• Home
  • Learn Thai
    • Lessons
    • Books
  • Live in Thailand
    • Most Useful Posts
    • Visas
    • Women/Dating
    • Culture
    • Bangkok Living
    • Money/Jobs
    • Law/Politics
  • Travel in Thailand
    • Most Useful Posts
    • Book a Hotel
    • Bus/Train Tickets
    • Travel Insurance
    • Vaccinations Guide
    • Weather Guide
    • Diving Guide
  • Jobs
  • About
  • Support My Work
You are here: Home / Thailand Living / How to Get a Thai Driving License: Wasteland Lessons, Car Park Testing, Difficult Theory & Making an Application

How to Get a Thai Driving License: Wasteland Lessons, Car Park Testing, Difficult Theory & Making an Application

Thailand is ranked 2nd in the world for traffic fatalities. Statistics show a massive 44 deaths per 100,000 people, which is 5.1 percent of Thailand’s overall death count.

It's no surprise that drunk-driving is to blame for 26% of road deaths. But it could well be more, as rescue services report that alcohol is involved in as much as 80% of road accidents.

(Stats according to the World Health Organization and The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute in the United States)

But what about the rest of the traffic accidents? Why so many? 

If you've ever driven in Thailand, you'll know why. But what begs belief is that the root of the problem hasn't been addressed yet.

Learning to Drive in Thailand

Last week I went to watch my wife learn to drive. Now, had we been in the UK, this would have involved me watching her get picked up in a new, dual-control Golf, Mini or other car, and returning after an hour on the roads with a fully qualified instructor.

But this was learning to drive Thai style. Something I was yet to experience.

From the outset, I was pretty shocked that she'd only paid 3,600 Baht for 20 lessons (70 odd quid). That would get you just two lessons back home. I was even more shocked when we pulled up to what resembled more of an assault course than a learning centre.

learn to drive in thailand

Looks like doomsday. Clearly the Gods knew my GF was learning to drive!

Okay, I'd seen these places before from afar, but getting to grips with the fact that people in Thailand don't learn to drive on real roads, and are instead let loose in these places, takes a fair bit of getting used to.

There is no getting stuck behind a learner driver in Thailand. Instead, learners are confined to wasteland areas, instructed by non-qualified (so it seems) instructors to weave in and out of cone courses, navigate corners marked out by tyres and attempt reverse parking in makeshift spaces.

thailand driving test

No expense spared on creating the course

I made sure I was fully kitted out with amulets before leaving the house (sarcasm), and I did warn the staff that they should probably close off near by roads, since my wife is accident prone. I also suggested that my wife change her pink-bowed sandals for more appropriate driving shoes.

The Lesson…

Four new female drivers, including Mrs TTL, were bundled into a Toyota Vios and shown the ropes by a fairly uninterested instructor with Red Bull in one hand and fag in the other. After what seemed like less that 20 minutes, each lady was given a car of her own to start driving – alone!

My girlfriend was given a black Nissan with a sticker slapped on the side that made it look a tad rally style.

I told everyone to stand back…They didn't get the joke.

She did brilliantly though. I was super-impressed. She kept a steady pace and managed to go around the corners without stacking the car into the on-site office or running over any of the resident soi dogs.

driving test thailand

I was baffled: How had she managed to change gears by herself after such a short lesson?

“He put a rock on the clutch. All I had to do was steer”.

Huh?

Seriously. That's what they do. Forget dual controls, or even an instructor in the car. They place the car in second gear with a rock on the clutch to keep it from stalling.

A makeshift automatic. Only in Thailand!

She went for another lesson two days later, and upon her return told me that she was left in the car alone for an hour to “figure it out by herself”. She was frustrated as the old taxi she was given didn't work as well as the Nissan.

She added that she had pissed off the instructor by having a go at him for not doing his job properly.Bloody right!

Zero Teaching – Zero Real Road Experience

“This is how you do it, now get in and drive!” 

It's madness. This wasteland introduction to driving gives you absolutely zero real road experience and in no way prepares you for the numerous difficulties you might face on a day-to-day basis.

I had assumed that after lesson three they'd take her out on a real road. But the office lady told me this wasn't the case. You learn on site and then put in for your test, which is also conducted on a course (not on a real road), as seen in the video below.

The New Theory Test + Real Questions

One improvement that has been made is the introduction of a harder theory test. In an effort to improve road safety, a new test (effective since June 1st, 2014) requires that students have to answer 50 questions instead of the old 30.

You'll need to score 45 questions correctly to pass, which means a passing grade of 90% instead of the old 75%. That's pretty hard, and needless to say a lot of people are failing.

