Thread: Driving License Rules Changed ?

Just got back from my second visit.

Everyone was being tested for a renewal.
Four tests. Re-action time, peripheral vision, distance and colour.

Then back to the counter, only to be told that my name was not on the Tapien Baan so no can renew the license. On top of that she says I can only have a one year because my extension stamp is only for one year.

What a load of bollocks. I think I will carry on with a UN issued IDP.

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Then back to the counter, only to be told that my name was not on the Tapien Baan so no can renew the license. On top of that she says I can only have a one year because my extension stamp is only for one year.

This is nonsense. My name is not on the tabien baan and it didn't matter. At the time I renewed my visa would expire two months hence. I still got five years.

Ms. B got almost six as the five year license expires on your birthday after the fifth year. Hers expires in May of 2555.

Originally Posted by buadhai

This is nonsense

Agreed.
But you can't argue with a government official.
It's like arguing with Kerux.
Won't answer the questions and never admits to being wrong.

^
Sorry. Damn frustrating.

She's not a fattish bitch in her 40's, is she?


That was the bitch who was fukin with me last year. She has been moved from my local office in the norrth east.

Originally Posted by Gallowspole

She's not a fattish bitch in her 40's, is she?

Early 40's and slim, but probably a Jehovah's Witness

Dark hair? Brown eyes?

Originally Posted by Gallowspole

Dark hair? Brown eyes?

Yep that's her......and nipples the size of cigar butts

I think i asked her to pull my finger once.

Originally Posted by Sir Burr

Because your insurance is null and void if you don't have a legal driving license, which is why I got one.

If I am over on a 'transit' visa, have a full UK 'picture' license, and an International Driving Permit, will that satisfy those nice people down at the insurance company offices?

I guess I can not get a Thai license without a non-imm visa.

Originally Posted by danbo

If I am over on a 'transit' visa, have a full UK 'picture' license, and an International Driving Permit, will that satisfy those nice people down at the insurance company offices?

The UK license is not valid in Thailand but the IDP is.

I was worried about insurance so I took my IDP into my insurance office and got them to OK it and put a copy of it on file.

Originally Posted by Old Codger

which is ok because i want to visit the Thai distributor for Beer Lao who as it happens are based in NK

Does he sell the dark beer, or just the tastelss lager?

Originally Posted by Dougal

will I need to contact the insurance company for them to register my Thai licence details

No need to register your license.

The only reason that I did, was that I was not sure about the validity of my IDP and so wanted them to confirm that it was accepted.

^^^
.......or Phuket.

Originally Posted by buadhai

Ask him why he can't distribute it all the way down here in Korat.

Because he hasn't paid the excise duty

Originally Posted by buadhai

Originally Posted by Thetyim

So why the hell should I take a test for a renewal if I can apply for a new license and avoid it.

I can't help but think it's a mistake their saying you have to take the test. Why would they want to bother?

When we got our 5 year extensions the entire process took no more than a minute or two. They looked at the documents, pulled up the records on the computer, printed out the new license, pasted on the photo and that was it.

And, my first post was in error. We didn't need a medical cert for the renewal.

I think it's a mistake too. My experience was similar to Baudhai's except I had to wait about 6 hours. Phuket office is VERY busy and every moto-cy driver in Phuket gets a new license every year - divide the number of moto-cy drivers by the number of days the office is open and you get a rough idea of how many people turn up each day. Bladdy hundreds!

Yes - you don't need a med cert. for the renewal (although I took one anyway).

In chiang mai they test for colour blindness too.

Originally Posted by Dougal

Originally Posted by Thetyim

I was worried about insurance so I took my IDP into my insurance office and got them to OK it and put a copy of it on file.

That raises another question. I used my IDP when we insured our pick-up. If I now acquire a Thail licence will I need to contact the insurance company for them to register my Thai licence details or is it enough that I can produce the licence for them if required.

I wouldn't think so - the Thai license supersedes the IDP. My insurance company didn't want to see any license as far as I can remember.

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Just got back from my second visit.

Everyone was being tested for a renewal.
Four tests. Re-action time, peripheral vision, distance and colour.

Then back to the counter, only to be told that my name was not on the Tapien Baan so no can renew the license. On top of that she says I can only have a one year because my extension stamp is only for one year.

What a load of bollocks. I think I will carry on with a UN issued IDP.

Agreed. For a NEW license, you need to prove where you live - a note from Immigration will do, e.g. an "address certificate" which is often the bottom of a 90 day report form.

You do not NEED to have your name on the tabien baan.

For a RENEWAL, you don't need to prove your address - it's already on your old license, which you must show them (I think they keep it).

My extension was for one year, and I got a 5 year license.

This office or this lady is talking rubbish.

Thanks for all your replies.
It looks like this office is being awkward and I cannot be bothered to jump thru all these silly hoops just for a one year license.

So next question.
Can I apply at any office or does it have to be the one in Phrae.

Any office, it doesn't matter.