How to get a Thai driving licence

[HHTel]

I had friends refused with Spanish and French driving licences because the language used was not English, even though the appearance of the Euro licence is identical. They had 2 choices i.e. either obtain an International Driving Permit or get their licences translated and notorised.

You are absolutely correct BB. The two treaties state that the licence must be in English or translated. It's a shame that most police are unaware of the rules.

[Dieter78]

I got my bike/car licences today from Pranbury. Arrived 8am finished 9:30.

Be aware you need duplicate copies for each application (bike/car).

[J.J.B.]

I'm planning to get my bike and car license at Pranburi tomorrow. I've got all the paperwork in order, can anyone advise if one has to make some kind of booking or is it a turn-up and wait job?

[Big Boy]

Just turn up.

[J.J.B.]

^ Thanks, BB, much obliged.

[barrys]

I'm planning to get my bike and car license at Pranburi tomorrow. I've got all the paperwork in order, can anyone advise if one has to make some kind of booking or is it a turn-up and wait job?

It's best to get there early though (just before 8.30) to avoid long queues....

[J.J.B.]

I shall broach this gently with Mrs J.J.B. over dinner this evening...

Thanks!

[Ginjaninja]

After years of procrastination I finally made it to Pranburi to obtain my Thai driving licences (both car and bike).
As per the information SydneyGuy has correctly given previously the only thing I was missing was my medical certificate.
All very efficient at the transportation office and the very polite lady at the counter (upstairs) drew a very accurate map directing me to the 'medical center' ( ).

Pranburi Transportation office location

Pranburi medical center location

The medical center is not obvious and looks like something out the 18th century and also parking (car) may not be easy as the street is very busy. The whole medical certificate is a complete joke - the guy filled out a carbon copy form using my passport and I paid the 50thb and was on my way. If applying for both car and bike then you will need a photo copy of this form but fortunately there is a copy machine available (for a minuscule fee) at the entrance of the transportation dept car-park.

I'm just glad I had my international (U.K.) AA driving licence so I didn't have to go through the rigmarole of sitting tests. I brought with me my full U.K. driving licence (I have both car and bike) but they weren't interested as I had the international.

You don't need passport photos in Pranburi as they take your photo on the premises whilst printing out your licence(s).

I'm not sure if it was mentioned previously but at immigration it is the porta-cabins to the left of the main immigration building where you get your proof of residence forms (one each for car and bike). You go to the back of the first porta-cabin and open the sliding window to speak to the officer. Bring passport photos with you, I think two for each form and all appropriate photo-copies otherwise you will be stuck in the queues at immigration.


GN.

[JuiceLover]

Speaking medical "examination": At my first application as well as extension, I did my medical here on Soi 55/2 (maybe soi 55/1 but only found vet clinic(!) on google maps, they missed 55/2).

I showed my papers from immigration.

The test: the doctor unfolds a spiral bound book like a children's book with thick laminated pages and hitting a random page witha a blurry color background where you are supposed to identify a (large hidden) number. It happened to be "#2". Randomly he opened another page where I answered #28. He said, "Very good" and stamps medical documents for car and motorcycle.

[usual suspect]

Ginganinja mentoined not needing to submit photos at Pranburi..I think/hope the same applies at the Cha-Am centre...hope so because after having 4 passport-size prints done..HH immigration used 3 of them!

[Nereus]

Ginganinja mentoined not needing to submit photos at Pranburi..I think/hope the same applies at the Cha-Am centre...hope so because after having 4 passport-size prints done..HH immigration used 3 of them!

Yes, that is correct. Providing Grandma can remember how to operate the machine, it takes your photo and prints it onto the new licence.

[Ginjaninja]

U.S.,
are you renewing your previous driving licences? I was told last night by a Thai friend that you don't need the immigration residency certificates if renewing. As you have already done perhaps you could confirm when you go to Cha am.
Cheers and good luck.
GN.

[pitsch]

I renewed my driving license in Pranburi, but I needed the certificate definitely

[usual suspect]

OK G.N. For your good self...& others, for the 5yr renewal at Cha-Am I needed to submit..
My 2 old licences & show my passport.
4 copies of my passports photo pages, & 4 copies of my visa page.
A 'letter of residency' for each licence (bike+car)..HH immigration HAD given me 2 copies yesterday..1 for each.
And a total fee of 1060B (for the 2 licences).

I did NOT have to submit any copies of my house book, the last entry stamp in my passport, or my departure card.
nor did they ask for a medical certificate or copies of.

Things kicked-off around 8.20, the place was very busy, & after doing the usual colour, perception, & reaction tests
upstairs myself & another westerner were made to sit & watch a brain-numbing video about driving carefully & curtiously
for nigh-on an hour..after that photo taken & new licence handed out within 10mins.

Was in there nearly 3 hours, but as I said..it was quite busy in there.

[J.J.B.]

...upstairs myself & another westerner were made to sit & watch a brain-numbing video about driving carefully & curtiously for nigh-on an hour..

I'm curious, where did they film this video, presumably nowhere close-by?!