Driving
  • cmbadmin
  • No Comments

How to Buy a Motorbike in Thailand
How to Buy a Motorbike in Thailand cmbadmin

How to Buy a Motorbike in Thailand

Step by Step Guide of the Rules, Regulations and procedures of How to Buy a Motorbike in Chiang Mai Thailand. This article covers buying new motorbikes from a dealer or a second hand bike from Thais or Westerners.

No question, if you are going to settle in Chiang Mai (or anywhere in Thailand) for a period of time longer than 6 months, it begins to make practical and economical sense to purchase a motorbike over renting one.

Who can buy a Motorbike in Thailand?

Anyone can buy a Motorbike in Thailand – it just takes money! But to register a Motorcycle in your own name, Foreigners will need confirmation of their ID (passport) and of their local Address (Certificate of Residency).  Generally this confirmation is obtained with a Non O Visa showing that you are living in Thailand. If you are buying a new bike, usually the dealer can get your name on the registration papers if you only have a tourist Visa, but this process is a little more difficult when buying second hand but still easy enough.

For these documents you must present the originals, not just photocopies, at the vehicle licensing office.

[hr]

1) Buying a New Bike from a Dealer

Motorbike Dealer Thailand

This is the easiest way to purchase a motorbike and comes with a few advantages …

The Bike is new and in sound mechanical condition
The Bike is under Warranty The place you buy will become your mechanic
The Bike shop will take care of your Transfer of Ownership (Greenbook)

Most (but not all) larger brand name dealerships have someone who can speak English.  Shopping for a motorcycle is a simple process, you walk into a shop, see what you like, take it for a test drive, provide the required documents and pay the money.

The staff at the dealership will take care of all the rest.  It might take a few weeks for the Dealership to process the necessary paperwork especially if there is no license plate on the bike.

Documents Required:

  1. Your Original (to show) and copies of your passport including
    a. Photo Page
    b. Departure Card
    c. Visa and end of stay stamp
  2. Residency Certificate (see here for how to obtain this)

That is pretty much it!

[hr]

Buy a Motorbike in Chiang MaiChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
There is a price advantage of taking a Thai person along with you when you are shopping for a Motorbike.  Many dealerships do not display the price of the bike, on the bike itself.  This is because no matter what price they are selling it for, the Westerner customers wants to get a discount for paying cash (even though this is the only way they can purchase).  You can take one of our staff along with you to negotiate the price (the Thai price) which could end up saving you thousands of Baht.

[hr]

2) Buying a Secondhand Bike

Most people end up buying a secondhand motorbike, usually from a westerner who is leaving or from a local Thai person.  Often Motorbikes are available with no Greenbook.  Either the bike was previously sold and ownership is not transferred from the old to new owner, or the motorcycle could have been stolen and comes without the option to transfer ownership.  If you are intending to Register your bike and/or have it for longer than a year make sure you get the Greenbook.

The seller will have to provide you with the following documents to proceed.

The Motorbike: You must take the Motorcycle to the Transport Office. You should plan on being without the vehicle for the whole day if possible. The paperwork takes 2 business day to process, so the updated title book and receipts for payment will need to be picked up later when scheduled
(Note: If the vehicle is being transferred out of the province of registration, the registration needs to be changed over first, which also takes 3 business days. You do not need to take the vehicle for this, but will need the title book, owner’s documents.

The vehicle’s Green Book (motorcycles)

Ownership transfer Form signed by the seller and buyer  Form Link

Signed copies of the owner AND buyer’s personal documents:

Buying From Foreigners
1) Passport:
Copies of the photograph page, current visa stamp, and tm (departure) card.
AND one of following:
2) Work Permit:
Copies of every page (with writing, and one blank page following, don’t forget to check for pages in the back) of your work permit.
OR
2.1) Certificate or Letter of Residence issued by Thai Immigration 3 Office, located across from Promenada Mall (cost is 500 THB, usually takes 2 days to process, and is only valid for 30 days).
OR
2.2) Affidavit of Residence from your Consulate/Embassy –  The cost is 1500 THB – and is valid for up to 1 year

Buying From Thai People

1) ID card (Baht Pracha Chon)
 Copy of front and back on one page
2) House Registration Document (Tabien Baan)
Top part is house info, second part/page is the individual’s name in the book (a book can have several pages of names in it).  This is not always required

[hr]

3) Changing the Ownership Procedure (Chiang Mai)

If you are elsewhere in the country, the process will be similar to the following which is based in Chiang Mai.

