You don't necessarily need the International Driving Permit, as basically it's just an English translation of whatever language your original licence is in. It that original licence language is already English, ....
I simply showed my Canadian driver's licence (English) along with passport, visa, embassy confirmation of address and signed photocopies of everything. Did the colour dots test, reaction test, waited around for a while, had my pic taken and out popped my one year motorbike licence.
Could just be the helpful staff in Rayong, but it just took a bit of time. Didn't even bother that my Canuck licence was for a car and I was getting a motorbike licence here. Didn't notice? didn't care? didn't want to try explaining to me? didn't want to try putting me through some mangled-language testing procedure? No idea, but it was really very simple.
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Thai Driving Licence
Started by rabcbroon, 2009-11-20 14:38
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34 replies to this topic
#27
pattaya_girl
SUPERIOR LIFETIME MEMBER Posted 2009-11-23 16:06:49
Thanks for your info.
It was not simple for me when I went a few weeks ago. They would not accept my 'old style' Full, Clean UK Drivers Licence, The lady at banglamung (Pattaya) told me that it is English writing and they do not understand or recognise it. I have now got the new ID card style. I want to know if a Student Visa will be OK to apply, as it does say that a Non Immigrant Visa is required. If a Student Visa is not good enough then I have to leave it, as my Non immigrant Visa runs out in a few Months, and I will be studying for 4 Years with a Student Visa, I will not be able to Re-new it after the 12 Months. What a palarva !!!!!! #28
phetaroi
Platinum Member Posted 2009-11-23 20:25:00
For those of you who have actually gone through it, after your first 1 year license, could you then get the 5 year version the second time around?
#29
Soutpeel
Titanium Member Posted 2009-11-23 20:32:35
For those of you who have actually gone through it, after your first 1 year license, could you then get the 5 year version the second time around? Yeap....but dont forget to let your 1 year expire before applying for the 5 year ortherwise my give you another 1 Year...strange but true... 
#30
Maejo Man
over used member Posted 2009-11-23 23:48:39
Not so. Immigration will require a copy of your lease to issue a letter. On the other hand your local consulate will write down what you tell them to. The difference is 500 baht for immigration, and 2000 baht plus from your consulate  The above info is erroneous or you're going to the wrong immigration office, (but as I see you list yourself as being in Chiang Mai, maybe prices in that neck of the woods are different than Bangkok  ). Chiangmai always used to issue them for free, then there was a period when they stopped issuing them altogether unless you you had a work permit. It's only in the last year they have started reissuing them at a cost of 500 baht. The British consul in Chiangmai charges in excess of 2000 baht for a similar letter. I suppose it pays to be a yank sometimes
#31
Eff1n2ret
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-24 10:15:43
Thanks for your info. I want to know if a Student Visa will be OK to apply, as it does say that a Non Immigrant Visa is required. I think you're ok with anything except a visit stamp. #32
mizzi39
Super Member Posted 2009-11-24 11:24:08
For those of you who have actually gone through it, after your first 1 year license, could you then get the 5 year version the second time around? Yeap....but dont forget to let your 1 year expire before applying for the 5 year ortherwise my give you another 1 Year...strange but true... I went down on the day that it expired and got my 5 year. I was told that you could actually get it renewed a week before expiration or up to 3 months after expiration. i am sure this may differ from province to province. #33
Soutpeel
Titanium Member Posted 2009-11-24 12:30:16
For those of you who have actually gone through it, after your first 1 year license, could you then get the 5 year version the second time around? Yeap....but dont forget to let your 1 year expire before applying for the 5 year ortherwise my give you another 1 Year...strange but true... I went down on the day that it expired and got my 5 year. I was told that you could actually get it renewed a week before expiration or up to 3 months after expiration. i am sure this may differ from province to province. Most likely...I was just relating the info given to Mrs Soutpeel a few years ago when she got her first DL and I was transferring mine over to a Thai license...ie we were both issued our 1 year DL the same day. The traffic dept lady behind the counter in Rayong told her not to apply for her 5 year until the 1 year had expired, as if you tried to do it before they would give you another 1 year.. So as you say most likely varies province to province, of course it could also be another Thai urban legend...one never knows in the Land "O" Smiles... 
#34
Spoonman
Platinum Member Posted 2009-11-24 12:45:40
You don't necessarily need the International Driving Permit, as basically it's just an English translation of whatever language your original licence is in. It that original licence language is already English, .... I simply showed my Canadian driver's licence (English) along with passport, visa, embassy confirmation of address and signed photocopies of everything. Did the colour dots test, reaction test, waited around for a while, had my pic taken and out popped my one year motorbike licence. Could just be the helpful staff in Rayong, but it just took a bit of time. Didn't even bother that my Canuck licence was for a car and I was getting a motorbike licence here. Didn't notice? didn't care? didn't want to try explaining to me? didn't want to try putting me through some mangled-language testing procedure? No idea, but it was really very simple. Intersting, My australian licence is also in English, I had to do the theory as i did not have an IDP, same as my work mate who holds a Michigan licence, this was at Sriracha though, maybe they are more lenient at Rayong. Im going to Rayong for my bike licence whilst iam on Annual leave, hopefully i have an easy ordeal like yourself, hopefully they also overlook the fact i dont have an existing bike licence. #35
Soutpeel
Titanium Member Posted 2009-11-24 12:59:29
Intersting, My australian licence is also in English, I had to do the theory as i did not have an IDP, same as my work mate who holds a Michigan licence, this was at Sriracha though, maybe they are more lenient at Rayong. Im going to Rayong for my bike licence whilst iam on Annual leave, hopefully i have an easy ordeal like yourself, hopefully they also overlook the fact i dont have an existing bike licence. In my dealings with Rayong, dont believe they any more lenient than anywhere else...there are requirements.... you comply with the requirements get your license.. Personally I think the major difference is the lack of farangs in there whinging and "demanding their rights" al la in Pattaya. The Farangs going into Rayong are generally working guys, so a "higher class" of farang they are dealing with..... not the Chang/Singha shirted, flip flop wearing half drunk (or fully drunk, dependent on the time of day) numb-nuts in Pattaya, therefore they get treated a little better... 
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