You’re planning on visiting Thailand and can’t wait to rent a motorcycle to start exploring the country. A motorbike or scooter is a great, convenient way to get around the congested roads and get the most out of sightseeing. Whether you’re thinking of seeing cultural landmarks, visiting a spa, going shopping, or going to train Muay Thai at the local gym, a motorbike will get you there. However, don’t forget that you first need to get a license to ride one in Thailand.
If you’re looking to get a motorbike license in Thailand, there are a few things you need to know. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the motorcycle license procedure in Thailand, including the documents you need and where you can get them done. So whether you’re a first-time rider or just new to Thailand, read on for everything you need to know about getting your motorcycle license here!
Do I Need A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Thailand?
Yes. You do need a valid Thai driving license to drive a car or a motorcycle. The bike rental place might not ask you for one, and you may have heard of other tourists riding without one, but do not take the risk. It’s just not worth it. You could be fined by the traffic police if you’re caught riding a bike without one.
Not only is it illegal to drive a car or motorcycle without a valid Thai driving license, you also need it to be covered by travel insurance. Accidents can happen, and if you get seriously injured while riding a motorcycle, the cost of a medevac and treatment can be very high if you’re not covered by travel or a car insurance policy. At that point, wishing you had gotten a Thai driving license will not magically get you covered.
Can I Use An International Driving Permit?
If you currently have an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a motorcycle in your home country, then it will work as a valid license for up to three months. If you’re staying longer, then you will need to obtain a Thai driving license. The international driving license will also make the process of acquiring a Thai driving license simpler since you will already be exempt from some of the physical tests you’d otherwise have to take.
The Motorcycle License In Thailand
The Thai driving license for a motorcycle is valid for two years and is called the ‘Temporary’ or ‘Probationary’ license. The two-year temporary license is issued by the Department of Land Transport and allows the holder to ride a motorcycle not just in Thailand but in all the other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
If you are over 18 when you obtain your Thai driving license, after holding it for two years, you can renew it for a five-year license. You can perform this renewal within two months before your temporary Thai driving license expires, so it’s best not to wait till the last moment. After getting the five-year driving license, you will also be eligible to apply for an International Driving Permit, which is accepted in over 150 countries worldwide.
If you are 15–17 years old when you apply for a motorbike license, then you first need to obtain another two-year temporary license until you turn 18, and then renew for a five-year license.
How To Get A Motorcycle License In Thailand
There are usually two ways to obtain a valid Thai driving license for a motorcycle. You can visit the nearest Department of Land Transport office and submit your application. However, if you have never ridden a motorcycle before, it is best to visit a center that provides a comprehensive driving course first, and then apply through the school.
Department Of Land Transport
The Department of Land Transport offices are located in all major cities and towns around Thailand. You must fill out the application form, submit all required documents, and successfully complete a series of tests that assess your ability to drive safely.
There will usually be a counter to serve foreigners, and the officers there will be able to communicate in English. However, if you bring a friend that can speak Thai or hire a translator, you will most likely have a smoother experience interacting with the department’s officers. You might also need help while filling out your application form, which may only be available in the local language.
The Department of Land Transport branches are open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is only a limited number of people that can be processed, complete physical examinations, the theory test, and finally take the driving test on any given day, so it is best if you arrive early. You can also register and book a time slot using the DLT Smart Queue website.
Finally, keep in mind that the Department of Land Transport is a government institution, and you are expected to arrive there in proper attire. You may be visiting Thailand on vacation, but make an effort to dress respectfully. Avoid wearing sleeveless t-shirts, and shirts or skirts that don’t cover below the knees. Dress in smart casual clothes to avoid anyone making a fuss.
Approved Driving School
There are driving courses that have been approved by the Department of Land Transport to serve as testing centers. You just need to complete the course, and then pass the physical, theory, and practical driving tests. At the end of that, you will be given a certificate, which you can present to the land transport office along with the rest of the required documents.
