Thai driving license,with no need to show IDP at Nong Khai

Post by **businessman** » September 29, 2005, 11:56 am

Finally got around to getting a Thai driving licence as repeated calls to the insurance company still left me unsure as to whether an IDP was sufficent.They said it was fine but would not put it in writing.
Anyway when i got the licence,i just showed my UK one and that was sufficient.They did not ask to see the IDP.This was at Nong Khai.I do not know if the guy was having one of those days but it might be worth those without an IDP who want a Thai licence to try Nong Khai.Nothing to lose really.

Marcus

Post by **Dakoda** » October 1, 2005, 2:33 pm

I guess I should give this a shot. So, ok Marcus, what paper work do I need and what do I need to pay? thanks.

On the subject of IDP, while talking to someone at stevesudon one day, subject of IDP (think that is International driver's License?) came up. This person did not have one, so I asked, what do you do when stopped, his reply was, I tell them that my UK license is a VIP license, and so far it has worked!

Post by **businessman** » October 1, 2005, 2:53 pm

Dakoda,i got the Thai licence for a little piece of mind over whether my car insurance is valid with just an IDP.

I gave them:
my UK licence(plus copy)
a letter from immigration stating my address(free)
a medical certificate you can get from any clinic or hospital(20 Baht)
a copy of my passport info.
two passport size photos
You also have to fill in a couple of forms for them that they will give you,in Thai so take along a friend.

You will also be taken into an adjacent room and told to name the colours of some dots on a wall chart,red,green and yellow.

The cost is 105 Baht and the licence is valid for one year.

Post by **BobHelm** » October 1, 2005, 3:20 pm

Marcus, any idea what the proceedure is when you re-new next year? Is it the same, or different because you are taking in a Thai licence as well??

Post by **businessman** » October 2, 2005, 11:05 am

Hi Bob,how is sunny Cheltenham?

If you renew on the date of expiry or after you can get a five year licence for 535 Baht.You must show:
1) Passport (and 1 signed copy of photo page)
2) Visa page and non immigrant visa page (and 1 signed copy of each)
3) Two 1 inch photos.
4) Your old Thai driving license.

If you apply early they only give one year licences.

Post by **BobHelm** » October 2, 2005, 5:01 pm

Thanks for the info Marcus.
Not so sunny in Cheltenham now...only winter to look forward (??) to now, central heating back on at home...

Post by **businessman** » October 3, 2005, 11:13 am

I have looked around the other forums here and it would seem that in Provinces where there is a good chance they can read English(Phuket and Pattaya),they may ask for an IDP as they know what one is.In the Provinces of Isaan they have no clue whether what you show them is your UK license or an IDP.In Nong Khai they acted as though they had never seen a UK license and asked questions about what the dates on it were.

Post by **Prenders88** » October 3, 2005, 12:31 pm

Does the Thai driving license allow you to ride motor cycles? Like the A section on the UK licence. I want to buy a Honda Shadow, and I know a lot girls are impressed by a big chopper.

Tony

Post by **businessman** » October 3, 2005, 12:46 pm

Separate licence and test Tony.

Marcus.

Post by **Prenders88** » October 5, 2005, 9:53 pm

Thanks Marcus

Post by **papaguido** » October 6, 2005, 8:04 am

businessman wrote:Separate licence and test Tony.

Marcus.

Do you know if I have to have a motorcycle license from my country (USA) in order to apply for one in LOS?

Rito

Post by **businessman** » October 6, 2005, 11:10 am

LA and Ray23 are American bikers who ride in Thailand so you could PM them if they don't spot your question.

Post by **wokkawombat** » October 6, 2005, 6:19 pm

At Nong Soom????, the place about 5 km past big C on the KK road they will issue a Thai car and cycle licence provided you have a CURRENT IDP or drivers licence for car and cycle from your home country. If you do not have current documentation you can take the tests and have a little drive/ride around the circuit. My mate has done it and was ok.

He fell foul ot the system and had to do the tests because although his IDP was CURRENT his home country licence was not. Your IDP is invalid if the licence it refers to is not current.

The cycle licence covers all sizes of cycles from 50cc to 5 million cc.

John

Post by **papaguido** » October 6, 2005, 6:48 pm

Thanks John

Post by **Paul** » October 6, 2005, 10:38 pm

My wife has a full UK licence as do I.
When we went to get our Thai licences I just showed my licence and signed a form and was given a Thai licence however my wife because she is Thai had to do the whole lot - test ,exams, drive round the circuit - everything- despite having exactly the same UK licence as me - TIT !

Prior to obtaining that I was stopped by the police and showed my UK licence - he said nothing and waved me on (probrably couldn't read English - however the pictures of a car, lorry and motorbike gives it away somewhat !)

Post by **polehawk** » October 7, 2005, 3:43 am

Same as it was almost 40 years ago, Paul. I got my Thai motorcycle license (ok, licence) by showing my USA automobile driving license. The only test required was my ability to produce the necessary funds to pay for the license.

Post by **Dakoda** » October 19, 2005, 7:11 pm

Anyway when i got the licence,i just showed my UK one and that was sufficient.They did not ask to see the IDP.This was at Nong Khai.I do not know if the guy was having one of those days but it might be worth those without an IDP who want a Thai licence to try Nong Khai.Nothing to lose really.

So Marcus, as I might be doing this, can you tell me where you did this? I am thinking police station, but friend says, no.

At Nong Soom????, the place about 5 km past big C on the KK road they will issue a Thai car and cycle licence provided you have a CURRENT IDP or drivers licence for car and cycle from your home country.

I guess the above answers my question, been there to many times the pass couple of weeks.

But it does bring another question to mind, being I am on a yerar visa and it expires in 4 months, might they not ask why I want a thai licence?

Post by **Bump** » October 19, 2005, 7:37 pm

papaguido wrote:
businessman wrote:Separate licence and test Tony.

Marcus.
Do you know if I have to have a motorcycle license from my country (USA) in order to apply for one in LOS?

Rito

Two answers based on experience at Udon for the five year renewal I gave then exactly the same thing I gave them the first time, don't know if this was overkill or not. I went one day early I had to go back the next day they issue the five year on the day your one years expires.

Next one, they will ask you if the license from your home country allows you to drive a motorcycle answer, YES They are asking because they don't know tell them no and stand by for a day of classes in Thai

Here in Udon I was never given any test whatsoever and they honored my license from Caifornia I can't answer for any other locations.

Post by **papaguido** » October 20, 2005, 9:43 am

ray23 wrote:
papaguido wrote:
businessman wrote:Separate licence and test Tony.

Marcus.
Do you know if I have to have a motorcycle license from my country (USA) in order to apply for one in LOS?

Rito
Two answers based on experience at Udon for the five year renewal I gave then exactly the same thing I gave them the first time, don't know if this was overkill or not. I went one day early I had to go back the next day they issue the five year on the day your one years expires.

Next one, they will ask you if the license from your home country allows you to drive a motorcycle answer, YES They are asking because they don't know tell them no and stand by for a day of classes in Thai

Here in Udon I was never given any test whatsoever and they honored my license from Caifornia I can't answer for any other locations.

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Hopefully, when the time comes I will only be asked...

Post by **businessman** » October 20, 2005, 11:53 am

Ray's advice is excellent.Always wait to be asked for something by Thai officials.Often this far up in the North East they cannot read or speak English.