You can download and print out real test questions at the following links:

>> Thai driving theory test part 1

>> Thai driving theory test part 2

>> Thai driving theory test part 3

But does a harder theory test improve people's ability to drive? Perhaps they will understand more road signs, but at the time of passing their test, their ability to control a car on the road will be limited to the experience of an obstacle course in a car park with no other cars on the road.

Surely the answer to decreasing road deaths and traffic accidents in Thailand is to start offering lessons on roads, and to create a more realistic test that takes users out in real-world situations. Or would that be even more dangerous?

Hell, how many people actually have a real license in Thailand anyway?

If you want to know how drivers should be driving in Thailand, have a look at the official Thai traffic laws here.

How to Apply for a Thai Driving License

What most people don't know is that you are required to have a Thai driving license if you have stayed in the country for 60 or more days. Bear in mind though that you can't get a license on a Tourist Visa.

If you already have an international driving license, you won't need to take the practical test, but will need to take the following:

  1. A short eyesight test (color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception)
  2. A reflex examination
  3. A computer based test (in Thai & English language only) on the rules of driving

Documents Required

1. Medical Certificate

Get this from a local doctor or hospital. It must not be older than 30 days. Cost is between 100-500 Baht.

2. Residency Certificate

This is proof of address and is provided by the Immigration Bureau or foreign embassy.  You can download the form here. When you go to get this, take 2 color Photo’s 1.5 in x 2.36 in (4 cm x 6 cm). Proof of residence in the form of a rental contract or yellow residency book or a letter from your landlord.

3. Copy & Original of Passport & Non-Immigrant/Other Relevant Visa

Simply copy the front page of your passport, the visa page, latest stamp page and your  TM6 card. Take your original passport with you too.

4. Valid License / International License

You will need your current motorbike or car license, be it an international one or one issued by your country.  If you don't have one you will have to complete the practical and theory exams. If you license is not in English, you will have to get it officially translated and authorised by your embassy.

5. Identification Card / Other Card Substituted for ID Card

6. Application Forms

>> Download the license application form

>> Download the English translation

If you are renewing a license or extending from 1-year to a 5-year, click here for the official requirements.

To find your local transportation office, see this directory here.

And lastly, a nice man called Vladimir, who took the driving test in Thailand, has put together a mock Thai driving test that you can take online. It basically combines those PDF questions I gave you earlier into a test format. You can find that here.

Whether you need lessons or simply to apply for a Thai driving license, I hope you've found this information useful. If something has changed in the law or procedure that you know about, please do leave it in the comments section and I'll update the post.

Stay safe on the roads!

More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand

Send Money to Thailand:

Use Transferwise. It is fast, cheap, and gives you the market exchange rate. Me and the majority of my readers are using it.

Get Good Health Insurance:

Start with a quick quote from Cigna. Then compare my other recommendations here.

Improve Your Thai Skills:

Learning Thai makes life here easier and more fun. I use Thaipod101. It is free to get started & easy to use.

Protect Your Online Privacy:

A VPN protects you against hackers and government snooping. I always use one. You should too. Read why here.

loader

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

  • Share it
  • Tweet it
  • Pin it
  • Email it

Last Updated on November 20, 2019

  • Buying Car Insurance in Thailand - A Guide for Expats
    Buying Car Insurance in Thailand - A Guide for Expats
  • Retiring in Thailand - How Much Does It Cost?
    Retiring in Thailand - How Much Does It Cost?
  • Finally: The Truth About Air Pollution in Thailand
    Finally: The Truth About Air Pollution in Thailand

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. JamesE says

    November 8, 2021 at 7:13 pm

    After years of driving illegally and never getting caught I decided to hedge my bets and get a Thai driver's license. Due to my unfamiliarity with the process, I decided to use an agent which was the best ฿2K I've spent. It included the fees for the license. I went without an appointment because appointments are booked well into next year, and the system is not currently taking appointments based on passport number. Not having an appointment meant arriving at the DLT main office before the chickens were awake. This turned out to be an excellent choice because regardless of what time you arrive the process is mostly concerned with waiting. And waiting. And waiting.

    The second-most frequent activity is getting your paperwork checked over, stapled, clipped, un-clipped, re-stapled, and stamped. The actual interaction with the staff - including the tests - was about 15-20 minutes.

    I came in with a US driver's license - with a motorcycle endorsement - and an IDP with the same. They didn't even glance at my license. I needed two copies of the paperwork because, Thailand. Here, motorcycles are a separate license not an endorsement on your single license.

    The tests involved only the color, depth, and reaction time tests. There was supposed to be a peripheral vision test but the machine was out for repair. I didn't have to take any other tests nor even watch the helpful and informative - but hour-long - video on driving in Thailand. Which, have you ever driven in Thailand, has nothing relevant to actually driving in Thailand.

