Riding in Thailand
The Complete Guide to Riding in Thailand – 2024
Important info – A car license won’t cover you for riding a motorbike (unless 50cc or below).
This article is based on the system used in Chiang Mai. Other provinces may differ slightly. To RENEW a license. Follow the same steps but omit the tests. You can also use this handy OFFICIAL BOOKING APP.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The documents you will need for riding in Thailand and how to go about getting them:
- Medical Certificate
- Residency Certificate
- Copy of Passport and Visa page
- Application for Driving License
STEP 1 – Medical Certificate
The medical certificate is a simple in-out check-up, involving a weight and heart rate check. Drop into any hospital/clinic and let the staff know that you need a medical certificate for a driving license application. They will know what you need. Very straight-forward. Walk in, pay, and go.
Cost: Approximately 80-150 baht (depending on where you go).
STEP 2 – Residency Certificate
The simplest place to obtain a Residency Certificate is from the local immigration office of the town or city you are staying in. Certificates may also be issued by your Embassy, but the cost is usually much higher. The fee and time to process the certificate vary depending on the rules your immigration office has set.
Cost: the price will vary from free to 1500 baht (also depending on if you use an agent)
What you will need:
1: 2 x Colour Photos
(2×2 Inch)
With the new system this may not be required. Best to have though.)
2: Copy of Passport Info
Photo/Info page, Visa page, TM6 arrival
/departure card.
Take original passport also.
3: Proof of Address
Rental contract, blue/yellow book – or letter from your landlord.
4: Application Form
Available at immigration, or can print out one directly from below.
APPLICATION FORM
Residency Cert Application
*NOTE*
Make sure to check which immigration office processes the certificates
Immigration times for processing certificates:
DROP OFF:
between 9 am and 12 pm,
along with the fee.
PICK UP:
between 1 pm and 4:30 pm,
(Usually) next day. They will inform you.
*TIP*
Dress respectfully, be polite, do not shout, Smile. Good manners matter a lot.
*NOTE* The form is only good for 30 days and expires thereafter.
STEP 3 – The DLT
With your medical and residency certificate in hand, you can now start the process of obtaining your Thai license. Take your documents to the nearest DVLA Land & Transport Office and hand them in at the counter, requesting to apply for the license. They will check your documents and issue you with a number. Wait in the waiting area until called.
Donโt worry about being confused when you get there, just follow the others in front of you. In the past, all tests are normally done within the same day, but if busy you may be assigned appointments spread out over two days.
Applying for the License
*NOTE*
For the driving test, you need to have your own vehicle/motorbike
*TIP*
Dress appropriately (smart casual is ok), or you may be turned away.
PROCESS:
Submit application and documents between 8:00 โ 9:00 am
Reaction tests and video (approximately) 9:00 โ 10:00 am.
Theory Test ( morning or afternoon. They will let you know).
Driving/Riding Test.
A simple test.
Not difficult if you have taken lessons/practiced riding.
Receive a license and pay the fee
(your first license will normally be for 2 years. Approximately 200 baht)
THREE STAGES
1: PHYSICAL TEST
2: THEORY TEST
3: PRACTICAL TEST
Stage 1: Physical Test
1: Colour Blindness Test
An official will point to various coloured circles and you must state the colour.
You can usually read this out in English, but a good one for Thai learners to practice with. When you pass you will be asked to move to the next stage.
2: Reflex Test
In this test, you will take a seat in front of a LED screen.
At your feet lies a gas and brake pedal. Press down on the accelerator until the green LEDโs begin to light up, but hit the brake pedal before the LEDโs hit the red zone. You will need to pass the test twice to enter the next stage.
3: Depth Perception Test
In this section, you have to press forward and back buttons to align a moving pin with a fixed pin (at 10 meters distance).
(*Tip* โ with all these tests it is best to hang back and watch how others are carrying out the test first)
4: Road Safety Video
A one-hour-long safety video.
As a foreigner, you will be conducted in a separate room, where the video will be shown in (normally) English language.