Your will be going to the

Provincial Land Transport Office of Chiang Mai (Nong Hoi Branch)
405/2, Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Road,
Tambon Wat Ket,
Amphoe Mueang
Chiang Mai

Google Map Location

1 The Motorbike Check entrance is behind the main building at the front. Go to the Main Office with the counters.

2 Go to the official (receptionist) awaits you. Say “Buy Sell a motorbike” and she produces a form for you to sign and you present the documents above.

3 The official lets you sign all papers and returns them to both of you

4 Enter with your bike into the ‘Motorbike Check’ and place the bike in one of the yellow marked
boxes on the ground.

5  Give the staff your paperwork and wait.

6 The official will check the bike and will pass the papers to the wooden office in the same hall

7 The checked papers are then (typical Thai operations) taken by someone to another office.  You will do your best to sit and smile and wait (patiently)

8 Your papers will be returned to you with the seal of approval (your motorbike is safe). Take your bike and park in in the parking spots

9 Go back into the Office to the receptionist

10 They will give you a queue number and you wait until your number comes up on the electronic board
with the counter number to go to.

11 Hand over all your papers and wait while they are checked

12 When checked and signed pay the fee (about 185 Baht)

13 The official will give you a queue number and tells you when to come back (usually between 13:00 and 16:00 or sometimes the next day)

14 At the appointed time (later that day or the next) go to the receptionist and show your number. They will  send you to the counter (usually number 5) where you will receive the green book with your (the Buyer’s) name entered.
[hr]
  • cmbadmin
  • No Comments

How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai
How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai cmbadmin

How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai

A residence certificate is a document made by immigration to certify where a foreigner lives. You can obtain this from your Embassy (if located in Chiang Mai, Bangkok or a larger city with a consulate)  but the cost is much higher (1700 Baht).  The immigration satellite office is supposed to issue these for free (and will do but it can take 2-8 weeks) or for a gift donation of 500 Baht it will be available the next day.

Getting your Residency Certificate is a straight forward and simply process.  The office is located about 10 kilometers outside of town and you have to go there twice. Once to drop off your application and the next day to collect it.

A Residency Certificate is good for 30 days after the date of it’s issue

The Immigration Satellite office, is located off the Super Hwy across from the Promenada Mall. Do NOT go to the Immigration office near the airport – they no longer process residency certificates. As of this time, the Immigration Department have not advised Google Maps of their location.  The exact location is listed on the map as the ‘Namber one garage’

Location of the Chiang Mai Immigration Department: Residency Certificates

The Building looks like this
Chiang Mai Residency Certificate Immigration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will need to take:

1. Two (2) Color Photo’s 1.5 in x 2.36 in (4 cm x 6 cm)
2. Copy of Passport (1st Page; VISA Page; TM6). Bring your original Passport also.
3. Proof of Residence (Rental Contract or Yellow Residency Book or Letter from your Landlord)

Photocopiers and Photographs can be obtained at the office, as can the Thai Residency Certificate Form.  But it is better to be prepared and have these done.

Once you arrive you will take your completed documents to room 4, and will usually be asked if you want this the next day which will require a ‘gift fee’ of 500 baht.  While requesting this fee is illegal – just smile and hand over the money.  You will be told to come back the next day after 1pm.

If you are in no hurry for your certificate – the look on the Staff’s face when you tell them you will wait 2 (or 3 or 4 weeks) is priceless.  But when all said and done, you usually need your residency certificate in a hurry – so you pay the fine.

 
Want Help Getting Your Residency Certificate?

Chiang Mai Buddy will head down to the Residency Office (Twice) to get this application processed for you.

2000 BHT

 

The Next Day The next day after lunch (opens at 1pm) you want to go to the window at room 2 and show them your receipt and/or tell them your name.  Be patient and polite, you may see your application photograph being passed a few times as the staff look.  If you feel a little bit confident with your Thai language you can say “Ning Nai Krap/Ka” which means “There it is”.

Do not lean over the window or enter the room unless you are invited to do so.  If you see your photograph on the file and the immigration staff have gone past it – DO NOT put your hand in and point.  Thai manners are essential here, you will always smile and laugh and everything is your fault. – even them not finding what is plainly obvious to you

Collecting your residency certificate is a relativity easy process (the 2nd or 3rd time you do it). The first time like any Thai government department – it can be confusing.  If you do not speak Thai, try and take a Thai friend along with you.
[hr]

How to ride a motorycle in Thaialnd
  • cmbadmin
  • No Comments

How to ride a Motorbike in Thailand (and Survive)
How to ride a Motorbike in Thailand (and Survive) 538 218 cmbadmin

How to Survive when you ride a Motorbike in Thailand

Driving a motorbike or car in any Asian country is one of those experience that if survived becomes stories you tell your friends over a beer. In Thailand many westerners often wonder how most of the people driving managed to get a driver’s license. The reality is most of them don’t!

