Thai driver’s license how to apply

Why look for a Bangkok driver’s license service agency when Bangkok’s traffic jams are considered some of the world’s worst? Here are my top two reasons for driving in Bangkok:

  1. I consider driving to be safer than relying on taxis, run down buses, and deadly motorbikes.
  2. With a car, I am free to go wherever I want, whenever I want. I can go shopping without dragging bags of groceries to the taxi stand. I can put (and leave) anything I want in the trunk, in the car, in the front seat.

Although international driver’s licenses are legally accepted in Thailand, anyone intending to stay in Thailand for more than three months should get a Thai driving license. Insurance companies even state in fine print that drivers should hold a Thai license in order to be covered. From experience, a Thai license may also deter policemen from asking for bribes and help you avoid paying typical foreigner prices at touristy venues.

The best way to get a Thai driving license is through a Thai driving license service agency (link to page). There are several professional Thai driver’s license service agencies in Bangkok that are able to take all the confusion and frustration out of the equation for you but you absolutely do not have to use one.

To apply for a Thai driver’s license, you need:

  1. An interpreter. This is one of the main reasons why many choose to hire a Thai driver’s license service agency. Expats will require an interpreter who can help fill out the forms and translate during instruction classes and tests.
  2. A valid passport with a valid Non-Immigrant Visa
  3. Signed copies of the following pages from the passport: the first page, the page with the current Non-Immigrant Visa, the page with the last entry stamp and the TM-Card
  4. A work permit OR a certified letter of address from the applicant’s embassy or from the Immigration Bureau (document cannot be older than 30 days)
  5. A doctor’s certificate stating that the applicant is in good physical and mental health health (lette should not be more than 30 days old)
  6. 2 photographs, 1×1 inch and not older than 6 months. We suggest you use the photo service available on the premises.
  7. A valid international driver’s license plus signed photocopy or translated regular driving license from the applicant’s home country, certified by the embassy or consulate (if available)

 

How to apply for a Thai driver’s license without a Thai driver’s license agency:

  1. At the Department of Land Transport, take the Thai language application form, fill it out and submit it with all the documents listed above. The documents will be handed back to you and you will be directed to another window for document verification.
  2. Upon receiving the verification stamp, go back to window with the form. You will be directed to the testing area.
  3. You are required to pass three tests: the color blindness test, the reflex test, and the depth perception test. For new timers, a good Thai driver’s license service agency would be able to offer you substantial help with test preparation.
  4. After passing all three tests, your documents will be signed and handed back to you. Return to the window where you took the forms to receive your queue number.
  5. When your queue is called or shown, submit your documents and passport (and work permit if applicable).
  6. Pay the 105 baht fee and wait for your name to be called to receive your 1 year temporary Thai driver’s license.
  7. Laminate your license at a nearby kiosk.

The process of getting a Thai driver’s license can feel like a great hassle, especially to non Thai-speaking foreigners. At TDLS, we offer all our customers a convenient, stress-free, and timely solution. In a hurry? We do more than just filling out your forms (which in itself is a struggle, to be fair) and providing translations. We are the Thai driver’s license service agency that can fast-track your appointments and get you your Thai driving license when you need it. Book your Bangkok driver’s license service now

  • positive review  Excellent service. Easy and fuss-free. Everything that is within TDLS' control, you can be assured that they will do it in the most efficient manner.

    SayLin Ong Avatar SayLin Ong
    October 11, 2019

    positive review  Excellent service , fast and efficient... Thx to the team great work

    Garima Arora Avatar Garima Arora
    September 16, 2019

    positive review  Excellent service , fast and efficient... Thx to the team great work

    Thomas Junker Avatar Thomas Junker
    September 10, 2019

    positive review  Efficient service. Highly recommended for those wanting to get in and out without dealing with all the hassle.

    Sam Freeman Avatar Sam Freeman
    September 2, 2019
  • positive review  Great and smooth service. Got my car and motorbike license in 3 hours. Recommended.

    Gabriel Lannerdorfer Avatar Gabriel Lannerdorfer
    August 28, 2019

    positive review  100% stress free service. Thank You

    David Wilms Avatar David Wilms
    August 9, 2019

    positive review  I come from Cambodia 🇰🇭 , I am very satisfied with the service. They support me everything. I am recommending this company to you guy 👍

    Chandavith Bun Avatar Chandavith Bun
    August 5, 2019

    positive review  Super efficient service, very helpful staff. Converted International license both car and motorcycle in less than 2 hours, awesome! If you are expat living in Bkk and need help to do your driving license TDLS is there for you. Fair fares and great customer service. RECOMMEND!