The video shows a lot of accidents, so be prepared for a pretty grueling watch.
Stage 2: Theory Test
1: Theory Test Room
Once you have completed the physical test you will need to pass a theory test.
The test is a 30-minute multiple-choice, which takes place twice each day (normally at 11 am and 3 pm).
You can sit the exam twice at each sitting and requires a 75% pass rate. The results are usually given out within 20 minutes which is when you can arrange to book the practical test.
2: Theory Test Questions
Some of the questions are a little odd, so it is best to study the questions and answers.
DETAILED QUESTIONS:
Theory Test sample questions 1
Questions 2
Sample Interactive Test:
Interactive Test
3: Mobile Practice App
An app can be downloaded from Playstore. However, the app does not contain all the questions. Use the Detailed Questions PDF link, to see ALL the questions (and answers) you may be asked.
*Note*: You must have your own bike for this test. The centre does not provide any.
Stage 3: Practical Test
The practical test for riding in Thailand takes place in the DLT centre compound. Take your forms to the officer and wait to be called. Before taking the test, you will be given a short explanation before being sent off to do the very simple course.
The course involves using your turning signals, stopping completely at a stop sign, and driving over a wooden plank (which is wide).ย
Once you have completed the test and given a pass stamp return back to the main building and hand in your forms. You will be given yet another number and asked to wait.
The video (by โApponsThaiFoodโ) shows the simple riding circuit. I will aim to record a more recent video and update the video link later
STEP 4 – Final Step
Obtaining the License
When your number is called you will be requested to pay the fee for the license (normally 155 Baht for a motorcycle license). Once you have paid you need to wait one last time for your digital photo. When your name is called you will have a digital photo taken and your license will be printed onto a plastic card.
Voila! You are now finally licensed and legal.
*NOTE*
Your first motorcycle license is for 2 years. After 2 years you can receive a 5-year license (with all visas except for tourist visa)
This article is based on the system used in Chiang Mai. Other provinces may differ slightly. To RENEW a license. Follow the same steps but omit the tests. You can also use this handy OFFICIAL BOOKING APP.
When you already have a full valid motorcycle license from another country
If you are staying longer than 3 months in Thailand, by law you are required to obtain a Thai license.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The documents you will need and how to go about getting them:
- Medical Certificate
- Residency Certificate
- Copy of Passport and Visa page
- Your Country Driving License & International Permit
- Application Form (from DLT)
STEP 1 – Medical Certificate
The medical certificate is a simple in-out check-up, involving a weight and heart rate check. Drop into any hospital/clinic and let the staff know that you need a medical certificate for a driving license application. They will know what you need. Very straight-forward. Walk in, pay, and go.
Cost: Approximately 80-150 baht (depending on where you go).
STEP 2 – Residency Certificate
The simplest place to obtain a Residency Certificate is from the local immigration office of the town or city you are staying in. Certificates may also be issued by your Embassy, but the cost is usually much higher. The fee and time to process the certificate vary depending on the rules your immigration office has set.
Cost: the price will vary from free to 1500 baht (also depending on if you use an agent)
Residency Cert Application
What you will need:
1: 2 x Colour Photos
(2×2 Inch)
With the new system this may not be required. Best to have though.)
2: Copy of Passport Info
Photo/Info page, Visa page, TM6 arrival
/departure card.
Take original passport also.
3: Proof of Address
Rental contract, blue/yellow book – or letter from your landlord.
4: Application Form
Available at immigration, or can print out one directly from below.
APPLICATION FORM
*NOTE*
Make sure to check which immigration office processes the certificates
Immigration times for processing certificates:
DROP OFF:
between 9 am and 12 pm,
along with the fee.
PICK UP:
between 1 pm and 4:30 pm,
(Usually) next day. They will inform you.
*TIP*
Dress respectfully, be polite, do not shout, Smile. Good manners matter a lot.
*NOTE* The form is only good for 30 days and expires thereafter.
