5yr Drivers License Renewal

[papaguido]

Completed today at the main office off HWY 2 (14K from Tahan rd & ring road intersection). My wife called ahead for required documentation. Was told:

-1 copy each of license to be renewed (car & motorbike)
-2 copies of passport (photo/data page, 1 per each lic.)
-2 copies of visa page
-2 copies of Yellow Book
-All copies signed
-Eye test and mandatory hour long "drivers safety movie"

Eye test consist of a stand mounted traffic light which the operator controls the light sequence and the applicant identifies the colors shown (green, green, red, green, yellow).

Movie consisted of traffic accidents, some interesting. No English sound track, no gory scenes.
Fee, car 655bt and motorbike 405bt.

Movie show times:

09:00-10:00
10:00-11:00
11:00-12:00 (If you catch this one, you'll be asked to return at 13:00 to complete the process, we did
12:00-1300 Lunch Break
13:00-14:00
14:00-15:00

Notes:

1. Have up to 365 days after license expires to renew. After one year lapse have to retake written test.
2. Can renew up to 90 days before license expires.
3. Free WIFI (password posted on wall near counter)

[pompui]

And just to confirm,any requirement for any health certificate

[Macca]

And just to confirm,any requirement for any health certificate

Yep one of those pay 50 baht without ever being checked checks.

Sorted mine a couple of months ago and just like you I timed it badly so had to wait over an hour to watch the safety film.
They pulled me out of there after 20 minutes thank goodness.

Have they changed the red bulb, very faded and i kept saying yellow

[pompui]

What happened to that speed test ,am due my 5 yr renewal in January,remember last time with the eye test and speed test I was called upon to do it first and to get me out of the room ,presumably not to see the local Thais failing miserably :-"

[papaguido]

And just to confirm,any requirement for any health certificate

I wasn't asked to provide one and I processed without it.

[papaguido]

What happened to that speed test ,am due my 5 yr renewal in January,remember last time with the eye test and speed test I was called upon to do it first and to get me out of the room ,presumably not to see the local Thais failing miserably :-"

Best to call ahead and see what they want. My wife called the DLT from the clinic as I was in queue waiting my turn. Told didn't require it, so didn't get it.

[patriot]

Thanks for the update Papaguido, interesting to know there is a 365 day grace period.

Please remember to take the original form of identification with you eg an expired passport.

[Barney]

Have they changed the red bulb, very faded and i kept saying yellow

I did my first test when working in Map Ta Phut near Rayong and had the same light problem, kept saying orange as the light was faded and was no way it was red. Got a good laugh from the tester and the gathering crowd when i finally said Red, only because the girl from our company said to say Red. Then being the only westerner in the room performed the trained monkey tests for breaking and the sight depth test moving the 2 strings. Larger crowd now clapping with each accomplishment. gave a curtsey on finishing. Every one was happy to see me pass.

[papaguido]

Have they changed the red bulb, very faded and i kept saying yellow

Yes, still faded, but I thought it was green...I said green twice then I noticed the operator raising her eyebrows and I changed my answer to yellow...passed.

[douglas]

Hi.
When I got my five year Thai DL. I showed bossman my British Isles DL. and asked what was needed. He give me a form and said all I needed was a doctors report. They give me a form for this which I took to the doctor in what was then Pablo Hospital. Believe it or not he give me a complete check, heart lungs reflexes etc. Took about 2 hours and cost 100B. Went back to DLC and was issued a full Thai DL. No need to sit anything else. I went into the room where they took your photos etc. They asked me to read a colour chart, I said I have done that with the doctors form they give me. They said sorry and put me into the photo both. and issued me my Thai DL which I have now. No need to sit through video etc...
After I got this I went to the desk and asked, when I showed my British Isles DL, and asked, how long I could drive in LOS on his. After checking B.M. said 12 months sir, if you leave LOS within this time when you return you are allowed another 12 months.
Please check with the Lic. people and get the true facts. and find out what THEY want. Not what other people want.

[papaguido]

Hi.
When I got my five year Thai DL. I showed bossman my British Isles DL. and asked what was needed. He give me a form and said all I needed was a doctors report. They give me a form for this which I took to the doctor in what was then Pablo Hospital. Believe it or not he give me a complete check, heart lungs reflexes etc. Took about 2 hours and cost 100B. Went back to DLC and was issued a full Thai DL. No need to sit anything else. I went into the room where they took your photos etc. They asked me to read a colour chart, I said I have done that with the doctors form they give me. They said sorry and put me into the photo both. and issued me my Thai DL which I have now. No need to sit through video etc...
After I got this I went to the desk and asked, when I showed my British Isles DL, and asked, how long I could drive in LOS on his. After checking B.M. said 12 months sir, if you leave LOS within this time when you return you are allowed another 12 months.
Please check with the Lic. people and get the true facts. and find out what THEY want. Not what other people want.

Douglas, the topic is about the 5yr license renewal process, not a 1st time issuance of a 5yr license. The requirements are not the same (e.g. home country license nor a heath check are required) which is factual information provided to my wife by the "Lic. people".

Keep in mind...tomorrow, next week or next month someone may have an entirely different experience or the requirements may change...TIT.

If needing confirmation or an update of required doc's, call ahead...the number for the DLT is 042-295412.

[pompui]

For 50 baht may as well do one anyway and take it along in January when due to renew,might even go to a hospital for one just to see my weight and blood pressure

[thaiguzzi]

Just renewed my 5 year licenses (car and motorcycle) at Nong Han. 1060 baht for both. Had doctor's 50 baht medical paperwork, not needed. No eye test, no films, in and out in 20 mins. Very helpful. Just had old licenses, 2 copies of current passport and yellow house book. No missus with me, all done by myself, as my Thai is reasonable. Done the day after they ran out, on my birthdate, got as good as 6 years till expiry.