source: http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/v ... p?p=193743

The car driving licence
By Steve Graham (Magazine Issue 10) © Udonmap.com

Nothing puts a smile on a policeman’s face more than to see a foreigner with a five year Thai driving licence. I have been stopped many times before at checkpoints travelling around the Isaan area and they always seem pleased that I have taken the time to apply for a Thai driving licence.

It doesn’t take long and I think it shows the police and everybody else for that matter, that you are prepared as a foreigner, to integrate with the local community. The main office that deals with the paperwork is located a few kilometres out of Udon Thani on the Khon Kaen road near a nursing college and there is also a medical center nearby which is convenient for that all important medical certificate that is needed.

Paperwork includes a valid international driving licence and copies of passports, proof of where I was living, photographs etc. I brought along everything that I could as I am not convinced that there is a standard procedure for this. I didn’t want to be sent home like a naughty schoolboy to find a missing piece of paper.

I completed the paperwork for my first licence seven years ago and remember that my international licence didn’t photocopy well, so they copied my UK licence instead, so I think it is best to take everything with you.

I found the people in the office very helpful and talkative, which makes the two hour wait fly by. I remember that my wife came with me the first time and I’m not sure about you, but I think they were talking more about food and everyday life rather than my paperwork, so it might be quicker to go on your own. Up to you.

At first attempt you will be given a licence for one year which costs 105 baht. After that year, you can apply for a license for five years for 505 baht, a massive saving of 20 baht, eight hours and the travelling time and gas for four return journeys. Well worth it!

The licence I received was a photo ID licence, which means it can be used at airports for internal flights, rather than carrying your passport around with you (yes, I know you are supposed to carry your passport with you at all times, so carry a photocopy instead if you are really worried).

Now it is possible to obtain your licence from an office in AEK Udon. The old licence has been replaced with a credit card style licence with a magnetic information strip. Much more official and also saves a lot of bother.

When I received my old style licence, I had to go to a man by the main gate of the building that laminated the licence for me for a couple of baht, which was well worth the trouble. It is always easier to renew your licence the next time round if the lady in the office can actually read you details and see your picture.

As I drive around the Isaan area, I look to see the reaction of the police at the checkpoints along the Mekong, where I like to do most of my travelling and watch them as they show the licence to the other officers. A family member normally explains that we live in Udon Thani, which matches my car registration and that we are on a short holiday in Isaan. They seem genuinely pleased to see us.

To be truthful, they probably wonder why we would want to do travel around Isaan, as there are many other places in Thailand that are far more exciting: however, as I have stated in many articles in the past, I am looking for the quiet life and I think having a Thai licence helps.

Documents required for Thai driving lisense

1. Passport with valid Non-immigrant Visa. (Individuals with a Tourist Visa don't qualify)
2. Present residence address certified by embassy or Immigration Bureau, yellow book or work permit.
3. Medical certificate stating good health
4. 2 photographs Driving License of the respective country Application in person.
5. Required Fee