How to get a driving licence in Thailand

Any foreigner can obtain a driving licence in Thailand in 2025. This option is available to all visitors regardless of the type of visa: you can get a driving licence on a study, work or even tourist visa.

The procedure is not very complicated, but according to the stamp in the passport the validity of the licence will be equal to 1 year. After that it is necessary to exchange the VU for a five-year document.

Pros of obtaining a Thai driver’s licence

One of the main advantages of getting a Thai driving licence is that local traffic cops are quite loyal when stopping you and checking your documents.

Here are a few more advantages that may encourage you to apply for a local licence to drive a bike or car in Thailand:

1. On the basis of a five-year licence, a driver may obtain an international licence. Issued with any visa other than a tourist visa.
2. Thai driver’s licence is recognised in other Asian countries. With a Thai driver’s licence, you can drive in Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Brunei and Myanmar.
3. A Thai driving licence entitles its holder to purchase excursion tickets at a reduced cost to various national parks, museums and other establishments. If you buy a ticket with a Thai driver’s licence, you can purchase them without incurring a tourist fee.

Additionally, a Thai driver’s licence allows for verification in various applications and services. For example, on cryptocurrency exchanges and e-wallets.

How long a driver’s licence is issued for in Thailand

The first licence in Thailand is issued for a period of one year from the date of issue. After the expiry of this period, the licence can be replaced with a five-year licence. A full set of documents must be collected as for the initial application. In addition, you will be required to undergo a medical examination.

You can renew your licence at any of the local offices of the transport department. If you have a driver’s licence from another country, it can be replaced with a Thai licence.

After obtaining a driver’s licence for 5 years, the driver can apply for an international licence.

Step-by-step instructions: How to get a driving licence in Thailand

If you already have a licence issued in another country, the process of obtaining a licence in Thailand is very quick. But there is a nuance – you need to additionally provide either an international licence, or translate and certify the national certificate in the consulate on the territory of Thailand – it may take more time.

How to get a Thai licence with a national licence:

1. The first thing you need to do is to get a medical certificate for a driving licence – a medical certificate for driving licence. It is issued at any local hospital. It will cost from 100 to 400 baht, depending on the type of medical centre. The time to obtain it is about 15 minutes.
2. The next step is to obtain a residency certificate. To do this, you will need to submit to the immigration office a paper on the rent of accommodation or a statement from a hotel, hotel about a long-term stay. You will need to provide photocopies of your passport, housing contract and two photographs. The fee will be approximately 200 baht.
3. Once you have collected the necessary certificates, go to any of the offices of the Department of Land Transportation (DLT) and pick up a ticket indicating the date of the test.
4. In addition, the staff will provide a link to take a driving training course, which provides visual video lessons. After studying three hours of material, the programme asks you to answer 4 questions. Once the test is completed, the final result must be printed out.
5. The practical part of the exam, consisting of colour blindness and reaction speed tests, takes place on the appointed day. There is no need to prepare for them, everything is quite simple.

It is not necessary to bring your own photos for identification. The officer will take a photograph on the spot. After this procedure, you will only have to wait for the driver’s licence to be issued.

Licence training in Thailand

Studying for a licence in Thailand is easier and faster than in other countries. A beginner who starts from the basics needs to watch a special film about traffic rules. After that, it will be necessary to pass the theory, which consists of 50 basic questions.

You can take the test once in one day. To the next step – practice are allowed those persons who have made less than 5 mistakes in the test. In case of failure it is possible to retake the test on the next day, further – after a week.

The practical part includes practising basic driving skills. The test is conducted at the driving range located at the Transport Department.

Nuances in obtaining a licence in Thailand

The gearbox in the vehicle is not important for passing the test. The Thai licence does not indicate whether it is manual or automatic.

The Department of Transport in Thailand operates under peculiar rules, among which is a strict dress code. Visiting in a tank top and shorts may not be allowed to take the exam.

A residency certificate is needed for each category. For example, if you want to get Thai car and bike licences on the basis of your national A and B licences, you will need 2 certificates.

In Bangkok and Phuket offices are busy, so you will have to queue for quite a long time: 2-3 hours to submit documents, and the second visit is scheduled in about 2 weeks. In Pattaya or Krabi it is faster to get a Thai driver’s licence.