Bangkok to Phuket Flights

In the previous series of articles on obtaining a driving licence in Thailand, it was explained the different procedures necessary to obtain a licence. This final?part should be read in conjunction with all the other related articles on this subject parts 1, 2, 3, 4 The first issue of a driving licence in Thailand is for only one year although stated on the licence temporary it is in effect a full licence to drive.
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After one year you can replace with a five year licence ,there appears to be a lot of confusion when to apply for the the five year licence, even amongst local Thais themselves. This is very important, you can apply at a driving test centre for the five year licence sixty days before the expiry date on your one year temporary licence. It is not generally know you?can also?apply for the five year licence up to one year after the expiry date. This is something worth knowing as some westerners have been misinformed, and gone?through the bother of?taking?the entire test again. In the belief that the licence?has?expired.?Of course the new licence being issued after passing the test, is another temporary licence.
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The correct procedure is to take your old expired licence to any?test centre. It is unimportant which centre you use as your record of licence is available at all centres throughout Thailand. No further re testing is required, and you will not be required to take an eyesight test or any coordination tests. Also you will not be required to join the large numbers of people apply for new tests and can report direct to the information desk along with the appropriate paperwork, and your expired licence. The paperwork will be checked briefly checked to see if in order and you are given a ticket to await your turn to see a driving centre official.
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The paperwork required for a westerner as in all cases?is a valid passport, a category "0" visa and in the case of a British citizen a letter from the British embassy in Bangkok,
confirming a current address in Thailand. As explained in previous articles a letter of residency from Thai immigration will be more trouble to obtain. To obtain a residency certificate will involve you in giving at least ninety days notice and may result in a police follow up to confirm address. The charge for this service from immigration is 500 baht, plus the necessity of photographs and another?form to fill in. By far the easiest option is?an?embassy letter although the?only real?drawback is the higher?cost of 2,800 baht. Assuming your paperwork is in order your picture will be taken digitally and?within 30 minutes your new five year licence will be issued for 405 baht. The licence acts as a form of identification having your passport number as an id along with your name and date of birth. All details on licence is in Thai and English, a replacement can be obtained if lost at a small charge in the event of loss.
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