Once you complete a land transportation office-approved course, the training and test station might also offer you additional services like handling the application for your driving license. The whole process will be easier since they will be familiar with all the paperwork and procedures and will handle all the details for you. This will also ensure you don’t miss anything important or forget to submit a document.
Documents Needed To Get A Motorcycle License in Thailand
You’ll need to submit the following documents along with a completed application form at the land transportation office. We also recommend that you take photocopies of each document and sign each document ahead of time since this will make the entire process quicker. Furthermore, you can use a file or folder to hold all the documents and keep everything organized.
You can also choose to get a Thai driving license that allows you to drive a car in addition to a motorcycle. You don’t need any additional documents, and you simply have to fill in both vehicle categories in the application form. The only difference is in the practical test. For more on getting a car driving license, read How to Get a Thai Driving License for Foreigners.
Passport And Valid Non-Immigrant Visa
Obviously, you will need to take your passport with you. You will need to take photocopies of the first page of your passport, which contains your details; the page containing the valid non-immigrant visa (tourist visa, temporary work, business, study, etc.); and the page that contains the last entry stamp when you arrived in Thailand.
TM6 Departure Card
The TM6 is made up of two sections. The arrival card is what you fill out and submit when you clear the immigration counter at the airport. The departure card is the document you’re supposed to keep safely in your possession until you leave Thailand. The TM6 helps the Thai government keep track of all visitors to the country. You need to show the departure card to the officer at the land transportation office and submit a photocopy of it.
Residence Certificate Or Work Permit
You will need to obtain a residence certificate from the immigration office or your embassy. You’ll need to submit some of the same documents to obtain this certificate, along with your rental contract or letter from the landlord. This document will cost you about 300 to 500 baht and needs to be dated within 30 days of submitting your application. Expats and foreign residents can bring a valid work permit for this.
Medical Certificate
Next, you have to obtain a health certificate that shows that you are free of any conditions that could negatively affect your ability to drive safely. These include drug usage, alcoholism, leprosy, tuberculosis, encephalitis, and other conditions. This medical certificate can be obtained from a hospital or clinic for about 200 baht and must be within 30 days of submitting your application.
International License Or Foreign License From Home Country
If you’re currently in possession of a valid international driver’s license or a motorbike license from your home country, you should bring this document along with you. If your foreign driving license is not in English, you should also bring a translated copy that is certified by your Embassy.
The reason for bringing your foreign driver’s license is that it will automatically exempt you from needing to complete the physical tests, speeding up the whole process. You can then skip this section and proceed straight to the practical driving test. For a full list of required documents, visit the Department of Land Transport website’s New Thai Driving License page.
The Motorcycle Driving Tests You Need To Pass
After you submit the required documents and application form, you will have to wait a short while before you are called to perform the various tests that check your ability to ride a motorcycle safely and to assess your knowledge of Thai road rules. Always remember to ask your examiner if you’re unsure of what’s expected of you.
As mentioned before, a foreign or international driving license can exempt you from everything but the theory and practical exams.
Color Blindness Test
This color blindness test is very simple. The examiner will point to colored circles on a poster, and you have to identify the color correctly. Some test centers might even skip this physical test.
Reflex Test
In the reflex test, you will be seated in front of an LED screen. A simulated brake pedal and an accelerator or gas pedal will be at your feet. You have to push down on the gas pedal to make the green LEDs light up on the screen, and then hit the brake pedal before the red LEDs turn on. This reflex test is usually done twice.
Peripheral Test
For the peripheral test, you will have to place your head on a test station and direct your eyes at the examiner in front of you. You then have to correctly identify the traffic light colors that will be displayed on the sides without turning your eyes or head.
Depth Perception Test
This test will check your depth perception skills. You have two buttons, forward and backward, which you must use to align a moving pin with a stationary one that is fixed inside a box 10 meters away. A useful tip that will help you pass would be to pay close attention if there’s another person performing a test in front of you.
