Getting My Thai Drivers License Living in Bangkok Thailand

My Dutch Driver's License expired, so I needed to get a new driving licence to be able to drive a car here in Thailand. I asked my accountant to set up the meeting at the Department of Land Transportation Area 3. Bang Chak.
I will show you how to get there and how the process goes inside. If you are Living in Bangkok Thailand, it is handy to get your local driver's License.
If you are applying for both a motorcycle and a car license, you need to be 18 years of age and you need 2 sets of documents.
Here’s what you need to take with you:
- Original passport
- Original driving license (if it’s not in English, it will need to be officially translated.
- Photocopy of the photo page, visa page, your last entry stamp, TM6 departure card (small slip you filled out on arrival). That’s 4 things from your passport.
- Photocopy of your driving license
- Filled out application form
- Original ‘Affirmation of Residence’ certificate (alternatively, a Work Permit can be used). You can use just one original for both licenses, just photocopy the original. But you do need the original!
- Health certificate from a clinic or hospital.
- Application form
My accountant is always helping me out with legal matters. You can sent me an e-mail to [e-mail] and I can explain more on how she can help you. The driving licence itself cost me 220 THB, but I paid an extra 3,000 THB to my accountant to arrange all the paperwork and assist me on the day. But you can do it also yourself :-) Cost of living in Thailand.
00:00 Intro
00:18 Getting to Bang Chak
01:41 BTS to the Office
05:14 At the Department of Land Transportation
06:53 Got my driving licence
#bangkok #movetobangkok
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[@michaelk.9986]

Wow 😮 easy so much. But it’s possible to transfer German drivers license to Thai license?

[@globaltravelmate]

Yes, it is actually very easy if you have a valid driver licence.

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

First get an international license in Germany cause that is in English and valid three monthes

[@heyui]

@@globaltravelmate i will try that the next days

[@jonhobson3592]

@@globaltravelmateI have a uk 🇬🇧 licence which is valid for 3/4 more years can I easily transfer it to a Thai 🇹🇭 one ?

[@banjemine4150]

Thanks Jeroen. Always good seeing you. Well done on getting your Thai driving licence!

[@kashifakbar8751]

Very informative. Thank you Jeroen 😃👍🏼

[@KohYaoYai]

Congratulations and thanks for the insight 👍🏼

[@smjcarter]

That (almost) looked like fun! Not a bad experience and a video I'm sure many will find useful. Me too, if I manage to stay in Thailand long term. Thanks!

[@kamolhengkiatisak1527]

Believe it or not, it took me 3 times to pass my driving test. Traffic law test I passed for the first time. I failed backing into small space between 2 rows of plastic poles. I did hit it and failed twice and successfully passed on the 3rd occasion. That was 30+ years ago. I drove a manual car.

[@user-oj2xh8pn2o]

Wow, very handy video. Its also very close to the BTS.

[@turnipkupo7263]

just want to say, as well as the documents you mentioned, I initially got turned away because they also wanted: A copy of the passport bio data page (the main page showing your details) A copy of your latest visa stamp entry in your passport Your written signature on both pieces of paper, with blue ink

[@globaltravelmate]

You could make these copies at the office there, right?

[@milagroslinares9894]

👏👏👏 congrats 🎉🎉🎉

[@samp9953]

I like this video, very interesting!

[@villagefarang]

I have had a Thai license for 41 years and just renewed it last week. The only thing which took any time was the process of verifying where I live. I had to pick that up a week later at immigration. The online video and four question test was new and only took an hour to complete. Picked up the form from immigration a week later and drove over to the license place here in Chiang Rai and walked out with a new license in less than forty minutes. I alway recommend doing an exploratory visit first to get any forms you might need filled out and get clarification from that particular office as to what they require.

[@globaltravelmate]

Same issue here. The address thing was the most complicated. If my Driving License would not have been expired it would have been much easier as well.

[@CouncilCollective]

Get a bus pass Jereon,,,,,pleased to see you got it,,,,,peace and happiness as always

[@ernomarcelstravels]

Gefeliciteerd gap.