If you ride in Thailand you are very likely to have an accident. It happens to everyone at some point. Whether or not you survive with your life will depend greatly on following the suggestions and guidelines detailed below. I would go as far as stating … Make them your Rules!

asian driversA common mistake people make is that Asians are bad drivers. They are not. They manage to survive in a chaotic traffic system with more hazards than a reality TV show. It is more accurate to say that they are inconsiderate drivers, but even saying this is based on making false assumptions, based on western culture.

Important: Understand Thai Drivers Mindset

One of the biggest factors (in my humble opinion) that plays a part in how the Asian population drive differently is rooted in the language and lack of time tenses. Bear with me here, as your understanding of this point will allow you to remove your internal common sense expectations of how people ‘should drive’.  Your past expectations of how others should act on the road allows you to drive or ride on auto pilot.  If you do not adapt and change this assumption here in Thailand you seriously increase the risk of having an accident.

In Asian language, it is rare to define a sense of past, present or future tense. In the English language we state everything in an exact frame of time. In Thailand if someone was to say “I am a Teacher” it could mean they used to be, they are studying to be, they are currently, or they will be in the future. The language we use contributes greatly to an individual’s conscious thoughts and makes up our reality. When your primary language system does not place an emphasis on time as a major construct – your ability to grasp future consequences from a single past or present experience, is reduced.

How does the lack of ‘time’ constructs affect Thai drivers?
One of the biggest hazards you will find driving on Thai roads is that almost no one will look for on coming traffic before pulling out of a street, turning a corner or changing lanes.  If you (or I) were to turn from a side street into a major road and have an accident or near miss. Anxiety kicks in and we will adapt our behavior and in future slow down, look for on coming traffic, use your turn signals and proceed with warranted caution.

If a Thai person was to do this (and they do all the time) there conscious process (due to the lack of time concepts in the language) is … “I could have died, but I did not. I have good luck” and that is the end of it. Next time they approach the same situation the anticipation of it happening again is just not there.

Please note that this is a blatant generalization and I do not mean to apply it to every Thai person. But if you assume it does apply you will always be aware of what to look for when riding here.

[hr]

So let’s examine how to ride a motorbike in Thailand to survive.

1) Have a Safe Motorbike

Many places that rent motorbikes in Thailand are run by under paid and unskilled staff. The maintenance on the bike and especially the brakes can be lacking. Older motorbikes you hire will have a reduction in it’s ability to accelerate with speed and stop quickly.  Many places also never change the mirrors from stock which are suited to smaller framed people. The difference in rental price of an old and smaller cc rating bike compared to a new and larger engine is about 500 baht a month. Pay the extra $15 and get a good, new, bigger and safer bike. If you are in Chiang Mai, check here for exactly this

What to look for when you hire a motorbike:

125cc motorbike. Westerners are bigger and heavier and need the extra power

New vs Older Bike: Older bikes not only use more gas, they lack acceleration power and sometimes you will need it to avoid an accident.

Extended Mirror: Not many Thai people even use the mirrors. They just do not check behind them before swapping lanes. We do, make sure you can see behind you.

Check the brakes: This is an essential requirement but not one many rental places are able to comprehend the importance of.

Thicker tires: A common reason many people have accidents is when the wheel slips from under the bike when riding over sand or gravel on the road. Using a thicker wheel helps maintain stability and prevent this.

2) Wear your Helmet!!!

How to ride motorbike in Chiang MaiYou will notice that many local people and tourist do not wear helmets when riding a motorbike in Thailand. If you get stopped by the police the instant ‘gift’ fine is only 200 baht (about US $6) and it is tempting to justify ‘when in Rome….’

This abundance of freedom (that makes western road rules and law enforcement seem like a nanny state) is alluring to some.  The more adventurous (I will go as far as weak minded and easily influenced) gravitate towards experiencing this new freedom and ride without a helmet.  If you do this your an idiot – plain and simple.  Remember, chances are high that if you ride a motorbike in Thailand you are going to have an accident. Not wearing your helmet IS the difference between a few scratches and your loved ones having to arrange for your body to be shipped home.

Bear this in mind: The Thai transport cleanup crew does not like to touch internal organs (it is a cultural thing). As someone living here I can guarantee you, pieces of your brains will remain on the lamp post you hit until they dry up, rot and blow away. Try Goggling an image search ‘motorbike accidents Thailand’ to see pictures of brains and body parts splattered around the road to reinforce this point. Just wear your helmet!!!

Many people look around them and can justify not using common sense because it seems as if  ‘everyone else does it’. Despite any justifications you can tell yourself, for those people who have lived here long enough to see the result of westerners not wearing a helmet .. you might as well be wearing a t-shirt that says “I am too stupid to live” because that’s what most people are thinking when they see you.

