Thread: Driving Licence

blaady POMS - bit slow 2day!

Ahh, ok.

Does it have to have Muster written on it too?

best i could do in 30 seconds fcker.

wanted to make sure i got it in b4 CMN or Thetym

Originally Posted by kingwillyhggtb

Originally Posted by danbo

I'm a little confused. If I bring over an International Driving Permit from the UK does that entitle me to drive legally or do I still have to apply for a Thai licence?

I thought that it was possible to obtain a licence (not necessarily IDP) from the UK which would be entitle me to drive just about anywhere.

in theory its only good for three months then u supposed to get thai license

This is precisely what I think is the "legal" position. A tourist can use his home country license for up to 90 days, but a "long-stayer" - someone who gets a "year stamp" in his passport and doesn't have to do visa runs - should get a license at some time within the first year, but I don't know exactly when.

If you have an IDP, getting a Thai license is a doddle, unless you're colour blind of course.

I have one of those old UK lis (without photo) which I'm still using. Never had any problem.

I've got my thai DL! But it's for a car only!
Once in a while I encounter a policeman who can read and insists on giving me a ticket. Usually I skate on through.

Before that I had IDL's but often would forget to carry the focker!
So I would whip out my Alaska ID card, smiling I would hold it up and read it to them slowly "international drivers license". They would focus on "Alaska" smile back an wave me through. The art of smiling here has many nuances!

Oh yea and as far as getting a thai license, if you don't have an IDL or it's expired (as mine was) you have to take the "dreaded" driving test. It usually takes more than one try to pass! Not because it's difficult (it is difficult for many thai people) but it's difficult to get a proper translation of the instructions!
I think many thai people use the driving test as driving school. They take the test over and over until they finally pass. So just watching the test taking process isn't always informative because you don't really know if the person you are watching passes or not. You have to have a competent thai translator with you to explain the rules.

After that it's a doodle!