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[dthomasss]

Has anyone been able to get a Thai Drivers License using their valid home country license (USA here) without having to take the written and driving tests?
I know with an International License you don't need to take the tests, but the catch 22 is I can't get an International License here in Bangkok without a Thai license!
I have also heard that a Work Permit along with copy of lease will suffice in place of the proof of residency letter from US Embassy.
Would appreciate any help on this.

[Potter]

I heard there is a new law. In the future everybody (thai and farrang) are only allowed to get issued 1 year driving license.
Furthermore the renewal has to be done before the driving license expires. Or the whole test has to be taken again.

This is suposed to be a new law. I am confused....

astral, on 2006-01-11 21:53:46, said:

One little quirk here.

You need to let the first one year licence expire by one day before you can get the 5 year.
The rules say you must have had a one year licence for more than one
year to qualify, and this is the Thai way of dealing with the rule.

[JimsKnight]

[quote name='bbtali' date='2005-09-08 09:57:20' post='470051']
[quote name='alesypalsy' date='2005-08-22 02:45:51']
[quote name='astral' date='2005-02-16 02:18:44']
Obtaining a 1 Year Licence



Would a UK driving licence be sufficiant, have read so many different ways of obtaining a d.l   i am somewhat confused now! If not and I have to take a test what do i do if i have no car? hire one or something?
Cheers in advance
[right]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/right]
[/quote]

I got a one year licence with my photocard part of my u.k licence. I went to the office near Jatujak and they asked if I had International drivers permit, I said no but showed them my u.k photocard licence. The women dealing with me showed it to her superior who said that was o.k and I just had to have it photocopied both sides and got the licence with the only test required the colour blindness and reaction test, was in and out in 30 mins
[/quote]

Same thing with me also, just showed them the UK License and just did the colour blindness and reaction test!  

I have one serious question though...  Upon applying for the 5 year license is the rental aggrement  applicable?  What if you've changed address???  Some say its not even asked for....?

Edited by JimsKnight, 2006-01-23 19:41:43.

[PeaceBlondie]

jflundy's question in post #14, from Hua Hin, doesn't seem to be answered yet.

Since Hua Hin's got a full service, full time Police Immigration office now, I suggest you try to get your residence certification there.  Bring what you have, including your Thai g/f, and see if they'll give it to you.  

Now for my question: I'm blind in one eye.  Can I pass those tests for peripheral vision and depth perception?  That's the only thing keeping me from applying for the licenses (car and m/cycle).

[gisele]

I went to renew my driver's license last week, this time I wanted a 5 year license.
I went on the day it expired, I figured if I couldn't get a 5 year license that day I would go back the next day.

It was a sinch, I got it on that day, I didn't have to wait till my permit expired.
I am now the proud owner of a 5 year driver's permit.

[Axel]

Congratulations! For 5 years no need to worry.  

[gisele]

Axel, on 2006-01-30 09:10:52, said:

Congratulations! For 5 years no need to worry.  

that's exactly it, no need to worry
and no need to deal with the bureaucracy  

[SamuiRes]

RDN, on 2005-07-27 18:34:31, said:

Obtaining a 5 Year Licence

Documents needed:

1. Your old, expired Thai driving licence. (On the date you apply, your licence must have already expired.)

2. Photocopies of the following pages of your passport:

    - the page with your photograph and name
    - the non-immigrant visa
    - the departure card ("TM... card" - stapled in your passport)
    - the last arrival stamp ("Admitted Until" stamp)
    - the last "Application Of Stay" extension stamp.

    All pages must be signed by you.

3. 2 Photographs for each licence: 1 inch square (2.5 cm square) excluding the white border, which will be cut off.
    It must show your complete face, neck and top of shoulders.

4. A photocopy of and the original document, which is a letter or form (bottom of TM47 form) from Immigration confirming your address in Thailand. They will keep the photocopy and give you back the original document.

    The photocopy must be signed by you.

5. 505 baht for car licence / 255 baht for motorbike - valid 5 years minimum, up to your next birthday after 5 full years.

Note: no medical certificate is required.