3) Drive at a reasonable speed

We all know speed kills, this is nothing new.  It is very easy on the automatic scooters in Thailand with the room to ride through traffic to do it at speed.   I have a bigger bike, and I am constantly looking at my speed and asking myself “If I crash now will I live”? And I do this because I have seen the end result of people who are too relaxed when they ride.  You need to remember that the chances of someone else pulling out in front of you or switching lanes without looking or stopping mid traffic are many many times higher in Thailand than what you are used to in your home country.

The ability to swiftly zip in and out between cars is easy here. The motorbike gives you much more opportunity to bypass the congestion of cars in traffic. In fact doing this will become second nature to you. Just always be aware as you are riding between cars, chances are someone else will pull out in front of you as they move into the space between cars. And they will not be looking for you coming.

No one in Thailand is in a hurry. You do not need to be either.

4) Drive next to the center white line

On a two lane road, in most countries it is suggested that you ride on the left side of the lane. This is to avoid cars coming up behind you at faster speeds and being hit from behind. In Thailand this is dangerous because (not sure I mentioned this or not before) people will pull into your path without looking. They will come from the side streets on your left and pull out from parked positions from your left. Riding on the left side of the lane makes you a closer target, and gives you less room to avoid them.

Riding the center line gives you the opportunity to look ahead and see potential danger.  It also allows you to smoothly transition between and around cars on the road. Most Thai vehicle drivers will leave enough space on the left and right hand side of their vehicle for a motorbike to get by. And at stopped traffic they will usually leave room between the cars front and rear for you to zig zag your way around the cars and through traffic.

Do not ride the center line when ….

When you are on a major freeway – Freeways seldom have cross streets where someone can pull out on your left.  The cars are going faster and there is no reason for you to take up a whole lane. The far left of the road is the safest place to be.

When you are on a single and narrow road with curves you can not see around. Expect cars and motorbikes coming in the opposite direction to be in the middle of the road. Give yourself room to be out of the way.

[hr]

Other hazards to watch for

Riding a motorbike in Thailand is not a time or place you want to mentally relax and enjoy the view. You will need to be 100% consciously aware of everything happening to you and within the next 100 meters. You will soon realize once you start to ride here that things are different. The traffic while chaotic has a flow and a system about it. You will need to focus on what is ahead and anticipate several possibilities.

Lack of Accident Media Coverage:  They do not like to report in the Thai media anything that might hinder the tourist perception of Thailand. Road accidents (especially non Thai’s) are not reported so it is easy to forget that this country ranks in the top 5 of most dangerous places to ride.  Don’t let the lack of you noticing the accident rate fool you into a sense of security.

Painted Lines on the Road:  When it rains or a shop owner has washed the front of their store and the road is wet – the painted road markings become very slippery.  Avoid riding close to them and if you are turning and crossing the path of a a painted piece of road, slow down and use as gradual turn as you can manage.

Chinese Tourists:  Watch out for Chinese tourists, easily spotted because the woman on the back of the bike will have an open map and they are all over the road looking for sites to stop at. The Chinese tourists have a tendency to just stop where ever they want, including right in front of you without looking. When you spot them, move to the left or right and do not follow directly behind them

Do not look at the view:  When riding (especially in Chiang Mai) there are many things that can distract your attention. Temples are everywhere, the 3 or 4 cute child monks walking along the road. The incredibly beautiful women on the side of the road or on the motorbike next to you. The food stalls, and the Elephants and Buffalo that can be on the roads. You need to focus 100% on what might happen on the road in front of you – not how amazing everything is on the sidelines.

Gravel and sand:  One of the biggest causes of non fatal accidents in Thailand is when the motorbike wheel skids out of control and the bike skids. This usually happens when riding too close to the left side of the road or when pulling over to stop somewhere.Look out for the condition of the road and especially watch out for sand and gravel on the sides of the road and entrance ways to parking lots.  A lot of sand or stones tends to be safer than just a little bit.  Be careful either way.

sand on roads in Chiang Mai

Sand and gravel on the side of the road, a sure fire way to topple your motorbike

Use your Mirrors:  Thai people as a rule do not use them. You should monitor behind you on a regular occasion. But also be aware than the person in front of you will not. They will not see you coming if you decide to pass them. Give yourself enough space to avoid them moving directly into you as your passing.

Do not assume green means GO:  The general rule seems to be a yellow light means speed up, and when the red light turns on it means the 5th car behind you will have to stop – but you are OK to go.   Again no one looks, they will keep going through a red light. If you are in the front of the cue and the light turns green, just look and make sure no one is coming. Chances are they will be.