    And that was it. They took my picture and now I can finally drive legally throughout the Land of Smiles.
    Reply

    Nov 08, 2021 at 7:13 pm

  2. Gavin says

    October 16, 2019 at 12:24 am

    I have Australian driving licence as well international driving licence. Having these does that mean I don't have to take the theory part of the overall driving test.
    If this is the case where I don't have to take the theory test do I have to explain that I have Australian licence and do not have to take part in the theory as I have heard a lot of different stories when you have Australian and international driving licence as previously people have been told they have to do the theory part as well. I do not feel like death by power point 4-5 hours sitting in a room.

    Many Thanks
    Reply

    Oct 16, 2019 at 12:24 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      October 16, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      If you already have an international driving license, you won't need to take the practical test, but will need to take the following:A short eyesight test (color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception) A reflex examination A computer based test (in Thai & English language only) on the rules of driving
      Reply

      Oct 16, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      • Bubba says

        October 31, 2019 at 2:14 pm

        And be aware of dress code rules! The Department of Land Transport at Mo Chit/Chatuchak Park is now strictly enforcing them for men and women. No shorts, halter tops, sandals, etc. If you show up wearing those, your application will not be processed!
        Reply

        Oct 31, 2019 at 2:14 pm

        • TheThailandLife says

          October 31, 2019 at 4:05 pm

          A dress code just to apply for the license? That's a bit over the top. I can't imagine many Thais complying with that rule.
          Reply

          Oct 31, 2019 at 4:05 pm

          • Bubba says

            October 31, 2019 at 10:33 pm

            I will be happy to provide photos of the notices. It was being strictly enforced as of today.
            Reply

            Oct 31, 2019 at 10:33 pm

      • Franky Du Caju says

        November 17, 2019 at 11:27 pm

        The international drivers license from the agreement from 1968 doesn't count anymore. If you have one from the agreement from 1949, it's OK. So people from Europe have the one from 1968.
        Reply

        Nov 17, 2019 at 11:27 pm

  3. peter harry says

    September 11, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    If I have a yellow book, does that mean all I need for a driving licence is a doctors note and two filled out application forms with photos (one for a car and one for a motorcycle), and to take the written test?
    Reply

    Sep 11, 2019 at 12:17 pm

  4. Bubba says

    September 2, 2019 at 9:11 pm

    I currently live with someone and am not on the lease. Can I get a residence certificate?

    Can one be obtained by mail? It's almost a 6 hour round trip to Laksi for me!
    Reply

    Sep 02, 2019 at 9:11 pm

  5. Yothin says

    August 1, 2019 at 11:29 am

    Hi my bike driving licence date was expired at last year. so what can I do. give me any suggestions.
    Reply

    Aug 01, 2019 at 11:29 am

  6. bharat joshi says

    July 19, 2019 at 9:46 am

    I would like to learn car driving, I am staying in Banchang, is there any car driving learning school in banchang? does they have pick up & drop at home facility?
    Reply

    Jul 19, 2019 at 9:46 am

  7. Kenneth Parmar says

    June 27, 2019 at 12:49 pm

    I did my driving exam and lessons ~2 months ago.

    Since then i've had health issues and other problems that have kept me from going to the Department of Land Transport to get the physical license card ( i have documentation saying i've passed and completed hours) now i'm just worried if it will expire or has it already expired / Would i need to redo the whole proceess of completing hours and doing the exam again? Or does it not expire so soon?

    Thanks so much in advance!
    Reply

    Jun 27, 2019 at 12:49 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      June 27, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Hi, I don't know the answer to this. I would imagine if it did expire it would be 3,6 or 12 months. Do you have someone who can call the Department of Land Transport and check for you?
      Reply

      Jun 27, 2019 at 3:25 pm

  8. gary says

    June 20, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    Hi,
    Just thought I would update you with the latest requirements ( seen yesterday) for anyone wishing to get a Certificate of Residency at the start of applying for a Thai Driving Licence.
    I attended Bangkok Immigration Centre to comply with my 90 day reporting and thought I could also apply for my Certificate of Residency while already attending Immigration to save another visit. I had my printed out form and thought it would be easy but was turned away as were 3 others with me at the same time as we did not have the following documents in addition to the application form.
    1. Fully filled out TM 30
    2. Copy of House/condo owners ID card or Passport
    3. Copy of House Registration of house master
    4. copy of rental contract or land sale document
    5. copy of applicants passport
    6. passport photo page
    7. Copy of Arrival stamp
    8. Copy of both sides of TM 6
    As you can imagine getting hold of items 2 & 3 are going to be tricky for most of us who don't own our own properties and in my case the owner doesn't seem interested in assisting just so I can get a Thai driving licence. I suspect the list is aimed at putting many off . I thought I would give people the heads up to save a wasted trip to the Immigration office if the correct documents are not in hand.
    Reply