STEP 3 – The DLT
With your medical and residency certificate in hand, you can now start the process of obtaining your Thai license. Submit your documents at the counter of your local DLT between 8:30am and 3:30pm. They will check your documents and issue you with a number. Wait in the waiting area until called.
STEP 4 – Final Step
Obtaining the License
When your number is called you will be requested to pay the fee for the license (normally 155 Baht for a motorcycle license). Once you have paid you need to wait one last time for your digital photo. When your name is called you will have a digital photo taken and your license will be printed onto a plastic card.
When you already have a 5 year Thai motorcycle license (must be a 5 year license).
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The documents you will need and how to go about getting them:
- 5 Year Thai Drivers License (plus 1 copy – front and back)
- Passport and Non-Immigrant Visa (plus copies of info page, visa, extensions & last entry)
- Residency Certificate or Yellow Residence Book (and 1 photocopy)
- Two matt (not glossy) photos (4cm x 6cm) – may not be required now
- Fee of 505 Baht
Step 1: Residency Certificate
The simplest place to obtain a Residency Certificate is from the local immigration office of the town or city you are staying in. Certificates may also be issued by your Embassy, but the cost is usually much higher. The fee and time to process the certificate vary depending on the rules your immigration office has set.
Cost: the price will vary from free to 1500 baht (also depending on if you use an agent)
Residency Cert Application
What you will need:
1: 2 x Colour Photos
(2×2 Inch)
With the new system this may not be required. Best to have though.)
2: Copy of Passport Info
Photo/Info page, Visa page, TM6 arrival
/departure card.
Take original passport also.
3: Proof of Address
Rental contract, blue/yellow book – or letter from your landlord.
4: Application Form
Available at immigration, or can print out one directly from below.
APPLICATION FORM
*NOTE*
Make sure to check which immigration office processes the certificates
Immigration times for processing certificates:
DROP OFF:
between 9 am and 12 pm,
along with the fee.
PICK UP:
between 1 pm and 4:30 pm,
(Usually) next day. They will inform you.
*TIP*
Dress respectfully, be polite, do not shout, Smile. Good manners matter a lot.
*NOTE* The form is only good for 30 days and expires thereafter.
STEP 2 – DLT
Obtaining the Permit
Submit your documents at the counter of your local DLT between 8:30am and 3:30pm. They will check your documents and issue you with a number. Wait until called. Pay the fee and receive your permit
Tax & Third-Party Insurance
The simplest way to tax and insure your bike is by looking out for “Porabor” garages. Look out for the logo above.
They will check your bike and sort out the tax and insurance for you. Give them the green book, let them check the bike, then return a few days later to pick up the tax disc.
Additional Insurance
Mr Prakan is an online broker, providing various insurance options.
Traffic Rules
Modes of Transport
The common vehicles are listed above. Most scooters, semi-automatics 115cc and up. Most manual bikes start from 125/150cc. โBig Bikesโ are normally classed as any bike above 250cc.
RHD
Thailand is right-hand drive (left side traffic). This may take some time to get used to if you are from an LHD country. Neighbouring countries Laos and Cambodia are both left-hand drive.
Traffic Fines
*UPDATE* some fines have increased.
I.E. Running a red light is now 500 baht
click image to enlarge
Traffic Police
Thailand traffic police have received negative press, with often good reason. However, there has been campaigning to improve their image and personally, I have never had any major issue with the traffic police.
One important aspect to note is that they are allocated temporary checkpoint zones where they target specific demographics. So, in high tourist spots, you will likely be pulled over multiple times. However, you will be waved on in outlying areas (where local drivers are being targeted instead).
Traffic Signs
click images to enlarge
Buying a Bike
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport / ID
- Residency Certificate
(or yellow book) - Money!
1: BUYING A BIKE FROM A DEALER
Purchasing a bike outright: you will need your passport (original plus copies of Photo Page, Departure Card, Visa and end of stay stamp), residency certificate, and (of course), money. The dealer will arrange all the paperwork. If you have a yellow book (proof of address), you should not need the residency certificate.
