, you must apply to an approved Thai government driving school as you don’t hold a driver’s license.

If you already own a driving license obtained in your country, you will simply have to apply and obtain a license in Thailand. A foreign citizen applying for a driving license will receive a two-year validity license. After this time is up, you will have to apply to renew your Thai driving license. This renewed license will last for five years. 

Documentation for Thai driving license for foreigners

Initially, you can apply for a two-year driving license, which can be renewed thereafter. For this application process, you must have the following documents with you:

• Your international driving license in original
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Residence certificate 
• Medical certificate that proves you are fully capable of driving a car in Thailand

The Department of Land Transport is responsible for issuing all Thai driving licenses for foreigners. Therefore, once you have all the documents, you can schedule an appointment at the nearest office. You should keep in mind to dress politely and be respectful as the department is a governmental organization. Alternatively, you can apply for help at J&E Concierge and we will help you with all the paperwork and other useful information.

The medical certificate is a safety measure developed by the government to make sure that all those who drive in Thailand are healthy and fully capable of driving safely. Those performing the medical test will also ask about any diseases that may interfere with your capability to drive. Also, they will perform an eye test and reflexes test.  

Documents you need to renew the Thai driving license

You have obtained your driving license, but the time is running out and you need to renew your Thai driving license. As mentioned before, a driving license in Thailand is valid for two years. Afterward, you can apply for renewal and receive a license valid for five years.

Before you schedule an appointment at the authorized institution, you have to be sure you have the required documents:

• The 2-year Thai driving license
• Passport
• Non-immigrant visa
• Your Thai work permit 

This new license will be valid for five years and will serve you as a permit to drive legally around Thailand and as an identification form. 

Obtaining or renewing your Thai driving license doesn’t usually take long. It depends on how many people are also waiting for the same service. However, we advise applying for renewal three months before your two-year driving license expires.

Contact J&E Concierge to expedite your Thai driving license application and stay updated on its progress, avoiding queues. We will help you complete all the forms and prepare all documentation so that you will obtain your Thai driving license without any problems. 

It is time to renew your Thai driving license! 

How can a Thai driving license help you? The first main reason is that you can travel wherever and whenever you want. You get the chance to explore the Kingdom and discover the culture and the people. 

Here are some interesting facts about driving that you should know about before you obtain a Thai driving license for foreign citizens:

• The behavior of drivers may differ from what you’re used to. So you should be patient and drive carefully for the first few days, to get used to the traffic and driving style.
• Cars in Thailand have the steering wheel on the right side. 
• Pay attention to the pedestrians and crowded intersections. 
• Whenever there is a traffic jam, many drivers in Thailand will try to overtake the other cars, without signaling the lane change. 
• Maintain the legal speed and avoid driving during crowded days, such as national holidays. 
• Roads in Thailand are comfortable. Although, inside the cities, there may be small road sections with bumps or holes. 

Ask for help to renew your Thai driving license!

It all may seem completely different from what you have been used to. A new country, the language barrier, a new culture, a different driving style. All these can be overwhelming at first. 

However, you can ask for professional help from J&E Concierge! We will assist you during the process and will help you prepare all the paperwork required. Whether you need to obtain or renew your Thai driving license, now it’s easier than ever. All that is left for you is to enjoy your stay in Thailand and discover the culture and nature.