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Once you become a resident in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa, the authorities require that you obtain a Thai driving licence, for either both a motorbike and for a car. This is obtained through your local Land Transport Office. You will require:-
- A copy of your National driving licence
- Your Passport
- A Medical Certificate
- Proof of address
Using an Agent to obtain your Driving Licence
You can do this on your own but it’s challenging, quite stressful and time consuming! On realising (fined 3 times) that I needed to apply for a Thai Driving Licence I was fortunate to be recommended to MOTS Services in Pattaya. A quick visit to their office (a phone call will also suffice) and you are informed of what you require and the way things work at the Land Transport Office. You are advised to dress respectfully and advised the time that you will be collected the next morning.
MOTS Services in Pattaya – Amazing service always with a smile
At precisely 06:30 the car pulled up and I met with the lovely Mot. This lady is not only very personable, fun and friendly she is also a brutally efficiently organised business lady! On arrival at the Land Transport Office (not easy to get to in Pattaya), Mot liaised with her colleague who had been in the queue since 05:00am. As we came to learn the superb organisation of Mot and her team resulted in us having the enviable numbers 01 and 02! With these preeminent numbers we could relax and enjoy a coffee in the nearby café.
At 08:00 the doors opened and the rush was on as confused individuals ran up the stairs only to be told to go back and wait down stairs. With our tickets numbers we were first in the line, our papers were presented and we were informed to take a seat in the waiting room. After some wait we filed out for our first tests. One could see some nervous faces as the Official described the depth perception test. Basically 2 sticks in a box with a cable. You sit and with use of the controls bring the 2 sticks into alignment. The first 3 participants failed miserably and then it was my turn. It is actually a very simple test and I passed first time. Then stand up and answer which colours were being shown. I guess that I am still not colour blind! Normaly there is a braking test, but we were informed that the machine was broken!
Then back to the classroom as my colleagues continued with their tests. If you do fail, you can return the next day for a second try! We then sat through a safety film watching a slightly crazy lady driving badly and how she should improve which was followed by a lot of grizzly accidents, most of which were not even in Thailand. Once the film ended the official returned with a pile of papers. We collected our Passports and National driving Licences and left the room. Immediately the ever attentive Mot was at my side, she took my papers and said that she would wait in the next line for me. Shortly after I was invited to have my photo taken. Once this had been completed, Mot was once again at my side and informed me that I could return to the café and she would wait for the licence. After about 20 minutes, (and an excellent coffee,) Mot returned and proudly presented us with our Licences. You receive one for driving cars and 1 for motorbikes! That was it all finished in about 4 hours!
My very grateful thanks to Mot and her super efficient team, I cannot praise them too much. The services offered by MOT Services can be found on their website As you will see they offer a range of services that greatly assist the lives of us expats in Pattaya and can be highly recommended.
Kim Waddoup
Founder
Kim Waddoup enjoyed a lifetime in the tourism business and is an active ‘Silver-Ager” living in Thailand. He writes for his age group with high varied articles covering subjects relevant to retirees living in, or visiting Thailand. Any questions or comments on this post? Please do feel free to contact me through our ‘Contact Form’ or directly kim@meanderingtales.com
