For updated information please click here: Driver's license in Thailand, March 2019
Driver's license in Thailand as a foreigner?
Even if you theoretically do not necessarily need a Thai driver's license, you can definitely benefit from it, as it has a status similar to a badge. Your passport number is noted on the driver's license and in many cases you can use it instead of your bulky passport.
In Thailand Roller or driving a car, you may also use an international driver's license, or even with your EU driving license, as this includes an English translation. However, you should note that there is no on Phangan Scooter with less than 110ccm and you are therefore not entitled to drive this scooter with a driving license class B of recent date!
Requirements for a Thai driver's license
You can only apply for a driver's license in Thailand if you have one there permanent residence have. You can do this either with the "Blue Book", a confirmation from the Immigration Office or with a work permit prove.
If you are planning to apply for the Thai driver's license, it is recommended that in Germany one international driver's license to be exhibited. This almost worldwide valid driving license costs only about 15 Euro and allows you to get the Thai Driving License in Thailand without any exams. Otherwise, you have to take a theoretical and practical exam, which of course takes place in Thai!
In addition to proof of permanent residence, you will also need copies of your passport and visa stamp, your driving license and a health certificate from a doctor. This "Medical Certificate" can be issued by any doctor. You will get separate driving licenses for car and motorcycle, if you want to apply for both, you need all copies twice!
Your Thai Driving License is initially "temporary" and therefore only valid for one year. After one year, an extension to 5 years is possible with the same documents.
Procedure of the "examination"
The application for the driver's license is up Koh Phangan not possible, you have to go to the transport office Koh Samui, Your paperwork can be submitted Monday through Friday between 8 and 9 Watch. At 10 clock then begins the test: This consists for all of an eye test and a reaction test. Whereby the reaction test "fails" from time to time and the eye tests only test color blindness and spatial vision.
If you have previously submitted an international driver's license, the test is over here for you! You pay for the driver's license (180 THB), have a photo taken and shortly thereafter receive the ID. As in Germany, these are handy ID cards in credit card format.
Otherwise follows a theoretical test carried out on special computers and then the practical driving test on the site of the authority. Two things are important to note: First, all documents are in Thai, so you should prepare accordingly for the test! Second, the driving test is done with your own vehicles. So you have to come to the authority with the vehicle for which you want to obtain a driving license!
Incidentally, supposedly the most common reason for failing the practical test is that the candidates want to drive off without a helmet ...
Driving with Thai driver's license in Germany
If, for example, a visit from Thailand is due in Germany, Thai nationals with an international driver's license in Germany can drive vehicles for up to 6 months. The international driver's license must first be issued in Thailand, whereby allegedly the translations of certain German institutions are accepted. In general, with an international driver's license abroad, no vehicle may be used for more than 6 months. However, as the Thai driving license in Germany is not recognized as our driver's license in Thailand, a driving test must be taken during a longer stay in Germany. The passing of the theoretical and practical test is required, but driving lessons are not compulsory
For updated information please click here: Driver's license in Thailand, March 2019