    Tiago Granchinho Pires Avatar Tiago Granchinho Pires
    August 1, 2019
  • positive review  The rep was very courteous and made the process go smoothly. She took me to all the different floors/departments and handled all the paperwork. The process took a little over 2 hours including the 1 hour long instructional video. Thanks for the easy conversion of my international license.

    Joey Lata Avatar Joey Lata
    July 22, 2019

    positive review  Usually I do things myself as many times in the past, hiring an agent sometimes they mess up things not to mention the extra costs. This time I wanted to issue two Thai driving licenses for a car and a motorbike and as usual, I have done an extensive research in the internet to find out how. I even took the online theory test for practice but I was not comfortable about doing it myself and that's when I decided to contact TDLS. I must admit that I was very lucky to pick TDLS out of the many names for many reasons such as their response to every email or message I sent and the clear instructions they provide and always felt happy with their answers. When the day of my appointment at the Land Transport came, I was met by one of their agents who took care of everything and within 3 hours, I was holding my Thai driving Licenses with a big smile on my face. I was treated like a VIP. I strongly recommend TDLS because they know what they are doing and their costs are far less than others. Thank you TDLS

    Hussain Al-Hussaini Avatar Hussain Al-Hussaini
    July 10, 2019

    positive review  This group was great. Very good communication. Very helpful in navigating the whole Thai Land Transport bureaucracy. Without TDLS it would be a daunting task. K. Kate was with me at each step and even after a snafu, she delivered my license to my home. Well worth the money to get legal. Thanks!

    T Hom Mak Avatar T Hom Mak
    June 20, 2019

    positive review  Great service provided by Khun Kate.Go through all the documentation and procedures on time. Got my car & motorbike license in half day. Highly recommended.

    Paulus Josal Avatar Paulus Josal
    May 23, 2019
  • positive review  So good service! Help you to pass all the teat in best way! Thanks to all and big extra thanks to Katy! So great service! 😍

    Markus Lundh Avatar Markus Lundh
    May 23, 2019

    positive review  Really great and friendly customer service. Had excellent knowledge of the whole process and helped get me through to get my license. Highly recommended!

    Jerald Low Avatar Jerald Low
    May 3, 2019

    positive review  I used TDLS to convert my car license and they also help me trough the process of getting a motorbike license. I would recommend this service to anyone who doesn’t speak Thai.. they are very professional. Thanks a lot

    Nelson Cogels Avatar Nelson Cogels
    April 25, 2019

    positive review  Great service, definitely recommend. In and out of the DLT in about an hour.

    Benjamin Thomas Avatar Benjamin Thomas
    April 17, 2019
  • positive review  Serious company, excellent service. Recommend.

    Holden Raynaud Avatar Holden Raynaud
    March 25, 2019

    positive review  I am just 18 year old but I can get drivers license with this service it's very help me and I am good now to have lc to ride my motorcycle to school. Thank you.

    Kanokkan Chotritthirong Avatar Kanokkan Chotritthirong
    March 8, 2019

    positive review  I got both my car and motorcycle licenses in one shot within 2 hrs. Luckily I brought in my International license which speeded up the process. Great time saving at TDLS!

    Kev Mak Avatar Kev Mak
    March 3, 2019

    positive review  I was in a hurry to get my Thai driving license and TDLS was able to streamline the whole process for me. I didn't need to worry about anything except for bringing the right documents, so thank you for help today TDLS. Recommended service 🙂

    Jurrian van Doorn Avatar Jurrian van Doorn
    March 1, 2019
  • positive review  Great service! Thank you

    Nicolai Pinkes Avatar Nicolai Pinkes
    February 27, 2019

    positive review  I tell my friend and he have it now that’s it and he is happy now I will make as well

    Hussain Abdul Avatar Hussain Abdul
    February 25, 2019

    positive review  Excellent service. Professional, friendly, and efficient, I upgraded my US license to a Thai driver's license with ease. The staff are helpful, punctual and well spoken. I would highly recommend their service to anyone who wishes to avoid the hassle and possible confusion of attempting this on your own. And, the fees are very reasonable.

    Lawrence Chaney Avatar Lawrence Chaney
    February 22, 2019

    positive review  Was a great experience doing the license with TDLS fast easy and profetional Highly recomended

    Sheldon Terblanche Avatar Sheldon Terblanche
    October 31, 2018
  • positive review  outstanding service! my bf converted his license without any hassle

    Mahalia SK Bautista Avatar Mahalia SK Bautista
    October 30, 2018
Scroll to Top

We will get back to you within 15 minutes!