Thai Motorbike Driving License in Chiang Mai: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re an expat living in Chiang Mai and want to legally drive motorbikes or scooters, obtaining a Thai motorbike driving license is essential. This guide “Thai Motorbike Driving License in Chiang Mai: Step-by-Step Guide” is specifically tailored for individuals who already possess a valid driving license from their home country. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process at the Chiang Mai Provincial Land Transport Office (License Bureau) and provide important tips to help you navigate the procedure successfully. Get ready to hit the road with confidence and explore the beautiful landscapes of Chiang Mai on your motorbike.

Where to Go: Chiang Mai Provincial Land Transport Office

To obtain your Thai motorbike driving license, visit the Chiang Mai Provincial Land Transport Office (License Bureau) located at 192 หมู่ที่ 7 ถนน เชียงใหม่-หางดง Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100. The office operates from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Keep in mind that the office remains closed during government holidays.

What to Prepare: Essential Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready before visiting the Chiang Mai Provincial Land Transport Office:

Copy of relevant passport pages (original passport required).
Printed copy of your valid working visa. The Thai working visa is electronic, so take screenshots of both sides and print them out. Additionally, print out information from the government web portal accessed through the QR code on your visa.
Copy of your original driving license from your home country.
Health check document obtained from a hospital confirming you have passed the health check. Note that specific hospitals, such as Lanna Hospital located at 1 Sookasam Rd, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, can provide this service for a fee of approximately 120 Baht.

Health Check: Ensuring Fitness to Drive

Visit a hospital, such as Lanna Hospital, to undergo a health check. The process typically includes measuring your blood pressure, weight, and asking about any previous medical conditions. The hospital staff will issue a health check document upon completion. English-speaking personnel are available at most hospitals, making communication easy for foreigners.

Procedure to Obtain a Thai Motorbike Driving License in Chiang Mai: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to acquire your Thai motorbike driving license at the Chiang Mai Provincial Land Transport Office:

Arrive at the office around 8:30 a.m. and obtain a ticket for the 9 a.m. group at counter 27 on the second floor. Present all the required documents for verification.
Proceed to the color blindness test, which moves quickly. There are separate queues for Thai speakers and English speakers. Successfully identify three colors correctly from a distance, and the test is complete.
Head to room number three, designated for English speakers. Here, you’ll watch a one-hour informational video in English about driving on Thai roads. The video may be slightly outdated but provides valuable insights into local driving practices and regulations.
Return to counter 27 on the second floor to collect your documents.
Visit the information counter to sign the necessary paperwork and receive another queue ticket.
Sign the paperwork and wait for your queue number. Proceed to counters 22-25, where they will capture your photo and print your new Thai driving license. This license allows you to drive all types of motorbikes.
If you only require a motorbike license, inform the staff during the process and pay the applicable fee of 105 Baht.
Your new Thai motorbike driving license, valid for two years, will be printed and handed to you. Congratulations!