    Jun 20, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      June 20, 2019 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks for the updated list Gary. Numbers 2 and 3 are a nightmare. Why do they need this? Silly. I doubt many condo block owners will be complicit. I'd hate to have to ask mine. He's a miserable old Chinese dude who never speaks to anyone.
      Reply

      Jun 20, 2019 at 5:15 pm

  9. Bernard says

    April 6, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    Very useful information. The link for the mock test does not work. This one does however http://thaidriving.info/
    Reply

    Apr 06, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 6, 2019 at 11:38 pm

      Cheers Bernard, I'll update the link.
      Reply

      Apr 06, 2019 at 11:38 pm

  10. Steph says

    September 11, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    I’m currently taking driving lessons in Pattaya from a place across Harbor Mall on Pattaya Klang and I’ve found them actually really good! They start you off on a track and teach you how to reverse parallel park and pull up to the curb and then my instructor took me to drive around pattaya. I drove a dual brake automatic Toyota which was very nice and completely safe. My instructor speaks good English too.
    Reply

    Sep 11, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    • Chandra says

      September 29, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      Hi Steph! Can you tell me the name of the driving school? And is it expensive?
      Reply

      Sep 29, 2018 at 12:35 pm

  11. Sean says

    August 21, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Something that should be added here is information regarding the acquisition of A Thai driver's licence if you have already had one in the past and have let it expire.

    If it has expired within 3 years you can reapply and get another one for a 5 year period.
    However, if it has been expired for more than 3 years, you are considered to be a new driver and are required to spend 2 days at the office..

    The first day you are required to watch videos and do a written test. If you fail the test twice, you are required to come back on another day and submit a new application and do the whole thing again.

    The second day is practical driving test day and if applying for car and motor bike, you will need to do 2 separate tests. (There are usually motor bikes available to hire).

    When you pass, you will be issued with a 5 year licence instead of the 1 or 2 year temporary licence.

    Having an International or your own country's licence becomes irrelevant in the above case and you can only use an international licence once in a lifetime to acquire a temporary Thai driving licence.

    The same documentation mentioned earlier in this thread is required. TIT.
    Reply

    Aug 21, 2017 at 10:11 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 21, 2017 at 3:44 pm

      Thanks for adding this information Sean. That's useful to know.
      Reply

      Aug 21, 2017 at 3:44 pm

  12. Raymond M Kemp says

    July 29, 2017 at 9:08 am

    I have a full Australian licence and visit Thailand regular and tied of getting international licence. What do I need to do to get a Thai licence
    Reply

    Jul 29, 2017 at 9:08 am

    • James says

      July 30, 2017 at 7:40 am

      Hey Raymond,

      I'm in the midst of the same process right now. But, I did find out something that may be helpful. If your license is in English you don't need an international license. It's a reciprocal agreement between a number of countries that allow them to accept each others' licenses for visitors. So - until your stay in Thailand exceeds 3 months - you're fine for renting, borrowing, etc. a car or motorbike. If you visit Thailand for longer than 3 months or want to buy your own vehicle, that's when you need a Thai license.

      The key thing you need is a permanent - i.e. not a hotel - residential address. In Thailand this is proven by having yourself recorded in a house book (a concept I still haven't wrapped my head around) and taking a copy of the house book with you when you get your license. Along with some other things. You also need to be in the country on a Non-immigrant visa, not a tourist visa.

      There are some websites around with detailed information. I found this one to be helpful: http://driving.information.in.th/

      Good luck and let us know how it all goes.
      Reply

      Jul 30, 2017 at 7:40 am

      • jimjfox says

        December 2, 2017 at 3:56 am

        "The key thing you need is a permanent – i.e. not a hotel – residential address"

        Not true- I have rented hotel apartments for all 3 yrs in Chiang Rai- I have to go to Immigration where I registered my address & get a Residence Certificate [300 Baht, varies] to take to Dept of Land Transport who conduct the tests. Cannot get a Yellow Book for various reasons, nor a Blue Book cos I don't own a Thai property.
        Reply

        Dec 02, 2017 at 3:56 am

        • jimjfox says

          December 2, 2017 at 4:49 am

          Sean covered this above--- 2. Residency Certificate
          Reply

          Dec 02, 2017 at 4:49 am

  13. Clive says

    June 27, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Take the fine for 400 baht and you can carry on driving If stopped just show the fine ticket and mostly they let you carry on, the ticket usually last for up to a week anyway. If you get stopped drinking and driving offer the policemen 5,000 in his hand that usually gets you off. Never argue or refuse to pay that is the motto. I learnt all this in just 3 months of my stay in Pattaya
    Reply

    Jun 27, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      June 28, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      It's up to you if you want to pay fines but surely you are not advocating drinking and driving? We have enough problems with drunk Thais killing pedestrians and other drivers without foreign nationals adding to the problem. It's dangerous and irresponsible and puts other lives at risk.
      Reply

      Jun 28, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    • jimjfox says

      December 2, 2017 at 4:22 am

      Clive- you MAY be right but this is very dangerous & misleading advice. It sends the wrong message.
      Reply

      Dec 02, 2017 at 4:22 am

    • Your doctor says

      February 18, 2018 at 3:27 pm

      You are an idiot...
      Reply

      Feb 18, 2018 at 3:27 pm

  14. Boonchu says

    June 21, 2017 at 12:32 am

    Hi,

    (1) would you have any contacts for agencies who can arrange / assist for the application of the driving licence ?

