Can I get a Thai driver's license, here in Thailand?

Question

About a month before I left the U.S. to start work in Thailand, I got stopped at a police checkpoint after leaving a wedding party. The police stopped every car. I made the stupid mistake to admit that I had a couple of drinks at the party, although at this point I was sober. Anyways, they took me in for the night, took my license, gave me a temporary restricted license, and I was able to drive home the next morning. The judge believed I was sober because my blood alcohol was under the legal limit, which meant I was driving legally. But because the police in California are ruthless, corrupt, and get points for arrests(partly because they are trying to save their jobs amongst all the budget cuts), they said I did not pass the sobriety tests. Like I said, the judge believed I was ok and reduced the sentence to the lowest punishment that he can do legally, which is called a "wet wreckless." Basically that means that I had been drinking, but was not drunk or was a hazard. Regardless, my driver's license was taken away. The only way to get it back is to take a three month drinking and driving class. But because my job in Thailand started in less than one month, I could not take the class and thus do not have my U.S. driver's license. The only way I can get it back is to take time off from work, fly back to the U.S. for the three month class, fly back to Thailand, and then receive my license in the mail. With my job duties here, this is almost near impossible. I can't take a three month "vacation" to go to the U.S. to take care of business.

Is there some way I can take a course or a test here in Thailand to get a valid Thai driver's license?

If you need more info in order to answer, just ask and I'll try to provide it.

Thank you.

Yeah, kind of embarrassing to admit, but I want to be able to drive here...legally.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I think you should go to Thaivsa.com and search there, they have a section on getting a driver license, that will give you all the information.

From what I remember the test is in English (I never had to take it because I had my NY license).  But you will need a few things. 

First you will need a verification of residence.  This can come either from immigrations section showing the address you live at is correct, this is at no charge but takes a few weeks to get.  or you will need a affiliate from the American Embassy which will cost you. Also remember you need to make an appointment online with the American Consulate.  I hate given money to the consulate just to sign.

You will also need a medical certificate from a doctor.  This you can get at any medical clinic, don't go to some international hospital for it you will be wasting your money.  I think most clinic has a pre-printed form.

The easiest place to go for your license is opposite JJ Market.  Just get off at Mochit and walk down the road opposite JJ Market.  It's a big compound.  I forget the building but I believe it's at the far end of the compound.  Just ask.

Bring your Thai girl friend with you for help in any transaction and filling out the application form.

You will also need your passport of course.

After you get your license which is good for 1 year, you can get your 5 year license after the 1 year license expires.  Yes that is correct, you need to have your license expire before you can get your next one.

Just do a little reserch and you should have no problems.

? · Answer

The usual way, and easy way, for a foreigner to get a Thai driver license is to fill out the application, pay the fee, and show them your U.S. driver license. The only test you have to do is a very basic eye test to see if you are color blind.

However, if you have no U.S. driver license then you will have to take both the written and driving tests. And they are only in Thai language. The authorities are a little bit flexible so they may let you take someone along to translate for you.

? · Answer

Woa, tough one, Chris. You said..."the police in California are ruthless, corrupt, and get points for arrests..."...you're sure it's not the other way around?

I would suggest that you ask around if anyone you know has a contact with some big police...I'm sure he would be able to get you some sort of thing for you to drive around Thailand. I don't think the big police in Thailand corrects points, though...more of expensive wines, whiskey, cubans, dollars...these kinda stuffs...but I'm sure he'll let you know. Good luck, Chris. = )

EDIT. No, NOT YOU! I meant the police. By the way...I like it when you laugh the 555 laugh. = P

Pat A · Answer

tbh, your question is very long and i didn't read through it lol. 

so i'll answer to the question on your topic. I saw a foreigner who couldn't speak Thai at all took the test in the same room with me....so I think yes you can take the test here

Trending News

Can I get a Thai driver's license, here in Thailand?

4 Answers