Lane changing without turn signals. It is very common for both car drivers and motorbike riders to change lanes without signaling. For the motorbike rider you are constantly swapping lanes and driving between cars because you can. Often the blinker light will stay on because the turn was not sufficient to auto switch off, and it becomes easier to not use the indicators for lane changes.  Cars will often switch lanes or just drive in the middle of one for a while and then move over.Be aware that anyone in front of you or to your side can and probably will move without looking or warning.

Song Thao Stopping mid street to pick up pedestrian

Song Thao Stopping mid street to pick up pedestrian

Tuk Tuk’s and Songthaews:  These will stop anywhere suddenly to pick up passengers. If you see a Tuk Tuk ahead of you that is empty expect it to stop suddenly or slow every time it passes people on the side of the road. The same is true for the two row trucks (Songthaews). Often the reason cars are driving in the middle of the road or traffic comes to a stop is because of the public transportation.

Police:  Not sticky a hazard, the police in Thailand do not get paid much, and it is common for them to supplement their income with ‘instant fines’ at road side check points.  Westerners are targeted simply because we have money and are likely to be breaking the law.

thai police checkpointNot wearing a helmet is an instant 200 baht fine (US $6), not having a valid drivers license 400 baht.  Possession of drugs – instant jail for a very very long time.  The police will usually ask for more, but these figures are usually accepted unless you have a wallet full of cash.

Police checkpoints are just part of the scenery here, and after the Coup more common.  You will no doubt feel indignant and feel like you are being singled out – smile politely admit your wrong doing, apologize and bear it.

Western Attitude: We in the west have a culture that inflates our perception of our own importance and rights.  As such we naturally tend to take almost anything as an attack on our sense of ego, and we attempt to defend ourselves.  In Thailand, this attitude is seen as a sign of an immoral and disgusting person.  Here you do what you can to avoid losing face (embarrassing yourself or others).  Raising your voice, disputing statements made (calling someone a lair) pointing, arguing etc are all behaviors that quickly erode any respect Thai people will give you.  And they show their contempt by smiling and laughing (they will not lose face displaying conflict or anger).

If you are pulled over at a check point, or involved in an accident, or have someone cut you off, your fault or theirs the response is always the same.  You politely nod your head (to younger people) or perform a Wai (hands to the head and bow) to older people or officials and say “Mai Ben Rai”. This roughly translate to No problem, No worries, It is OK, and once it is spoken, it ends the matter.

[hr]

Thai driving license exam test questions
  • cmbadmin
  • No Comments

Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions
Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions 538 218 cmbadmin

The following is an example of several of the Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions for you to look at and learn the answers for, when applying to get your Drivers License in Thailand.

The correct answers are highlighted.  Image quality is not great – but you should be able to read the questions

You may also be interested in the How to Get your Thai Driving License article

You may also be interested in an English version of the Thai Traffic Laws (provided at www.thailaws.com)

[hr]

 Get Drivers License Chiang MaiWant Help Getting Your Drivers License?

Hire a Chiang Mai Buddy to go with you to the Motor Vehicles Department to explain the process, help you get through the paperwork and assist whenever we can make things move along faster!

Only 300 Baht per Hour

[hr]

Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions: Exam One

 

thai driving test exam questions 2thai driving test exam questions 2.5

Continue to Next page for 30 more questions.

[hr]

 Get Drivers License Chiang MaiWant Help Getting Your Drivers License?

Hire a Chiang Mai Buddy to go with you to the Motor Vehicles Department to explain the process, help you get through the paperwork and assist whenever we can make things move along faster!

Only 300 Baht per Hour

[hr]

Getting a Thai Driving License
  • cmbadmin
  • No Comments

3 Easy Steps to get a Driving License in Chiang Mai Thailand
3 Easy Steps to get a Driving License in Chiang Mai Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

Get your Driving License in Chiang Mai in 3 Easy Steps

This article deals specifically with the process of getting a driving license in Chiang Mai, however the same procedures and forms will be more or less the same throughout Thailand. Getting your driving license in Thailand is a several-day process in which you can expect to spend most of that time waiting. There are now English speaking staff at the Chiang Mai Land Transport Offices – (once you HAD to take a Thai speaking person) – but the confusion about the process remains the same.

By law, you are required to have a Thai driving license if you have stayed in the country 60 days.

You cannot get a Driving License on a Tourist Visa.  If you see anywhere online that you can – check the date of the article. It is old…

This is, of course, one of the non-logical aspects of living in Thailand. It is assumed if you have a Tourist Visa you are here for 60 days and therefore do not require a license. Extending your Visa 30 days puts you in the illegal category.