    (2) Do we need to go through the tests - both highway codes + eye sight tests if we have a valid overseas licence ?
    Reply

    Jun 21, 2017 at 12:32 am

  15. Matt says

    May 12, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Hi - can you recommend some places to take the course? Both for car and motorbike license? My knowledge of Thai is too limited to attend Thai courses...

    I can't exchange my licenses because it is lost, and my enbassy does not issue driving licenses. I feel like my only option is to start from scratch
    Reply

    May 12, 2017 at 11:17 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 13, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      It depends where you live. There are no separate courses for foreigners. Don't worry, you will pass!
      Reply

      May 13, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      • jimjfox says

        December 2, 2017 at 4:28 am

        First, I was sent to a 4m square room, alone, for 5 hours-
        yes, 5 hrs! Watching a 30-min video of largely obvious info [what is a roadway...]. Why a mini prison sentence? No answer, just do it.

        No, you will almost certainly fail the first of two attempts allowed at the E-Exam room [theory] where you must get 45 of 50 correct. Some answers beggar belief so study the links given, several times!
        I got 43/50, then 44/50- FAILED.
        But at least I was granted a 'Temporary Driver Licence'

        Then you have to take a real driving test, the hardest part being parallel parking; here you have to start with a RH 90 degree bend, then straighten up & drive up to the 'start' line- with your wheels straight & within about 5 cm of the curb. I watched 7/7 people fail this; so did I.
        'Come back next working day'. You are allowed ZERO errors.

        So 3 visits at least, for me. Obviously most people pass but only after several attempts, nobody I speak to passed first time. Like everything here, it seems to depend on the mood/ attitude of the local testing officials.
        Reply

        Dec 02, 2017 at 4:28 am

        • jimjfox says

          December 2, 2017 at 4:29 am

          Sorry, that should read LH 90 degree bend- so you can't see your wheels.
          Reply

          Dec 02, 2017 at 4:29 am

    • Jan-Ove Björkman says

      September 12, 2017 at 5:49 pm

      Jag blev av med mitt körkort för många år sedan på grund av alcoholism, är nykter sedan 17 år och har en Thailändsk kvinna kan jag ta ett körkort i Thailand?
      Reply

      Sep 12, 2017 at 5:49 pm

  16. Martin says

    May 12, 2017 at 3:05 am

    Hey TTL,

    do you have any information on how to get a motorbikes driving license? Is that included in the cars' license, or do we have to do a second practical test?
    And theoretical?
    Reply

    May 12, 2017 at 3:05 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 12, 2017 at 4:15 am

      It is included in the same license. To apply for a test you will need a residence certificate from immigration. There will be a test centre in your area.
      Reply

      May 12, 2017 at 4:15 am

    • jimjfox says

      December 2, 2017 at 4:55 am

      If you have a valid M/C licence in English, you will have to do eyesight, colour, peripheral vision & reaction time tests. Or, that's all I had to do. No practical or theory.
      Good luck.
      Reply

      Dec 02, 2017 at 4:55 am

  17. Robert Heatley says

    May 1, 2017 at 7:14 am

    I find driving in Thailand far more relaxing than in Melbourne (Australia)

    While at times you may think you have been caught up in a scene from the original "Death Race 2000" movie, in fact the Thai drivers are by the most part very courteous.

    Unlike Melbourne where merging into traffic is a battle of inflated egos and road rage, here traffic just flows along.

    In my opinion the secret to driving in Thailand is, leave your ego at home, open your eyes, watch the traffic and enjoy yourself.

    The biggest road hazard and most irresponsible/dangerous drivers we have encountered in Phuket are the tourists!