[@davidr4868]

Wow congratulations

[@TheLungNuad]

Not even you're in BKK.I'm in my hometown the country side.the weather really terrible extream Hot.very informative to get driving licence in TL.👏👏👏👏👍👍👍💪✌✌

[@TheSwamynathan]

HiJeroen, There are no Motor Cycles in Thailand. (The ones that have Petrol tanks in the front) Maybe the Govt does'nt allow higher CC engines, not sure..They're just scooters with a Bigger Bike Wheel..Compared to Singapore BK is much drier weather ie.less humid..

[@ikakau]

I first had a international drivers permit then applied for a Thailand drivers license. I had to get a letter of residency from the immigration office in my province then all I did was a reaction and color recognition test. The initial license was good for 2 years and I renewed it for a 5 year license, same process. It was very easy for both.

[@globaltravelmate]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ikakau]

@@ShadyD365 I’m not sure in that situation as my wife came with me to verify my residency at our house, she needed to bring her blue book to show that she was the owner of the house. If the owner of the condo, or rental agent would go with you to immigration I think that would be best, you should inquire with immigration as to how to proceed. Immigration will then give you a letter verifying residency that you take to the station in your area of Krung Thep that issues licenses.

[@martynwoodcock4597]

👍👍 I sit watching you're content and I think damn Jeroen your such a nice guy

[@globaltravelmate]

Thanks Martyn, I try to do my best in life :-)

[@Kokozwa]

think you should make another video showing all the public transport options including exits. you know well ... crossing the roads in Thailand is a nightmare when you took the wrong exit. i think Mo Chit BTS and CTC Park MRT are best for this.

[@theo-sa6764]

Congrats.....thanks for the info, seems to be a very easy and simple process, are you planning to buy a car....???

[@globaltravelmate]

No Theo, its just to be able to rent and drive.

[@PeRcH72]

Nice that you have a Thai license. Funny to see you enter the property and it says 100% Helmet Area (03:26) and then you go to the motor-taxi and he is not wearing a helmet :D

[@TheInsultInvestor]

I got my Cambodian license a few years ago, 10 year version. I got pulled over in california and got a ticket for it but won in court.

[@boonlertnamkanaddy6409]

Congratz Jeroen

[@klausw.5612]

very interesting, have a international drivers license, valid for Thailand 🇹🇭 too, want to have a Thai drivers license too😅😅✌🏼🤘🏼🙏🏼🇹🇭 congratulations for your success 😅

[@eleanderolyphant9385]

Great vid. Very useful. But maybe I missed it, was there no actual road test?

[@globaltravelmate]

No, I did not have to do a road test.

[@Ginnyyy16]

Wow 👍

[@stea73]

😅😅Ciao jeroen the syper-flying-dutchman.. Now with driving license equipped🎉😃🚘

[@lesly3905]

Je vous remercie pour votre générosité à donner un petit peu plus au moto qui vous a transporté, je vous suis de France, je subscribe à votre blog depuis longtemps, je vous suis de près, car c'est intéressant ce que vous nous a montré à chaque fois, très bonne continuation pour vous, je vous souhaite que du succès.

[@globaltravelmate]

Merci Beaucoup Lesly :-)

[@souperyummie]

my license was still valid so it took me just 30 mins to get the Thai Driving license. Surprisingly they printed it on the spot, which was very surprising. however i had applied during covid when the wait time for the interview and test was 2 months. but the interview and test were a joke/ breeze.

[@koilover7740]

Love your video. ??? I dont know how to ride a motorcycle. Do they have someone there to teach you. Thank. And how much 😊

[@BenoitPhilips]

What does ‘affirmation of residence’ contains ? How can you get this ? I’m renting a condo in Wongwian Yai already for 2 years. Bedankt voor de info.

[@Swaggerlot]

As I understand it, if you have a current and acceptable driver's licence, a non-tourist class of visa and (maybe or maybe not) an IDP, then its a simple process to get a Thai licence with no driving test. Unfortunately, just like immigration visa issues, the way things work in Thailand may mean you get told all sorts of crap at various regional offices.

