Thailand driving licence test exemptions for foreigners may end
Foreigners applying for a Thai driving licence could lose the exemption that lets a foreign licence or International Driving Permit stand in for training and tests. The Department of Land Transport opened a public consultation on the proposal on 4 November 2026, with comments accepted until 4 December 2026; it is not yet in force and no implementation date has been announced.
What this means for you
- Foreign residents applying for a Thai temporary or five-year licence who rely on a foreign licence or IDP would have to complete training and take written and practical tests at a DLT office.
- Temporary licence applicants would need at least two years of visa validity remaining, unless they meet alternative DLT conditions.
- Comments on the draft can be submitted until 4 December 2026; nothing changes until the proposal is adopted.
Source
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