    Safe driving :-)

    Robert & Maureen
    Reply

    May 01, 2017 at 7:14 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 2, 2017 at 3:23 am

      It's true that there are bad drivers in every country. The difference I find between the UK and Thailand is that in the UK some people are just reckless and inconsiderate , but in Thailand the amount of drivers who just can't drive, as in seemingly have never been taught how to use roads, is quite a high percentage. There's a lot more drunk driving here too!
      Reply

      May 02, 2017 at 3:23 am

    • fillco says

      August 9, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      you must of been drinking your bath water mate!!!!!!!!!!!!
      Reply

      Aug 09, 2017 at 4:14 pm

  18. Herbman says

    April 18, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    you guys are picky! in my opinion, Thai drive excellent, and well mannered......especially in comparison with the guys in the country where I have to live: China.............

    imagine a country full of 1.3 billion people, with driving skills of Mrs TTL, but an Ego as high as Burj Kalifa in Dubai.........this is driving in China!

    those guys don't follow any rules, and behave like idiots, OUT OF THE WAY EVERYONE, HERE COME I, THE KING OF THE ROAD !

    so whenever I manage to be in Thailand, to see Mrs Herbman and our son, I am quite relaxed, take it easy, just make sure I don't need to drive nighttimes, when it's dark............
    Reply

    Apr 18, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 19, 2017 at 4:37 pm

      Haha! My friend always says the same: you don't know what bad driving is until you've lived in China!
      Reply

      Apr 19, 2017 at 4:37 pm

  19. John says

    December 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    I lost my license and carried on driving while waiting for the replacement. One night I was stopped by the Thai police. They wanted to fine me 400 Baht for driving without a license. I ask could I phone a friend to collect my car. Wasn't sure if they were going to impound my car. They said they would give me a ticket then I could drive off. (really).
    I then started looking in my car to see if I had a copy of my old license or the Thai police report saying I had lost it. No luck, but i found an old work ID and I showed it to the cop as a joke. He studied it hand it back to me and told me it was expired, but no problem I could use my license, but renew it soon.
    Reply

    Dec 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      December 27, 2016 at 4:28 pm

      Haha, great story. It reminds me of when I used my hospital ID card to access an office building :)
      Reply

      Dec 27, 2016 at 4:28 pm

  20. Joh says

    September 26, 2016 at 8:36 am

    I paid £2:45 an hour when I learnt to drive.
    Passed first time at the age of 17.
    Reply

    Sep 26, 2016 at 8:36 am

  21. Ken says

    August 27, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Wow! It sounds like the driver training in Thailand is even more nightmarish than I imagined it to be. Still, in any country the drivers training program is just supposed to get you barely competent enough to keep the car between the lines. You are supposed to pick up most of your real driving skills from actually getting out there and practicing over the next six months or so after you get your license. Of course by the first year or two most people have gotten about as good as they are ever going to get. Although they will certainly get more responsible, and thus less accident prone, as they get older.

    Its also true however that most people actually start slacking off and picking up bad habits almost immediately after getting their drivers licenses. For example when making a right or left turn almost everyone here in the USA just slops over into the outside lane as they complete the turn. People are just too lazy to bother with steering neatly and accurately like they had to do in training. And I could name at least a dozen other thing that 95 percent of drivers here do everyday (and probably everywhere else in the world) that would cause them to fail a driving test.

    As for me, despite that fact that I have been racing cars since I was 17, I am actually kind of a perfectionist when it comes to driving on public roads and I strictly follow the rules. In fact, I could have a DMV examiner secretly watching me drive all day long every day and he would never find any mistakes to mark off. Yet I can drive with others and see dozens of things they are doing wrong that would loose them points on a driving test.

    What I’m trying to get at here is that better drivers training is not going to have even the slightest effect on the number of accidents there are in Thailand. It mostly has to do with the driving conditions there. In fact, if I could magically put all the Thais in America and all the Americans in Thailand the accident statistics would actually not change a whole heck of a lot in either of the two countries. So, as I said before, training is not really that much of a factor.

    And now that I think about it, when I was living in Pattaya the worst drivers I came across there were actually Westerners. Also, most of the serious accidents I personally came across involved Westerners. Not really a big surprise when I think of all the times I’ve seen one riding a motorbike around town one handed because he had either a beer or a cigarette in the other hand.

    And if living in an area where helmet laws are not enforced they will ride around with out them just like the Thais do. And the really stupid thing is that the only reason they are doing this – whether they realize it or not - is because on some level they think it makes them look more like “locals”. Of course nobody will ever admit this to themselves because in truth they are not really fully consciously aware of their motives for these stupid driving habits that they would never even consider adopting back in their own countries. Half of the expats I’ve ever met in any country I’ve been to just have this compulsive need to show off how well they have assimilated themselves into their new culture. They want everyone to know that they are in-the-know expats and not newbies or, god forbid, mere tourist.

    Back to helmets though, when I lived in Pattaya the police there were actually pretty strict on helmet laws so what I would see some Westerners do there to avoid a ticket would be to just set the helmet on their heads without connecting the chinstrap. They think they are being pretty slick I suppose but just how much of a total moron do you have to be to do something that stupid. I mean if you have to have the damn thing on your head anyway why not wear in a way that it will actually protect you in a crash. Basically this is just the most idiotic practice I have ever seen. I have also seen a LOT of Westerners on motorbikes try to pass cars on the left when its not safe to do so and I have even seen a few of them get hit by a car turning left right into them. If you are passing on the left in Thailand on a bike and you get hit its your own damn fault.