[@globaltravelmate]

This is why I asked my accountant to help. I prefer to pay some money and be sure it gets done, then save money and waste extra time.

[@kpopandotherplaylists2518]

Thanks for this. Question 220 baht for licence, 3000 baht for services. Erhm what services do you mean? Testing? Was it on the day, if so ? And ..was that car licence or bike licence and was there a test. ?

[@bobspilnt5945]

Oh my god, it is completely different and so easy compared to Europe 😅 at least compared to Italy where I stay

[@ThaiGuyKerry]

Wow, Jeroen, all those different locations vlogs you have posted over there years without a license. Should we now expect 3 posting a day now that you have your license?

[@globaltravelmate]

Kerry, I did have my Dutch license before :-)

[@chaturthichakma1144]

what must I say when I go to the clinic for the medical checkup and what do the checkups include?

[@willhatfield6228]

If my UK licence is still valid, it's easy to get a Thai licence? Do I require a work permit? To get a bike licence do I need to do a bike test if I have only a UK car licence. Thanks for any info in advance.

[@annecy49]

Thanks, Jeroen. For us all aspiring candidates to move to Thailand, these videos are so informative and your experience valuable! How long is the licence valid for? So you don't need a driving test as long as you have a valid licence that you can exchange? Sounds good! I would exchange my Canadian one then (I also have a French one, but keeping it)!

[@Swaggerlot]

See my post above. You don't have to 'exchange' or surrender any licence.

[@annecy49]

@@Swaggerlot Thanks.

[@villagefarang]

I believe your first license is good for only two years but subsequent renewals are for five years. I know mine is five years and just renewed it last week.

[@globaltravelmate]

As Swaggerlot mentioned you just get an extra license. I did not have to physically proof that I can drive. The license is valid for 2 years.

[@annecy49]

@@globaltravelmate Thank you to everyone who answered!

[@CasperLabuschagne]

No period of having a learners licence and then a physical driving test where you actually have to drive on the road?

[@miwaresoft8641]

Jerome - I thought unless you had an International driving permit - your local driving license was not accepted? I got stopped in Phuket 20 years ago with a UK license and the police demanded a fine

[@globaltravelmate]

I had the same issue with my Dutch driving license. Got stopped on the way to Koh Chang and paid a fine.

[@TommyDJr45]

I literally looked this up yesterday lol

[@ratnoinamaew7822]

Do you know if I can get a Thai DL on a Tourist visa (2-3 months) or even a 1 year Ed Visa?

[@f.v.6236]

i think to make a licence (just motorbike) next time in phuket as a fun task, my question: how long this licence last? oh wait, its only for thai resident, right?

[@globaltravelmate]

Yes, you need to show your address. I needed to bring my work permit.

[@brianbond7754]

Can you just use international license if you are only doing 3 months at a time there? I have a cycle endorsement on it ?

[@globaltravelmate]

I used my Dutch driver license for 13 years.

[@MrTkshiu]

Are you a Thai citizen or are you there on just a work visa? What do you do for work?

[@globaltravelmate]

I own a Real Estate company called Sukhumvit Homes :-)

[@Bidasan]

How long is dutch driving licence valid?🤔 In Norway it's valid for 100years, so I prob never need to renew it lol. Getting a licence in Thailand seem pretty simple, no wonder so many accidents😆

[@globaltravelmate]

The Dutch license is valid for 10 years.

[@tw25rw]

Is that all that locals have to do to get a licence?

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Theory test and practical. They get it in 2 days. So crazy. In Germany needs 50 hours in car with teacher before the test

[@user-iu4dp1hx5y]

Can you share your accountants details? Or if they are able to work with me? I'm interested to apply

[@gertdrok]

Jeroen, heb jij al die jaren in Thailand, je NL rijbewijs gebruikt? Is dit je eerste Thaise rijbewijs? 🙏

[@globaltravelmate]

🤫😉

[@gertdrok]

@@globaltravelmate 😉😉😉

[@gertdrok]

Goede video met uitleg. 👍

[@user-yb4ei2xg6g]

Do you like to drive the car jeroen?

