Cabinet approves physical test exemption for driving licence renewal

[buksida]

Cabinet approves e-renewal of driving licences without physical tests for eligible drivers; criteria to be set by the DLT.

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft ministerial directive that will allow drivers in normal physical condition to renew their driving licences electronically without the need to undergo a physical test in person.

However, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has yet to define the age range and physical criteria for drivers to be eligible for licence renewal without undergoing reaction and eyesight tests, a government spokesman said.

Deputy government spokesman Karom Polpornklang stated that the Cabinet approved the draft directive proposed by the Transport Ministry. The directive aims to enable driving licence renewals to be conducted electronically, in line with the Electronic Government Procurement Act B.E. 2565 (2022).

Karom added that the measure would help the public reduce travel-related expenses associated with visiting DLT offices for licence renewal.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40049098

Great news if true, and we don't have to mess around at that office twice every five years!

[Big Boy]

Good news, but another batch of Thais out of work.

[buksida]

Lots of jobs going in the tax department, I hear...

[Dannie Boy]

Twice every five years is presumably for a car and motorcycle licence? Mine both expire on the same date so it’s only ever been one journey - no doubt any changes will put me in an age group that’s excluded from automatic online renewal, so most likely no change for me, but better for anyone who does qualify.

[404cameljockey]

Twice every five years is presumably for a car and motorcycle licence? Mine both expire on the same date so it’s only ever been one journey - no doubt any changes will put me in an age group that’s excluded from automatic online renewal, so most likely no change for me, but better for anyone who does qualify.

Presumably so, my car license requires a test every 5 years, as does everyone else' as far as I know.

Like you, I hope the upper limit is at serious wheelchair age, although my next test will be at 72 years old, so hey, WTF!

[Dannie Boy]

All the Brits will be aware that they have to renew their license at age 70 and then every 3 years thereafter, but providing you’re still reasonably fit and healthy it’s a fairly painless process, including the fact that it’s free of charge. How long it will stay like this I’m not sure, as many are trying to get the renewal process made more difficult, including the need to have your health certified rather than the current self-certification which of course could be open to abuse - personally I have no problem with this.

Maybe Thailand is going to follow a similar path?

[buksida]

I have two licenses that expire at two separate times so two separate visits. I asked them if they could make the dates align, willing to sacrifice a year off one and was given a shocked look and stern 'mai dai' as if the question was absurd and I should enjoy visiting state offices.

The Mrs confirmed this was in the news and to be decided upon within the next 90 days, and yes there will be an age limit ... I hope its not 50!

[Dannie Boy]

I’m sure the “youngsters” will be fine, it’ll be us oldies in the 70+ group that are likely to be affected.

[404cameljockey]

I have two licenses that expire at two separate times so two separate visits.

My car license expires on my birthday each time, no matter when I renew it (last time I was a couple of months late due to buggering it up a couple of times, but they still backdated it to my birthday). I presume your car one does, if you have one, but the other license is different? Just curious.

[buksida]

They both expire on my birthday, but on two different years because I got the car license before the bike one. Hence two separate visits to renew them because they refused to align the years.

[404cameljockey]

They both expire on my birthday, but on two different years because I got the car license before the bike one. Hence two separate visits to renew them because they refused to align the years.

Ahhh, thanks. Yes bureaucracy at it's finest!