Tougher test for licences

[europtimiste]

Is a good step, but not enough.

[laphanphon]

Nothing instituted as of yet, as I just renewed my 5 yr license, in Udon Thani today, last time to do here, and actually was 2 weeks after it expired......oops. No mention or signs stating any future requirements.

Watched the hour long driving vid, first time ever that was required, and not extra anything. Paperwork required, copies of yellow house book and passport, and expired license.

Fast and efficient, considering staffing, as only one photo station open today. All done, less than 2 hrs. Vid viewing on the hour, every hour, so had to wait for first 24 to finish, then I viewed, handed paperwork, paid, waited for photo station and print out.

[Takiap]

Well, knowing first aid is not going to improve anyone's driving. And it is not as though there aren't any rescue services, they are just about as prolific as 7-11 shops.
For me, the only way to change the me first attitude that is the cause of a lot of accidents, is through the pockets of the offenders. Where I come from offending hoons have their vehicle confiscated for 28 days, along with licence demerit points. It is of no use just doing it at holiday time, it needs enforcing all the time.

I agree 100% that it is the ME FIRST attitude here that needs to change. You could send every Thai driver overseas to get their license, and it would not make even a tiny difference to road safety in Thailand. When you are the world's most important person, you have the right to do as you wish. Unfortunately, 99.99% of the people here believe that they are the most important people in the world.

And, to make matters even worse, there are a fair share of foreigners who, since arriving here, have now discovered that they too are the most important people in the world once they get behind the wheel.

[Big Boy]

I don't disagree. A 200 Baht contribution to the tea fund isn't going to change their mind. The only way to change minds is to hit them where it hurts - if they're doing anything illegal, don't let them continue until they comply with the law, which in many cases mean seizing their vehicle. Fine them, but also charge for vehicle storage until they are legal to drive.

This softly softly approach to change minds isn't working. If they're serious about rectifying the problem, the deterrent has to be big i.e. outweighs the risk.

[bsdk1960]

Yep its getting tougher

Want a driving license? Just go to a driving school

3p.jpg
Picture: Thairath

BANGKOK: -- New regulations mean that people who want a driving license will no longer need to be tested at a land department center.

All applicants need to do is go to a driving school, get a certificate and they will be behind the wheel.

Head of the land transport department Sanit Pornmuang said yesterday it was all part of changes to the rules for getting licenses.

If potential drivers can show they have completed the new more stringent training they can pick up a license from any department office, reports Thairath.

Drivers now need to do five hours of training instead of the previous four.

Sanit said that 93 private driving schools nationwide are registered with his department. Potential drivers will have to go to one of these to complete the training.

But when that is done they will need to do nothing else except present the certificate from the driving school and they will get their license.

Another 48 driving schools are also being considered to be part of the scheme.

Source: Thairath

[HHTel]

And how long will it take for the driving schools to take the money and issue the certificate. There doesn't seem to be any check and balance which isn't surprising. A few hours driving qualifies you to hold a licence?? ....