The Thai driving test is shorter than most foreigners expect and stricter than most prepare for. There is a set of quick eye and reaction checks that every applicant takes, a 50-question theory exam, and a practical test on a marked course at the DLT. The theory and practical exams apply to new applicants. Converting a license from home skips them.
Who takes what
- Everyone: the eye and reaction tests below, whether you are starting from scratch or converting a license from home.
- Starting from scratch: the theory test and the practical test as well, plus a 5-hour training step before the exams.
- Converting a foreign license through us: no theory test and no practical test. Your foreign license takes their place, and we handle the DLT visit. See how to convert a foreign motorbike license to a Thai license.
1. The eye and reaction tests (everyone)
These are mandatory for every applicant and take a few minutes at the DLT:
- Colour vision: you name coloured dots on a chart
- Reflex test: you react to a light with a simulated brake pedal
- Peripheral vision: you look straight ahead while an official checks your side vision
- Depth perception: you line up two pins using forward and back buttons
2. The theory test (new applicants)
The theory exam is 50 multiple-choice questions on Thai traffic law, road signs, and safe driving. The pass mark is 45 correct, which is 90 percent. Bangkok offices offer the test in English. Questions are drawn from a larger published pool, so practising the official sample questions beforehand is the single most useful thing you can do.
3. The practical test (new applicants)
The practical test takes place on a designated course at the DLT test area. You follow instructions, keep control of the vehicle, and complete the set maneuvers. Nerves cause more failures than skill gaps. Candidates who have driven the course layout before, even once, tend to do noticeably better.
4. The license you receive
Pass everything and you receive a temporary Thai license valid for 2 years. After that you can renew it for 5 years. See our full guide to getting a Thai driver's license for the document list that comes before the tests.
The medical certificate
You need a medical certificate issued within 30 days of your application. Any hospital or licensed clinic in Bangkok issues it, often the same day, so get it close to your DLT date instead of weeks ahead.
How to prepare
- Work through the official sample theory questions until you pass them consistently
- Book lessons if you have little riding or driving practice, or if you have not driven on the left before
- Get your documents checked before the DLT date, since a missing paper costs you the day
Our instructor has taught hundreds of hours of lessons to foreigners in Bangkok. Prices and options are on the motorbike lessons page and the car lessons page, and we cover the whole process in what to expect at DLT Center 3.
Want help getting ready?
We are based in On Nut and take clients to Bangkok Transportation Office Area 3 on Sukhumvit Road. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE (@fatboysmotorbikes), or email info@fatboyservices.com, and we will tell you which tests apply to you.