If the driver is not a tourist nor visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driving license. However, those with a foreign license as described above or an International Driving Permit are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Permits are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign license.

If you already have a valid car or motorbike driving license from your own country the process is relatively simple. If you are required to sit for the written and practical exams for either of these – be prepared for a longer and more confusing process.

One of the services we offer at Chiang Mai Buddy to prevent the stress, anxiety and confusion of visiting any government department is to hire a Chiang Mai Buddy by the hour.

[hr]

Requirements to Apply for a Thai Driving License

1) Medical Certificate (50-100 Baht)
Easily obtained from a local Doctor or Hospital. Must not be more than 30 days old.

2) Residency Certificate (500 Baht)
Proof of Address provided by the Immigration Bureau (Resident Certificate) or foreign embassy as provided.  Download Form

3) Copy of Passport and non-immigrant visa (original and photocopy)
(Face page; VISA page; current TM6 card; latest entry stamp page); bring your original Passport also.
N.B. You cannot get a Thai Driving license on a Tourist Visa

4) Valid License or International Driving Permit
Your current country’s Motorbike or Car License or an International Driving Permit. Applicants without these will have to complete the road code and practical exams. Holders of driver licenses in a language not in English must have their embassy translate it and take that translation with them.

5) Application for Driving License
Application For Driving License
To see how to fill this page in go here

 [hr]

Step by Step… How to Apply for a Thai Driving License in Chiang Mai

Step One: Obtaining a Medical Certificate

This is the easiest and quickest part of obtaining a driving license in Thailand. You can usually walk into any Doctor’s Clinic or Hospital and request from the counter a Medical Certificate for an application for a Driving License. This test will involve checking your height and weight, blood pressure and a color blindness exam. The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes – minus the waiting time. This is an income-earner for the local hospitals and this service is streamlined without much waiting. Cost at a doctor’s clinic can sometimes be just 50 baht, at the hospital it is 100 baht.

Step Two: Obtaining your Residency Certificate

A residency certificate is a document issued by immigration to certify where a foreigner lives. You can obtain this from your Embassy (if located in Chiang Mai) but the cost is much higher (1700 baht). The immigration satellite office is supposed to issue these for free (and will do but it can take 2-8 weeks) or for a gift donation of 500 baht it will be available the next day.

The Immigration Satellite office is located off the Super Highway across from the Promenada Mall. Do NOT go to the Immigration office near the airport – they no longer process residency certificates. As of this time, the Immigration Department have not advised Google Maps of their location. The exact location is listed on the map as the ‘Namber One Garage’.

Location of the Chiang Mai Immigration Department: Residency Certificates

The building looks like this:
Chiang Mai Residency Certificate Immigration

You will need to take:

1. Two (2) Color Photos 1.5 in x 2.36 in (4 cm x 6 cm)
2. Copy of Passport (1st Page; VISA Page; TM6). Bring your original Passport also.
3. Proof of Residence (Rental Contract or Yellow Residency Book or Letter from your Landlord)

Photocopies and Photographs can be obtained at the office, as can the Thai Residency Certificate Form. But it is better to be prepared and have these done.

Once you arrive you will take your completed documents to room 4, and will usually be asked if you want this the next day which will require a ‘gift fee’ of 500 baht. While requesting this fee is totally illegal – just smile and hand over the money. You will be told to come back the next day after 1:00 p.m. The next day you want to go to the window at room 2.

[notify_box font_size=”13px” style=”red”]Do not lean over the window or enter the room unless you are invited to do so. If you see your photograph on the file and the immigration staff have gone past it – DO NOT put your hand in and point. Thai manners are essential here, you will always smile and laugh and everything is your fault – even if they cannot find what is plainly obvious to you[/notify_box]

Collecting your residency certificate is a relativity easy process (the 2nd or 3rd time you do it). The first time (like any Thai government procedure) can be confusing. If you do not speak Thai, try and take a Thai friend along with you to translate.

Step Three: Obtaining your Driving License

The Land Transport Offices are located on Hang Dong Road, about 3 KM south of Airport Plaza on the left-hand side of the road just past Tesco Lotus and before the Big C. Hours are Monday to Friday  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location of the Chiang Mai Land Transport Offices: Driving License

The building looks like this:
Chiang Mai Traffic Department

 

If you have an International Permit or your Country’s valid driving license:

A complete set of above documents mentioned at the top of this article is required for each license application (motorbike & car). You can use copies of your residency certificate and a medical certificate if you are applying for both licenses at the same time.

1) Go to the 2nd floor of the Traffic department to window 21.  They will check your details and issue you with a number to wait to go at window 27.

