According to the Department of Land Transport in Thailand, if you hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country, you can use it to drive a motor vehicle in Thailand for up to 6 months from the date of your arrival in Thailand.
However, if you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 6 months or if your IDP has expired, you will need to apply for a Thai driver’s license. In this case, you will have to take both the written and driving tests, regardless of whether you hold an IDP or not.
- What is legally required to drive a motorbike? A car?
- To drive a motorbike (motorcycle) in Thailand, a valid Thai motorcycle driver’s license (Motorcycle Endorsement) is legally required.
- To drive a car in Thailand, a valid Thai car driver’s license is legally required.
- How many types of driver’s licenses are there?
- In Thailand, there are different types of driver’s licenses based on the category of vehicles. The main categories include: a) Motorcycle driver’s licenses (with different types based on engine capacity and weight) b) Car driver’s licenses (personal cars and commercial vehicle licenses)
- How can one obtain a driver’s license for each a car and a motorbike or motorcycle?
- To obtain a motorcycle driver’s license, one needs to meet the eligibility criteria and go through the application process, which typically involves a combination of practical and theoretical tests.
- To obtain a car driver’s license, the process involves meeting the eligibility criteria and undergoing practical and theoretical tests specific to car driving.
- How long is an international driver’s license valid for in Thailand?
- An international driver’s license is typically valid for one year in Thailand. However, if you plan to stay in Thailand for an extended period, it’s important to check the specific requirements and regulations regarding the validity of an international driver’s license and consider renewing it if necessary.
Guide to obtaining a driver’s license and purchasing a vehicle as a foreigner in Thailand:
- Purchasing a Vehicle:
- Find a reputable vehicle dealer who can provide all the necessary documents and paperwork.
- You will need either a Pink (Thai) ID and Yellow book (condominium ownership) or a residence certificate from immigration.
- Purchase the vehicle by transferring funds from your Thai bank account to the dealer’s account.
- Register the vehicle with the Department of Land Transport and provide the necessary documents, such as the registration book, tax certificate, and proof of insurance.
- Obtain license plates for the vehicle and display them on the vehicle at all times when it is in use.
2. If you are a foreigner and wish to obtain a driver’s license in Thailand, you will need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa: To apply for a driver’s license in Thailand, you must first obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa. You can apply for this visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Get a Medical Certificate: You will need to get a medical certificate from a licensed physician in Thailand. This certificate will attest that you are physically and mentally fit to drive.
- Attend a Driver’s License Training Course: Attend a driving course at a driving school certified by the Department of Land Transport.
- Take the Written Exam: After the driving course, you will need to take a written exam. The exam is available in English and other languages. The test covers traffic rules, signs, and signals.
- Take the Driving Test: Once you have passed the written exam, you will need to take a driving test. The test is conducted on a driving course and typically lasts around 15 minutes. The test assesses your driving skills, such as parking, accelerating, and braking.
- Obtain your Driver’s License: If you pass both the written and driving tests, you will receive your driver’s license. The license is valid for one year and can be renewed after that.
3. If you are a foreigner and wish to obtain a motorbike driver’s license in Thailand, you will need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa: To apply for a motorbike driver’s license in Thailand, you must first obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa. You can apply for this visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Get a Medical Certificate: You will need to get a medical certificate from a licensed physician in Thailand. This certificate will attest that you are physically and mentally fit to drive.
- Attend a Motorbike Driver’s License Training Course: Attend a motorbike driving course at a driving school certified by the Department of Land Transport. The course will provide you with basic knowledge of driving rules and regulations, as well as practical training on a motorbike.
- Take the Written Exam: After the driving course, you will need to take a written exam. The exam is available in English and other languages. The test covers traffic rules, signs, and signals specific to motorbikes.
- Take the Motorbike Driving Test: Once you have passed the written exam, you will need to take a motorbike driving test. The test is conducted on a driving course and typically lasts around 15 minutes. The test assesses your driving skills, such as driving in a straight line, turning, and braking.
- Obtain your Motorbike Driver’s License: If you pass both the written and driving tests, you will receive your motorbike driver’s license. The license is valid for one year and can be renewed after that.
One does one need to take a driving test if they posses a valid international drivers license