Why Get a Thai Driving License -

Driving legally in Thailand (insurance typically requires a local license).
It can serve as a local identification document (for example domestic flights).
With a Thai license, you may get “Thai prices” in some cases (versus foreigner / tourist rates).
It enables you to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from Thailand.

Requirements (Eligibility & Documents)

To apply for a Thai driving license, you generally need:

Requirement	Details / Notes
Age & health	Must be at least 18 years old, with good physical & mental health, and knowledge of Thai driving laws.
Application form	Obtainable at Department of Land Transport (DLT) office.
Passport	Valid passport; some DLT offices may request copies of first page, visa page, and entry stamp.
Residence certificate / proof of address in Thailand	Usually issued by immigration with lease contract or landlord’s documentation; valid for 30 days.
Medical certificate	From a clinic or hospital, issued within 30 days.
(Optional) International or Home Country License	If you already hold a license from your home country (or an IDP), you may be able to skip the practical & theory tests (but still take vision & physical tests). If not in English, translation + certification is required.

The process typically spans over three days, with distinct tests for each:

Day 1: Physical / Vision Tests
- Color blindness (identify the colors of a mock traffic light)
- Depth perception test (aligning bars)
- Reflex / reaction test (responding to lights)
- Peripheral vision test (identify colors from left/right)
Day 2: Theory Test
- Watch a video about Thai driving rules/laws.
- Answer a multiple-choice test (50 questions, must get 45 correct)
- The translation / clarity of some questions may be imperfect; the article warns to prepare in advance.
Day 3: Practical Driving Test
- Test maneuvers include:
  - Driving forward and backward through poles
  - Driving along a curb and stopping at a stop sign
  - Parallel parking in a marked spot (limit on gear shifts)
- You can rent a car (often a Honda City at DLT) for the test (for a fee).
- If you fail one station, you can retake that station (not the whole test), but must pass all within 90 days or else restart.

After successfully completing all tests, return to the DLT, have a photo taken, pay fees, and receive a 2-year temporary Thai driving license.
Check all details printed on the license before leaving (name, data, etc.)

If you already have a driving license (from your home country or an international license):

You may skip the theory & practical driving test, only needing to take the vision / physical tests.
If your existing license is not in English, you must get it translated and certified by your embassy or consulate.
Some DLT offices require you to watch a driving rules video in Thailand before granting the license.

The 2-year license can be renewed or converted into a 5-year license when the 2-year term ends.
For renewal, you don’t need to take the theory/practical tests again, just the basic tests (vision, etc.), and you must watch an online DLT video beforehand (through DLT e-Learning) to get a QR code as proof.
Renewal is allowed up to 3 months before expiration or within one year after expiration.
If the license is expired for more than one year: you may have to retake the theory test. If expired more than three years: you may have to retake both theory and practical tests.
Driving with an expired license may result in a fine (up to THB 2,000), and your car insurance might not cover you in case of accident.

Typically you need to make at least 2–3 visits to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) — one to submit documents and schedule tests, another for tests, etc.
In some cases (if you already have a valid foreign license), you might finish in one day.
Visit the DLT early (before opening) to reduce wait times.
Some DLT offices require appointments depending on location and busyness, but many accept walk-ins.
Even if you don’t speak Thai, many staff speak basic English and can assist you.
You can also apply via approved driving schools: they can administer tests and issue an approval that lets you obtain the license at DLT. This might be more convenient though more expensive.
The guide is accurate as of January 2025, and policies / procedures may change, so it’s wise to check with the DLT directly.