2) At window 27 you will do 3 quick tests:

Color Blindness Test:
One of the officials will point to colored dots on a poster and you should respond by stating the dot’s color. You can answer in English but Thai is better:

  • red (si daeng)
  • green (si kheow)
  • yellow (si luang)
  • blue (si fah).

Reflex Test:
Be seated behind an alternative gas and brake pedal and push the accelerator until the green LEDs start to light up. Hit the brake pedal before the LEDs reach the red zone. You will have to repeat this test twice.

Depth Perception Test:
Use forward and back buttons to align a moving pin with a fixed one, in a small box at approx. 10 meters distance.

3) Go to the main Information counter as you enter the second floor. You will have your documents checked again and be given another number.

4) When your number is called you will go to another window and pay the fees (usually window 21 but depends on the day): 205 baht for a car license and 155 baht for a motorbike. After this, you will be given another number and you sit and wait.

5) When your number is called, go to the back of the window area for your photograph to be taken. Here you will pick a number from a roll-a-dial and sit and wait. You will get your photograph taken and be issued with your license. They will put the license in a plastic protective cover and ask for 10 baht. If you are going to put the license in your wallet say “Mai Ow” or tell them you don’t want the protective sheet. You may get looked at like you’re an idiot but you really do not need this.

N.B. The 1st license is a temporary license issued for 1 year (Green color). After 1 year a renewal is available for 5 years (Pink color). If you are a Tourist with a Thai Driving License you can only get a 1-year renewal.

This whole process seems over the top, each window will recheck the previous checks of your documentation, and, seems like a lot of wasted time. The best option is to know before you go that this is not going to be an experience like back home. If you make comparisons to what you have done in your own country it will be easy for you to feel confused and frustrated. You will spend most of your time sitting and waiting. If you are not used to the way Thailand works, taking a Thai speaking person along with you will give you peace of mind (and some conversation) as you wait while the process is working. For those new arrivals or people without Thai friends, remember Chiang Mai Buddy offers the service of hiring your own local to assist you with the process.

[hr]

If you need to sit the exam to get your driving license:

A complete set of above documents mentioned at the top of this article is required for each license application (motorbike & car). You can use copies of your residency certificate and medical certificate if you are applying for both licenses at the same time.

1) Go to the 2nd floor of the Traffic department to window 21.  They will check your details and instruct you to go and take your written exam after you do the 3 basic tests.

2) At window 27 you will do 3 quick tests:

Color Blindness Test:
One of the officials will point to colored dots on a poster and you should respond by stating the dot’s color. You can answer in English but Thai is better:

  • red (si daeng)
  • green (si kheow)
  • yellow (si luang)
  • blue (si fah).

Reflex Test:
Be seated behind an alternative gas and brake pedal and push the accelerator until the green LEDs start to light up. Hit the brake pedal before the LEDs reach the red zone. You will have to repeat this test twice.

Depth Perception Test:
Use forward and back buttons to align a moving pin with a fixed one, in a small box at approx. 10 meters distance.

3) The theory test is located at the far end of the 2nd floor of the traffic department building. It is a simple 30-question multiple-choice test that is offered twice a day at 11.00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. You will be able to sit the exam twice at each sitting and it requires a 75% pass rate. The results are issued within 20 minutes and if you have passed you can immediately arrange a practical test.

PLEASE NOTE: The offices do NOT supply You with a vehicle for Your tests. If You ask, prepare to be chuckled at…

4) Go to the practical driving test area located outside of the building, in the same compound, heading back towards the city. You will have your forms checked and be seated to wait until you are called. Luckily, for some reason, some Westerners get called up first and have a priority over the locals.

5) The motorbike practical test is explained to you and is a simple course (that they hardly ever actually watch you do). You will be required to stop at a few intersections, use your turn signals and drive within the speed limit. For motorbike test at 2 points you are required to stop and put your feet on the ground (complete stop) and drive over a wooden plank without falling off. The plank is a slab of wood about an inch above the ground and about 8 inches thick. The trick here is to not ride too slowly and wobble and fall off.

The car test is more complicated, now involving electronic documentation of the procedure. Pay attention and You should be OK (if you already know how to drive…).

6) After you complete your practical you are given a pass stamp on your forms which you then return back to the 2nd floor of the main building.

7) Return to window 21 with your exam and practical test results. You will have your documents checked and be given a number to sit and wait for window 27.

8) At window 27 you will do 2 quick tests:

a) Short eyesight test (color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception)
b) Reflex examination

9) Go to the main Information counter as you enter the second floor. You will have your documents checked again and be given another number.

10) When your number is called you will go to another window and pay the fees (usually window 21 but depends on the day) 205 baht for a car license and 155 baht for a motorbike. After this, you will be given another number and you sit and wait.