Purchasing a bike on finance: This is a bit more tricky and different dealers will have different stipulations. As a general rule, you will be required to have a work permit (and salary paid in Thailand), a Thai guarantor and a large deposit. Some dealers may not require a Thai guarantor, or even a work permit (in some cases proof of ownership of a home in Thailand will suffice). This varies from dealership to dealership, so you will need to check with the dealer.
*TIP* You can haggle the price at dealerships. Aim to get a discount or some bonuses included.
2: BUYING A BIKE 2ND-HAND
You will need your passport, residency certificate
Ownership transfer form (download from HERE), and money.
If you have a yellow book (proof of address), you should not need the residency certificate.
If the seller is a foreigner, they will need their passport (and copies of the photograph page, current visa stamp, and TM (departure) card), PLUS one of the following:
Work Permit (Photocopies of every page).
โ OR โ
Residency Certificate
If the seller is a Thai, they will need their ID card (copy of front and back on one page)
โ AND โ
House Registration Document (Tabien Baan)
Make the purchase exchange at your local DLT to ensure that the green book change of name process can be carried out at the time of purchase. If the bike does not have a Green Book (showing the owners name), then be aware that this purchase.
Not all bikes come with a green book, of course. In the case of invoice papers only (import bikes). Check that your invoice papers are in order. In this case, you are purchasing with some risk involved and although the bike can be taxed and insured using the invoice papers, the bike will not have a license plate.
Selling a Bike
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport / ID
- Residency Certificate
(or yellow book) - Vehicle Transfer Form
- Green Book (if available)
Previously, when selling a bike you did not need a residency certificate, but it seems this is now required, (unless you have a yellow book as proof of address. In which case you should not need the residency certificate.)
When the bike has a green book, make the purchase exchange at your local DLT to ensure that the green book change of name process can be carried out at the time of purchase.
You will need a transfer of ownership document, which you can download from HERE.
If your bike has invoice papers only. Check that the invoice papers are in order to ensure that the new owner has no issues with keeping tax and insurance up-to-date.
*IMPORTANT NOTE* โ These instructions and rules may change. This information is relevant to my knowledge. If anyone has new information or has encountered any issues, please do let me know (HERE) so that I can update this information. Thank you.
HONDA SAFEY RIDING PARK
In terms of training facilities, Honda Safety Riding Park can’t be beaten. Their huge training grounds facilitate road and off-road courses. They also offer beginner classes and even license courses (where they assist you with getting a license.) They are extremely affordable (normally 2000 baht per full-day course), and have many promotions (such as buy one-get one free). They have facilities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Samut Prakan & Phuket. A great resource for riding in Thailand.
It is a good idea to take out insurance when renting a bike when riding in Thailand, if you havenโt already. Go to the insurance section for more info.
Rental Shops in Chiang Mai
C&P Big Bikes
C&P Big Bikes has a growing fleet of motorcycles (250cc and upwards). Lan, the owner, takes exceptional care of the bikes, so you are guaranteed a quality rental bike for riding in Thailand. Lan is usually the first to get hold of any newly released motorcycle also.
MR Mechanic
A long-established rental company, offering quality rental bikes. They also offer insurance on their bikes. The Big Bike selection is small but of good quality. They specialise more in scooters. (They also offer car hire). Great prices!
Mango Bikes
Mango Bikes is a foreigner-owned rental company, with well-cared-for rental bikes at great prices. They specialise in scooters with a few lower cc motorbike options.
A reliable rental place if you are looking for a scooter or lower cc motorbike when riding in Thailand.
POP (Big Bikes)
POP is the long established Big Bike rental company in Chiang Mai. Normally they have the largest fleet of motorcycles, but in recent times their stock has reduced (and the quality of rental bikes are hit and miss). The prices reflect this though and so they are a cheaper option.
