Thread: Renewing a Thai driving licence

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

"Depth perception" is the lost term I think you are lookihng for Khun Lom.

Yeah, that's the one - where did you find it?

Originally Posted by Bung

I had to do a written test on a computer simulator

Yes I have also done that one in order to get the motocy license which I didn't have on my foreign license.

Originally Posted by Bung

In the end they stood around me and told me the answers and I could show how the translation made it impossible to pass. Multiple choice but some questions had no correct answers and some more than one!

One of the reasons I love this country.

What does this sign mean?


(a) proceed with caution
(b) turn left only
(c) no stopping at any time
(d) Coca Cola

They also told me that you give way to the left. I pointed out that if that were indeed the case it would be the only place in the world where you would do this. They beemed "Yes, this is Thailand!"

I'm still not sure but crap myself everytime I get into a give way situation. It would go a long way in explaining why people pull out in front of me a lot!

Driver's License Renewal for Foreigner: I renewed my driver's license today without difficulty and in a time limit I consider reasonable. Thai personnel processing the paper work and providing service were professional and helpful.

Location: Rayong, Dept of Land Transportation

Required Documents: Filled out Driver's License Renewal Application form (1 each for Automobile and/or Motorcycle), "RECENTLY EXPIRED driver's license; evidence of residency (I had an original letter that was issued by Rayong (Mataput) Immigration along with a copy of same for my cycle renewal, and this letter ust be less than 30 days old); original letter of "fit to drive" from doctor (copy used for cycle renewal) (less than 30 days old); Passport and copies of face page, valid non-immigrant visa page, current TM6 card, and lates entry date stamp; and money (505 baht for automobile +100 baht tax and 255 baht for motorcycle + 100 baht tax). Pictures are taken at the license processing/issuing center.

Process:
TIME IN: 0900
1. Get Driver's License Renewal Application Form from counter on 2nd floor.
2. Fill out form (1 each for auto and cycle renewal of both is what is being applied for).
3. Take forms back to counter and have a seat.
4. When name is called go to counter and get forms back. There is now a que number on your form package. Proceed to photo taking station and have a seat.
5. When number is called go to desk of photo clerk, give him/her the form package. Sit in chair. Smile for picture to be taken. Pay the money. Get the receipt. Get the new license. Process complete. Lave.

TIME OUT: 1010.

Painless. It was a breeze.

Hi, A friend who is 71 believes he can no longer get a DL in Thailand because if his age. This doesn't sound right to me and wonder if anyone can confirm what the maximum age is to apply for a DL(if any).

Facts or links to Transport Dept site would be gr8

Thanks

This same issues was brought to may attention a few weeks ago as I have a friend also who is approaching this questionable milestone. Asking this question was on my list of things to ask the drivers issuing office but as I was wrapped up in some other issues and because it did not currently affect me, is slipped my mind until already on the way home..... But yes, I too would like to have this issue addressed and possibly will make the short trip out there again sometime soon to ask unless someone else can post a reliable response..

^^Am shortly to apply for my Thai driving licence - and am 75 yoa! I live out in Phatum Thani - what's the answer? Anyone know?

Originally Posted by Dave the Dude

A friend who is 71 believes he can no longer get a DL in Thailand because if his age.

Fair enough. 70 seems a reasonable cut-off age.

I can't find an upper age limit mentioned anywhere.

It was only a few years back they stopped issuing lifetime licences

Originally Posted by BarnacleBill

^^Am shortly to apply for my Thai driving licence - and am 75 yoa! I live out in Phatum Thani - what's the answer? Anyone know?

Pathum Thani driving license office should be no problem. My father in law has been there recently and he said there were four foreigners applying for a thai license and being tested until they past the test (probably american).

I'm taking my test tomorrow for car and bike in Min Buri and was wondering what can I expect regarding the whole process.

Any up-to-date information?

Is the written test as bad as I imagine and what about the actual driving, what will they require me to do?

Fore warned is fore armed...

Cheers, DsD.

Fabian, can you give me directions to the office - or at least its whereabouts! I live out on the Nahkon Nayok road at Thanyaburi.

Originally Posted by BarnacleBill

can you give me directions to the office

Sure, its here

and this is the address

Land transport Office
84 Moo 1, Phathum Thani-Lat Lum Kaeo Road (R 346)
Tambon Ban Chang
Amphoe Muang
Pathum Thani, 12000

GPS: N14.035714/E100.499933

^Thanks, Spin. I'm off there tomorrow, will let you know how I fare!

^Report in .... I got into a taxi - with the wife - and said "take me to the Driving Licencing Authority!" We finished up at the Lamlukka Civic Buildings, at the end of Canal 4. where we presented our (my) documents as advised. We actually went to the Land Registry Office in Lamlukka first, where we got a document saying that I lived where I did - along with the wife's Blue Book, her ID card, and my Passport. I was told to sit inn a chair opposite a wall on which there was a poster of a huge circle, about 40cm in diameter, covered in coloured (red-blue-yellow and green) dots of various sizes. The girl pointed to a selection of dots and asked what colour they were. Passed this one. I was then directed to a cubicle where a fella sat behind a desk with a camera connected to a PC I was asked to smile and my photo was taken, and a plastic licence produced. I had my driving licence for one year. It had taken approx fifteen minutes.They need
a: copies of your Passport, info page, Visa page and "Extension Approval" page.
b:your International Driving Licence, pages showing the class of vehicles allowed to drive, the front page and the back page, with your photo on!
I was not questioned, either about my age of my knowledge of the driving regs of Thai. I was not required to present two passport sized phots. These were thrown back at me - without explanation!

So all in all, a very painless operation

^Sorry to have missed out the document confirming my living arrangements. This is essential. This could, of course have been a letter from the Embassy or Immigration aurthority.

Originally Posted by BarnacleBill

We actually went to the Land Registry Office in Lamlukka first, where we got a document saying that I lived where I did

Now that is very interesting.
Never heard of someone getting proof of address from the LRO before.
Was it a standard form or a letter they typed up for you ?

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by Dave the Dude

A friend who is 71 believes he can no longer get a DL in Thailand because if his age.

Fair enough. 70 seems a reasonable cut-off age.

For British perhaps.

Thetyim, The letter was an officially typed letter, with official letterhead and a large red seal at the bottom. The statement, which declares that my wife confirms that I live at my address with her is contained in not much more that half an A4 sheet. Regretfully it is in Thai, and I dont read Thai! My (Thai) wife and I were directed to the Land Registry Office by the clerk at Lamlukka DL Authority. We were "interviewed" by an official, who was more interested in my past, and then sat with a clerk, who went through the various Land Registry documents that we had, along with all my papers required for the DL. All the info she gathered was put into a computer - against a recognised form, from what I could make out. She was adamant that my name was spelt correctly, and all details were correct. There was convivial chat going on all the time, and the official who interviewed us came out several times to chat. And then the letter was taken away - "upstairs" for signature. It took about an hour to complete, but I think most of this time was taken up by friendly chatter. By the way I am 75 yoa, but never at any time was my age in question.

Dont work,dont drive,dont buy property they make everything so fu--ing complicated for us.

Originally Posted by mosquitobill

Dont work,dont drive,dont buy property they make everything so fu--ing complicated for us.

you can buy a bike or car in your name . no problem