The above was the case at Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office, 25/7/2005, http://www.phuketdir.com/pkttransport .  (There is an error on this page: it says the photo must be 2.5 inches. It should be 2.5 cm).

Renewed my Licence this morning in Koh Samui - took 20 minutes - now have a five year licence.
If you have a Work Permit, you do not need the letter from Immigration

[Potter]

Great news!

So is it then to go before or after expiry date?
Does one need to do any tests?

Thank You
Potter

Edited by Potter, 2006-02-02 18:38:57.

[gisele]

Potter, on 2006-02-02 18:37:12, said:

Great news!

So is it then to go before or after expiry date?
Does one need to do any tests?

Thank You
Potter

No test, and I went on the day my permit expired.
My husband also went on the day his permit expired and he got a 5 year license.

[moonoi]

SamuiRes, on 2006-01-30 12:14:40, said:

If you have a Work Permit, you do not need the letter from Immigration

Anyone know if this is true in BKK as well? Would save me the hassle of going to the embassy for proof of address  

EDIT: This is to exchange my IDP btw not renew an existing Thai license

Edited by moonoi, 2006-02-03 08:11:29.

[Smithson]

Last year I renewed my licence on a tourist visa and was given only 1 year, I didn't have a letter from immigration or the embassy.

Today I went to renew it again on a Non Imm B and was told I need a letter from my embassy or a work permit. They didn't mention anything about a letter from immigration.

How do I get the letter from immigration and what supporting documents do I need?
The address on my licence is Victory Monument area, but I now live in Phrahkanong. Can I get my license renewed at Sukumvit 62?

Thanks!

[likite]

What are the potential problems if you drive a car in Thailand and do not have a Thai Driving license?

I have a Uk license.

[Axel]

likite, on 2006-02-22 10:46:32, said:

What are the potential problems if you drive a car in Thailand and do not have a Thai Driving license?

I have a Uk license.

You will be fined. But a much worse problem, in case of an accident your insurance comapny might
refuse settlement as you do not have a Thai licence as shown in most insurnce policies in the small print.

[gisele]

moonoi, on 2006-02-03 08:10:00, said:

SamuiRes, on 2006-01-30 12:14:40, said:

If you have a Work Permit, you do not need the letter from Immigration

Anyone know if this is true in BKK as well? Would save me the hassle of going to the embassy for proof of address  

EDIT: This is to exchange my IDP btw not renew an existing Thai license

Yes, true anywhere, because the work permit has your address and you must have the proper visa to have a work permit, so if you have a work permit eveything else is in order.

[shotover]

Axel, on 2006-01-07 01:52:39, said:

Potter, on 2006-01-07 13:10:32, said:

Does one need to do the written again after 1 year to obtain the 5 year license?

Thanks Potter

No, just bring your expiored licence, Passport  (and 1 signed copy of photo page)  
Visa page and non immigrant visa page (and 1 signed copy of each)  
Two 1 inch photos, do it on the premises, they know the right size.

Last time I did on Sukhumvit in BKK (No. 3-office) it took 1 hour.

Earlier posts indicate you also need a letter from your embassy certifying your address to get the 5 year license.  Was this document required when you recently got your 5 year license?

[hunglikea]

shotover, on 2006-03-03 11:49:04, said:

Axel, on 2006-01-07 01:52:39, said:

Potter, on 2006-01-07 13:10:32, said:

Does one need to do the written again after 1 year to obtain the 5 year license?

Thanks Potter

No, just bring your expiored licence, Passport  (and 1 signed copy of photo page)  
Visa page and non immigrant visa page (and 1 signed copy of each)  
Two 1 inch photos, do it on the premises, they know the right size.

Last time I did on Sukhumvit in BKK (No. 3-office) it took 1 hour.

Earlier posts indicate you also need a letter from your embassy certifying your address to get the 5 year license.  Was this document required when you recently got your 5 year license?

I just tried to get a one year license in Nakhon Sawan taking my (wife's) house book, passport with non imm 'o' visa, UK license, International permit, photo's. What I also needed was a doctor's certificate and letter from embassy proving residence. Then apparently all I need to do is a colour blind test.