Tips
When renting a bike from any rental shop, it is always a good idea to check damage on the bike and take photos any damage. Also check the condition of the tires to see if they have decent tread and havenโt gone overly hard from being left out in the sun. Make sure to point any issues out to the rental company and confirm the issues. This will help prevent any problems when you return the bike. The above suggested companies are honest and reliable but there are stories of some companies being problematic. (I.E. If the bike comes with a chain and padlock, some unscrupulous rental companies may use a spare key and steal the bike back, then attempt to charge you for it. So, best to use your own padlock). Additionally, make sure to check tire pressures and brakes (and gears if manual). You want to ensure all is in order in case you need to make an emergency stop.
If you damage a bike in any way, get a quote from a local mechanic or dealer and then talk to the rental company to negotiate a repair price. Having gained knowledge on what the repairs will cost gives you an advantage when negotiating with the rental company. I have personally never had any fuss or issue from rental companies when riding in Thailand, (aside from some poorly maintained vehicles), but better safe than sorry.
Gear Shops in Chiang Mai
MECHANICS
The best options in the NORTH for servicing and maintaining your bike
Piston Shop
Piston Shop (also known as Chiangmai Moto Part) has been operating for over 10 years. The owner speaks English and the shop is a firm staple for many riders.
CNX MotoGear
The owner and mechanics at CNX MotoGear are fantastic and have a fast turnaround when checking/repairing your bike. The owner speaks English.
MX Moto
Best for off-road bikes
English-speaking owner. Great for Honda CRF and off-road bikes. Dyno on the premises. Supermoto conversions.
Parts Shops
FUEL OPTIONS: Link for detailed article on fuel options
The best time to ride in Thailand is Cool Season (between November and January), the following area a couple of articles for coping when riding during the Rainy Season (late May until October) and Hot Season, (March until May). The worst time to ride (in the North) is during “Burning Season“, (February – April)
Tips For Riding During Rainy Season
Tips for Riding During Hot Season
QUICK LINKS
If you are based or planning on coming to Chiang Mai, here are some useful links:
Medical Certificate โ Chiang Mai Ram Clinic (google map link)
Residency Certificate โ CM Immigration (google map link)
Chiang Mai Land & Transport Office (google map link)
Tourist Police: Telephone 1155 (google map link)
Emergency Contact Numbers
Ambulance and Rescue: 1554
Emergency call: 191
Fire: 199
Highway Police: 1193|
Medical Emergency: 1669
Royal Thai Police: 1599
Telephone Directory Service: 1133
Traffic Police: 1197
Tourist Service Center: 167
If the instructions are not clear, MESSAGE ME with feedback, so that I can address the issue.
Subscribe to keep updated on Thailand traffic news and more!
Hi, my wife and I have been in CM for three months now. We have been researching the procedure of obtaining a Thai Motorcycle license (ie. residency cert, med cert, photocopies, written and physical tests). Your information is by far the most comprehensive, step by step and easy to understand information that we have come across. We are in the process of following the instructions and guidelines that you have laid out. Thank you sincerely for your willingness to put in all of the work to make this resource available.๐๐๐
I am so very glad it has helped Larry. Good luck with the process. I will keep this updated with any changes and have a few additions to add also (i.e. when buying/selling a bike) ๐
well done Zed
Thank you so much Perry! I hope it is helpful ๐
This is insanely useful and well laid out as well. thanks for your hard work.
Thanks for the feedback, Michael. It is appreciated when people comment. ๐
Iโve recently moved to Chiang Mai. This page and your website is a great resource. Both made my motorcycling life here easy. Itโs strange that your website doesnโt show up while searching on google and DuckDuckGo. Thank you for your great work.
Hi.Thank you for letting me know that Google wasn’t indexing my site. I have gone onto the google console and have now requested indexing on my pages. So strange! I would not have realised it if not for your comment. Much appreciated!
Came across your site while researching for our next motorbike trip and woah, found a gem. By far the most useful information, guides and tips I could ever dream of! Thank you so much for all the effort!!
Thank you for the lovely feedback, Ivan! I am currently updating my website to perform better and will include a lot more information and details. Please do let me know if you notice anything missing or some aspects that you would find useful. This will help me when updating the resources. Have a great trip!