[@globaltravelmate]

I am not a big fan of driving, but I dont mind.

[@ernomarcelstravels]

By the way, did you know; your Thai drivers license is also valid in the other ASEAN countries.

[@globaltravelmate]

Yes indeed, I can use it throughout ASEAN. But not in Europe.

[@ernomarcelstravels]

@@globaltravelmate you could give it a try though😁

[@Mikomido5]

It’s only written test?

[@globaltravelmate]

Yes, no need for driving.

[@LanceandYing]

If you dont have a work permit for thailand but have a Thai spouce are you able to get the TH license?

[@globaltravelmate]

You need to proof that you live in Thailand.

[@retiredpainter259]

Incorrect ,, I have one and I don’t live there , neither would I ever live there

[@globaltravelmate]

@@retiredpainter259 Feel free to share how you did that :-)

[@retiredpainter259]

@@globaltravelmate can’t be arsed with all the details ,, but basically I had a one year multi entry visa , I also have 2 thai bank accounts and we have our own property blue book etc , was about 9 years ago done the first renewal etc plus whatever else to carry on , they actually gave me all my lorry qualifications on it as well , my BIL and SIL both have higher grade government jobs ( not in the driving licence dept I might add ) but as allways in Thailand there are ways round things if you want ,, tbh I can’t ever see I’m gonna spend more than 3 months in a line there for the need for it BUT it makes it much easier on the standard road checkup points

[@razzle4305]

can you use it to drive scooters and motorcycles too?

[@globaltravelmate]

No, I only got the car driving licence. You need to get the scooter and motorcycle one seperate.

[@somluck2813]

​@@globaltravelmate I think you only got a car license because your Dutch driver's license was only for a car. I had an Australian (Victoria state) driver's licence for a car only and could only get an Thai car driver's licence. To get a Thai Driver's licence for a motorcycle I need to do a practical test, ride a motorcycle around a course.

[@Swaggerlot]

@@somluck2813 That's correct, unless you already have a motorcycle endorsement on your Victorian (Danistan) licence.

[@globaltravelmate]

@@somluck2813 Correct.

[@auslaoshi]

The big question is, is it for car or motorcycle or both?🤔🤔🤔

[@globaltravelmate]

Just for the Car.

[@auslaoshi]

👍👍

[@jonhobson3592]

@@globaltravelmatedo you need one for motorcycle too ?

[@mauihowey]

Got my license last year…..easy but still a pain to do😆

[@maddahrm]

Did you do a driving test? Or is it a Q&A test only?

[@globaltravelmate]

I had to do Q&A only. But I think it was because I already showed my driving licence from Holland. Which expired only 1 month ago.

[@BOB41K]

Hmm, aren't you supposed to come on your own vehicle to take the driving test?

[@Swaggerlot]

They don't do T90 endorsements

[@globaltravelmate]

No need to bring a vehicle. Just do the tests and your good.

[@Mark_Maguire]

Easier to get one from Khaosan Rd, I'm sure they are legit!

[@theeuan]

MY FRIEND I HAVE QUESTION FOR YOU........DOES THAILAND STILL TAKE US DOLLARS?

[@globaltravelmate]

As payment in shops? Oficially not I think. Some owners might accept, but I never see people pay with Dollars.

[@theeuan]

But if I get to Thailand with US dollars I can exchange them itnto baths? That is what I want to know.Also if I am staying in a hotel can I pay my bill with US dollars?

[@theeuan]

@@mythai05 thank you very much!

[@braveheart9097]

"How to get a thai driver license" Then proceeds to tell us nothing lol

[@globaltravelmate]

I think I basically explained the basic steps in the video. I am not an expert on legal paperwork in Thailand, I use my accountant for that, as I mentioned. There are many youtube experts online that pretend to know it all, well I don't.