    Here in the States people tend to take there eyes off the road all the time and you can actually get away with this virtually forever here without ever getting in an accident. In Thailand though its so much more dangerous that I have a strict rule of NEVER taking my eyes off the road for even a second. I only broke this rule twice but the second time I paid for it big time when I was living in Phuket. There had just been a heavy downpour and my girlfriend and I were on a major but extremely narrow road in Kata that cut through a residential neighborhood. The problem is there is a place where this road makes and extremely sharp left turn but due to an optical illusion of sorts it looks like its going to go straight until you are literally right on top of the turn. In the USA there would be a huge sign marking the turn and there may have once been one at this turn but cars kept crashing into it and they got tired of replacing it. Anyway, normally this would not be a problem but I had thought I saw a for rent sign on a house and I took my eyes off the road for nearly two full seconds right at the point where the turn would have just become visible. So, when I put my eyes back on the road we had already entered the turn and were crossing over the center line. And as luck would have it there was a huge commercial truck in the oncoming lane approximately ½ a second from impact with us. If we had only been in car and on a dry road there would have been just enough road between us to successfully perform an evasive maneuver and avoid impact altogether as my reaction time is almost instantaneous. But unfortunately a motorcycle has to lean in order to turn and for this reason it takes at least ¼ second longer than a car to initiate an evasive maneuver. Anyway all the options flashed through my head in milliseconds and I realized that braking was the only option. I ended up laying it down (though not quite all the way by impact) and the bike went under the truck and my chest took the brunt of the impact. Luckily I always wear a helmet and insist that my passengers also wear one so I got away with just a broken wrist, some severe back pain and chest pain, and some strained ligaments. And my Thai girlfriend ended up with some cuts and scrapes and only needed a few stitches. I was really glad that she was not seriously hurt because I can’t even imagine the guilt of being responsible for injuring or killing someone I care about (or anyone else for that matter).

    Anyway we were taken to the hospital by ambulance and when the doctor was treating me he told me that they had had another Western guy (Farang) in there just the day before who had also crashed on his motorbike only he did not survive his injuries. It was pretty sobering hearing that this guy went out in a body bag right before I came in. Then just a few weeks later a 15-year old Australian kid was killed less than a mile from my house in Rawaii when he crashed his motorbike late at night. The cops said he went off the road at120kmh and he was not even wearing a helmet. He was living in Phuket with his mother and I couldn’t help but wonder if she had always told him to wear a helmet and he just ignored her, like a typical teen, or whether she had set a bad example herself by riding around without a helmet to be more like the locals. I'm sorry but in my opinion only a moron rides a motorcycle around in Thailand without wearing a helmet.
    Reply

    Aug 27, 2016 at 4:06 pm

  22. Greg Adkins says

    August 25, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    I moved from the U.S. to Chiang Mai in February of this year. The first thing that I would like to say is I have been in 27 countries and these people are the worst drivers that I have ever seen. Getting my license in Chiang Mai was easy. The only test I took was telling the difference between the colors red and green. That's it. I paid 1,000 baht, which the firsts person I talked to took her cut out of. The rest was pinned to the clip board in 100 baht notes. Every station that I went to after that would ask some dumbass questions, take a couple 100 baht, and send me to the next station. Total time, about 30-45 minutes. The last station was the funniest. She took my picture, took the last of the money, then held up this little plastic holder for the license. 20 baht, she said. I told her that I didn't need one. Wrong answer! "I said 20 baht", she barked at me. I gave her the 20 baht, took the plastic holder and tossed it in the trash can and left with my drivers license in hand.
    Reply

    Aug 25, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 26, 2016 at 12:04 am

      So I guess they didn't really care too much as long as you paid the money!
      Reply

      Aug 26, 2016 at 12:04 am

  23. tom says

    September 9, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    i can sit for hours and watch them try to parallel park. 99 out of 100 cannot
    Reply

    Sep 09, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    • mike says

      January 10, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      my wife needs 45 minutes to parallel park on her own... with my help its 55 minutes...
      Reply

      Jan 10, 2017 at 3:37 pm

  24. Lawrence Michaels says

    August 17, 2011 at 11:54 am

    In Thailand, they don't teach you how to drive, they teach you how to pass your driving test. My girlfriend just went through all of this, passed her driving test on the first try, and she doesn't know how to drive at all. She really should not be on the road, but the Thai government was willing to give her a license that stated otherwise.
    Reply

    Aug 17, 2011 at 11:54 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 17, 2011 at 2:51 pm

      that is pretty sad...perhaps that is why there are such a high percentage of road traffic accidents here. I guess more stringent testing will mean higher costs that most can't afford...something should be done to raise standards though.
      Reply

      Aug 17, 2011 at 2:51 pm

  25. colin says

    August 17, 2011 at 5:25 am

    Ha sounds like quiet an experience, you think the Thai system is slack the USA is worse. So far I have taken two tests (No i've never failed!) one in the USA and the other in the UK. The test in the US was ridiculous, I never had a lesson. I had to put up with my father screaming obscenities at me for a few months until we booked the test.

