Applying For 1 & 5 Year Thai Driving

[KhunG]

We did our renewals this morning of our original 1 year licenses, and got 5 year licenses.  My licenses (Auto & Motorcycle) had expired yesterday.  TW still had a few days validity on hers.  That didn't seem to matter.  This was in Prakhon Chai.

TW just needed her old license and ID card.  Neither of us had to attend the 1 hour meeting but everyone renewing a 5 year license did.  We both did color blindness, reaction speed, depth perception and peripheral vision tests.

I had to provide the following:
My 2 expired licenses
Original Passport
2 sets of photocopies of picture page and all stamped pages in passport.
Medical certificate and a copy
2 photocopies of TW's Tabien Bahn, probably because it was referenced in the letter below.
A letter from the Amphur verifying my address and a photocopy.  The asked for a letter from immigration but I said they weren't doing them anymore and they accepted the letter from the Amphur.
All photocopies had to be signed by me, except TW signed her Tabien Bahn copies.

They returned the passport.  Auto license 600 Baht, Motorcycle 460 Baht. They''re valid for 5 years from your next birthday, which gives TW an extra several months but my birthday is next month.  Oh well.

A friendly bunch works there, and joked around with everyone during the testing to keep it light.

Those prices that you are mentioning are a total for 2 of each, right?

I wonder if the Thai police would bother to dig out a file that will be 5 years and 1 month old to check for finger prints? Always a good idea to keep copies but probably in vain in this example.

Nope, price each for 5 year licenses.  A little higher than I've seen listed elsewhere (505 Baht auto last March) but there were a lot of signs around referencing RFID equipped.  Maybe they're doing something new, or just farang surtax?

[Starman]

If that is what you paid then the prices have doubled in 4 years.

No wonder many Thai people don't bother. !!

[davureborn]

If that is what you paid then the prices have doubled in 4 years.

No wonder many Thai people don't bother. !!

That was my reaction also.

 Family member is getting a job as a truck driver and doesn't even have a motorbike license. He has paid three times for not having a license.
Still, up to us chaps to show a good example, what, and you do sometimes get a price reduction when you flash it at tourist places. Some policemen have even seemed amused that I have a Thai license. The last one told me to learn Lao.

[KhunG]

I just checked.  Thai's around here are paying the same price, so at least it's not a farang surcharge.

[Ahab]

STARMAN [Had this conversation before on another forum. The driving licence centre in Buriram accept a letter of residence from the local police station. This is easy to obtain and costs anything upto 100 baht ,depending on the current price of coffee!!!!!!!!

Copy of House Registration.
Copy of ID card of first names occupant on the house book.
Copy of passport(various pages).
Two photos
Big smile and some patience.
You will also be required to give finger prints.

If you are working in Thailand you can skip all of that and use your work permit.
[/quote]

Are the requirements listed above still current for 2017? Just wondering because it is an older thread.

[Starman]

Yes, Ahab. I believe they are.

[Ahab]

Well, next week I will give it a try then.

[fishy]

In Nong Ki no fingerprints are required but the same documents listed above are. First license is for 1 year and on renewal 5 years. If you have an International drivers license you do not have to do the written exam which I believe is multiple choice questions? You only have to do depth perception test/ colorblind test/ speed reaction test. You can keep trying until you pass! Car and motorbike are separate licenses so you need to ask for both if wanted. If you can speak the Thai words for Red Yellow and Green it goes a long way with the examiner but not required.

[Ahab]

See dang, see Leung, see keaw, if I had to take the test I would be ready. I have an international drivers license and a valid Hawaii drivers license from the USA. Thanks for the helpful information.

[nookiebear]

Is a medical certificate not needed nowadays?

[smoooth2]

Ahab .... you may find the following link helpful.

The topic was titled .... How to get your first Thai driver license

www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,8725.0.html

[Freddy]

 Can confirm that if you get your certificate of residence from Buriram Police they do take your fingerprints.

[Starman]

Is a medical certificate not needed nowadays?

Yes, a medical certificate is needed for a drivers licence. Go to any clinic. Walking, breathing and can see where you are going. OK.

I believe the 1st licence is now valid for 2 years.

[Ahab]

We got our medical certificates this afternoon (50baht each), we will make copies of everything this weekend and hopefully have Thai drivers licenses early next week.

[Ahab]

I have a yellow house book, do I still need a residency certificate? It would seem redundant.