Theory Test
After you complete the physical tests, you will be directed to a room where you have to attend a five-hour course that will cover all the traffic rules, signage, road safety, and driving etiquette in Thailand. This is usually in the form of a video in English for foreigners. Pay attention during this theoretical lesson since you’ll need this knowledge to pass the theory test.
The theory test will be in the form of multiple choice questions (MCQ) and will last 30 minutes. You have to score 45 out of 50 to pass. Our advice is to read carefully since there will be some tricky questions, although the majority of them will be quite straightforward. Your results will be given after about 20 minutes of completing the rest. There are two sessions for the theory test every day, and you will be allowed to sit for the second one if you fail the first one. If you fail in the second session, you can try again the next day.
Alternatively, you can also attend the five-hour course and complete the theoretical test online. This way, you don’t have to wait around at the testing station all day and the results will be given instantly. Simply register and follow the instructions at the Department of Land Transport website’s Driver’s License Training System.
You can even find sample test questions to practice before you attempt the real exam. After you pass this online test, you can download the certificate, get a printout, and take it with you when you visit the land transport office to submit your application.
Practical Driving Tests
Finally, you have to complete the practical driving test. As you wait for your turn, you can watch a video that gives instructions on what exactly you need to do to pass this test. The examiner may also give you instructions as well, so listen carefully. If you’re attending a learning course, make sure to get some practice until you’re confident in taking the test.
You have to ride the motorcycle around a circuit, and you will be judged based on whether you drive in accordance with signage. You will have to properly use your turning signals, avoid knocking out any traffic cones, and stop at a sign when required. You will also need to drive along a narrow section of road. The examiner will be observing as you drive around, and will give you feedback on how you scored after you complete the circuit.
Depending on the examiner, you may be allowed to repeat the practical test on the same day if you fail. Or you may be required to come back another day to attempt it again. You may use your own bike or rent one from the testing center to use in the practical test. Remember to check if the bike is in good working condition before you start out.
Fees And Collection
After you successfully pass the practical driving test, you have to wait a little while till they call out your number. When you are called, you have to pay the fees. A probationary Thai driving license for a motorcycle is a very affordable 105 baht. If you have completed your probation and are renewing your driving license, then it will cost you 255 baht for a private motorcycle.
After you make the payment, you will have your picture taken, and your new Thai driving license will be printed. The officer will check your documents one final time and issue your newly printed license.
Things To Remember After You Get Your Motorcycle License
Before you run out of the Department of Land Transport office to get on your motorcycle, take a moment to carefully read the details printed on your new Thai driving license. Make sure there are no errors and immediately notify the officer if you do spot any issues. Why waste time coming back another day?
You can use your Thai driving license not just to ride a motorcycle but also as a valid document to verify your identity within Thailand. By showing your license, it is possible that you may be eligible for special discounts at tourist locations like museums, parks, and cultural sites where foreigners are usually charged more for entrance tickets. You can also use it for booking hotels and flights.
After completing your probationary two years and before your Thai driving license expires, you can return to the Department of Land Transport office to get it renewed. You need the same documents as last time, but if you return 2 months before the expiration date, you can get the new driving license without having to do any more tests. If your Thai driving license expires, then you will first have to obtain another temporary license before you can renew it.
Finally, remember that your motorbike license is only for your personal use. You are not allowed to use it for the delivery of goods as a business. Food or package delivery is out of the question. And, of course, it goes without saying that you should be wearing a proper helmet every time you ride off on your motorcycle.
Where To Ride Next
Now that you have your bike license, it’s time to figure out where to go next. If you’re planning a Muay Thai vacation with some martial arts training, spa treatments, accommodation, sightseeing, and local cuisine all packed into one great holiday experience, visit Ushup for more details.
FAQs
Yes. You need a valid license to ride a motorbike in Thailand.
Yes. You can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 3 months as a valid license in Thailand.
You can visit the nearest Department of Land Transport office, complete the application form, submit all the required documents, and complete the physical, theoretical, and practical driving test to obtain the license.