    The day of the test it was snowing quite heavily and I was sure it would be cancelled but when we arrived all the test instructor decided to do change the test slightly. All I did was reverse in a straight line then drive for 5 mins on very quite snowy roads and return to the test centre safely. All this was done in an automatic! I then had a license to drive anything I wanted at the ripe age of 16.

    Do you drive in Thailand?
    Reply

    Aug 17, 2011 at 5:25 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 17, 2011 at 11:29 am

      Wow, that makes Thailand seem pretty much the norm :) I have driven in Thailand and always hire a car when we go out of town, but to be honest for me a car is pointless in Bangkok when the subway is so efficient - they have extended the line another 5 stops too. I had a bike for a while here but feared for my life so sold it. You must be days away from your flight...enjoy your last few days in the yukes!
      Reply

      Aug 17, 2011 at 11:29 am

      • colin says

        August 18, 2011 at 2:42 am

        Yeah only a few days left now, will be in Bangkok for one evening on the 24th with a very early connecting flight to Chiang Mai in the morning. Looking forward to it with a wee bit of trepidation!
        Reply

        Aug 18, 2011 at 2:42 am

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

thethailandlife

Hi! I’m Peter. I’ve been living & traveling in Thailand for 14 years. I’m here to give you all the information you need to make your Thai adventure safe, happy, & successful.

Recommended Thailand Services

I get a lot of requests for recommendations on services related to living in Thailand. To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of those I use below.

Learning Thai

Thaipod101 is the best way to learn Thai online. It's how I started learning. They have hundreds of video and audio lessons to help you start speaking Thai today. Start free here.

Sending Money

Wise is the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand. I use it and so do many of my readers. Go here to get your first transfer free.

Financial Planning

Whether you need life insurance, pension planning or other investment advice, I can connect you with my personal IFA. Simply fill out this form.

Health Insurance

I recommend getting a quote from Cigna for international Insurance, and then comparing that with local insurance premiums on Mr Prakan.

Travel Services

Hotels: Agoda offers good deals on hotels in Thailand. This is because they are located in the region and secure lots of special promotions. It's also worth trying Booking.com and Hotels.com for comparison.

Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is great for trips to Thailand and elsewhere. I've used them many times. If you're from the UK/Europe you can also try True Traveller.

Over 70? Insure My Trip. has policies for those struggling to find travel insurance cover due to age restrictions.

Bank Account

Need an international bank account that holds multiple currencies and lets you transfer, receive & spend wherever you are, with a MasterCard. I've used one for 4 years. Check out Wise.

Rent / Buy Property

Looking for an apartment to rent or a home to buy? For the largest selection of properties in Thailand, and a completely free service, visit PropertyScout here.

Data Security

To keep your data secure you should use a VPN when using public WIFI and when accessing internet banking and other sensitive information online. I use both Vypr VPN and Nord VPN.

Reader Favourites

1. Cheapest Way to Send Money to Thailand

2. Top 15 Thai Love Phrases [Video]

3. 100 Interesting Facts About Thailand

4. Best VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy

5. Buying a Condo: 9 Questions Before You Decide

6. Get Fluent in Thai in 3 Months!

7. Top 12 Jobs for Thailand Expats

8. Expat Life Insurance: 10 Must-Know Facts

9. The 4 Best Thai Dating Sites

loader

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

*Please check your inbox to confirm your email address

Helpful Posts

+ Get the Right Visa
+ Get COVID Insurance
+ Get Health Insurance
+ Learn Basic Thai
+ Check Cost of Retirement
+ Check Cost of Living
+ Find a TEFL Course
+ Find a Job
+ Open a Thai Bank Account
+ Get Married
+ Best Visa Run Option

Join The Conversation

  • TheThailandLife on How to Get a UK Visitor Visa for Your Thai Partner [in 6 Steps]
  • Simon Windley on How to Get a UK Visitor Visa for Your Thai Partner [in 6 Steps]
  • TheThailandLife on The Cost of Living in Thailand in 2023 – How Much Do You Need?
  • Mark on The Cost of Living in Thailand in 2023 – How Much Do You Need?

Contact | Privacy Policy | Site Terms & Disclaimer| Media Pack 

Copyright © TheThailandLife.com 2023. All Rights Reserved.
No content on this site may be copied without written consent from TheThailandLife.com