Anyone know if I can get legal proof of residence anywhere closer than going to BKK - amphur is not enough?

[edh]

Pattaya March 1.

Expired DRL
Copy passport photo page
Copy Non Imm visa
Copy entry stamp
Copy TM page (departure card)
Residential certificate (obtained from immigration)
New photos.

No tests.

Took 20 minutes in all. Come early and be sure your DRL has expired.

shotover, on 2006-03-03 11:49:04, said:

Axel, on 2006-01-07 01:52:39, said:

Potter, on 2006-01-07 13:10:32, said:

Does one need to do the written again after 1 year to obtain the 5 year license?

Thanks Potter

No, just bring your expiored licence, Passport  (and 1 signed copy of photo page)  
Visa page and non immigrant visa page (and 1 signed copy of each)  
Two 1 inch photos, do it on the premises, they know the right size.

Last time I did on Sukhumvit in BKK (No. 3-office) it took 1 hour.

Earlier posts indicate you also need a letter from your embassy certifying your address to get the 5 year license.  Was this document required when you recently got your 5 year license?

Edited by edh, 2006-03-08 04:30:05.

[hunglikea]

Earlier posts indicate you also need a letter from your embassy certifying your address to get the 5 year license.  Was this document required when you recently got your 5 year license?
[/quote]
[/quote]

Can I get 'proof of residence' with my (wife's) house book - it has her married name but not mine?? And, as asked previously, is the consulate in BKK the closest place to Nakhon Sawan to get the address certified?

[phusingpete]

[quote name='hunglikea' date='2006-03-11 10:24:03' post='674342']
Earlier posts indicate you also need a letter from your embassy certifying your address to get the 5 year license.  Was this document required when you recently got your 5 year license?
[/quote]
[/quote]

Can I get 'proof of residence' with my (wife's) house book - it has her married name but not mine?? And, as asked previously, is the consulate in BKK the closest place to Nakhon Sawan to get the address certified?
[/quote]


Just received my IDP from UK.Thanks totster for posting the forms for the idp in your earlier post.Did it all from Thailand and had the people renting my house in UK send it out to me,no hasstle.
Now I want to apply for a Thai license.I have one of those yellow tabien bann thingy's, would that be sufficient as proof of address.Certainly ennabled me to buy a car in my name. cheers.

[bluej]

I held a one year Thai driver's license back in 2003.  I returned to my home country for two years (before getting the five year) and am now coming back to Thailand next month.  I'll need to get a fresh license.  Do I need to start the entire process over from the beginning or does my old Thai license do anything for me?  Thanks.

[Tywais]

I thought I would add this link to the pinned topic. Where to apply

[hunglikea]

tywais, on 2006-03-25 10:13:12, said:

I thought I would add this link to the pinned topic. Where to apply

It still doesn't say how I get the letter from immigration/embassy and what supporting documents I need for proof of residence - will my wife's tabien baan do?

Edited by hunglikea, 2006-03-25 18:26:55.

[Tywais]

hunglikea, on 2006-03-25 18:24:38, said:

tywais, on 2006-03-25 10:13:12, said:

I thought I would add this link to the pinned topic. Where to apply

It still doesn't say how I get the letter from immigration/embassy and what supporting documents I need for proof of residence - will my wife's tabien baan do?

Look a little further at that page and you find this: Applying for DL

[hunglikea]

tywais, on 2006-03-25 18:37:12, said:

hunglikea, on 2006-03-25 18:24:38, said:

tywais, on 2006-03-25 10:13:12, said:

I thought I would add this link to the pinned topic. Where to apply

It still doesn't say how I get the letter from immigration/embassy and what supporting documents I need for proof of residence - will my wife's tabien baan do?

Look a little further at that page and you find this: Applying for DL

I have looked and all it says is ..."A certified letter of address from the applicant's embassy, or from the Immigration Bureau (document can not be older than 30 days).
Tip: The letter from the embassy is the fastest option, but the immigration office will provide this service for free. However, it will take them 3-6 weeks to complete and an officer from your local police station will visit your place of residence for verification."

What do I need to show to get this 'certified letter of address'?