11) When your number is called, go to the back of the window area for your photograph to be taken. Here you will pick a number from a roll-a-dial and sit and wait. You will get your photograph taken and be issued with your license. They will put the license in a plastic protective cover and ask for 10 baht. If you are going to put the license in your wallet say “Mai Ow” or tell them you don’t want the protective sheet. You may get looked at like you’re an idiot but you really do not need this.

N.B. The 1st license is a temporary license issued for 1 year (Green color), after 1 year, a renewal is available for 5 years (Pink color). If you are a Tourist with a Thai Driving License, you can only get a 1-year renewal.

This can be a 2-day process on top of the 2-day process to get the required documentation (Residency Certificate and Medical). At various points during the procedure you are likely to come across a window or in the case of the practical test, people who do not speak English very well. You will manage to survive! It might be a stressful and anxiety producing experience but after it is all done you can drive home and wonder at the marvels of it only taking almost 5 days to get a driving license.

If you do not speak Thai, the whole experience will go smoother if you can take a Thai friend along with you. The both of you will be bored for most of the time, but in those moments of confusion (and there will be many during the long periods you wait) it is nice to have someone reassure you this is normal, do not worry.

[hr]

The Driving License Exam: Test Questions

Thai Drivers license exam

The exam takes place in the end room of the Traffic Department Building in Chiang Mai on the second floor.  Here you will sit in front of a large screen and be shown a selection of  30 multiple-choice questions. On the screen will appear questions and you select from the answers provided. Sounds simple right?

The images used in the exam are very low quality and difficult to see. If you require glasses at all, you had better take them with you. In addition, the English translation is very confusing, so it pays to read the questions a couple of times AND look at any pictures the question is meant to explain.  Some questions are surprisingly easy. For example …

When are you not allowed to operate a motor vehicle?
A) After you wake up;
B) When it is raining;
C) Immediately after consuming alcohol or drugs;
D) On a weekend.

Some drivers license test questions will require you to have more specific knowledge of the Thai Road Code. In New Zealand and Australia the correct answer is C, in Thailand and America it is B…

When an emergency vehicle approaches you from behind with lights flashing, you should:
A) Speed up;
B) Pull over, stop and wait for the vehicle to pass;
C) Move to the left and continue driving;
D) Pull over, stop, and immediately pull out behind the vehicle.

A score of 23/30 is needed to pass.  You are provided with the correct answers at the end of your test and can take it twice a day until you pass.

On the right-hand side of the entrance to the computer test are posters that show what various road signs mean in Thailand. Spend 10 minutes or so looking at these. Behind counter 21 (where you first go with your paperwork) they (usually) have a copy of the Thai Road code in English which you can ask to borrow and read.

Chiang Mai Buddy has provided a selection of the Thai Driving License Exam Questions for you to look at and learn.

You may also be interested in an English version of the Thai Traffic Laws (provided at www.thailaws.com)

[hr]

How to Apply for a 5 year Thai Driving License

People with a Tourist Visa are no longer able to get a Driving License. A Non-Immigrant Visa is required to apply for the 5-year driving license which can be done one month before your current license expires. You will only be required to redo the following exams and tests:

1.  Eyesight (color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception)
2.  Reflex Test

No practical test driving or re-sitting of your exam questions is required. Fee is 550 baht for the 5-year driving license.

Documents Required

1) Original 1-Year Driving License

2) Copy of Passport and non-immigrant visa (original and photocopy)
(Face page; VISA page; current TM6 card; latest entry stamp page); Bring your original Passport also.
N.B. You can not get a Thai Driving license on a Tourist Visa

3) New Medical Certificate (50-100 Baht)
Easily obtained from a local Doctor or Hospital. Must not be more than 30 days old.

4) New Residency Certificate (500 Baht)
Proof of Address provided by the Immigration Bureau (Residency Certificate) or foreign embassy as provided.  Download Form

[hr]

Final Thoughts

The process of obtaining a Thai Driving License when you need to sit the exam and take the practical is at least a 3-4 day event. Most of this time is spent waiting, and while you wait you might be tempted to begin to question the process. Have they forgotten me? Why did that person not have to go to the same window? How much longer? Why is that person being processed quickly and the other one took forever? And, again, Have they forgotten me?

At the Chiang Mai Traffic Department some of the volunteer staff (University students) will speak English and you can ask them for an explanation of what you need to do next. Some of the staff: not so much. If you do not speak Thai, you can (and many have) managed to get their driving license in Thailand having a Thai speaking person assist them. It is a great idea. Contact us at Chiang Mai Buddy. We are here to help!

[hr]

Start Typing