Medical certificate for a Thai driving licence
The medical certificate is one of the documents the DLT asks for. Any clinic or hospital can issue it in a few minutes. The only trap is timing: it must be recent when you reach the counter.
This is one step of the main guide: how to get a Thai driving licence as a foreigner.
What the certificate is
A short document, signed by a doctor, saying you are fit to drive. The DLT started asking for it for new and renewed licences in 2021 and it must follow the standard form of the Medical Council of Thailand. It has two parts: a statement from you about your health and an assessment by the doctor.
The form lists conditions that would stop you driving, and the doctor confirms you do not have them. The main guide covers what the DLT asks for as a whole.
Where to get it
At any clinic or hospital. You do not need an appointment at most clinics and it takes a few minutes. Verified The author has had it done at several different clinics in Thailand, with no problem at the DLT.
Clinics near DLT offices are used to the request and often advertise it. A hospital also issues it, but it costs more and takes longer.
What the clinic checks
Sources describe a basic check: blood pressure, general physical condition and often a colour-vision test, and some add hearing or mental health questions. The depth differs by clinic, and the certificate is valid for the DLT if the form is complete and signed.
Do not confuse it with the tests at the DLT. The office runs its own colour-blindness, eyesight and reaction tests, whatever the certificate says.
What it costs
Verified At the clinics the author has used, it cost about 100-300 THB.
What sources report: Clinic and hospital prices
- About 150-300 THB at a clinic, 600 THB or more at a hospital Expat Den
- 150 THB for foreigners against 100 THB for Thais at one clinic near the Chatuchak office a travel blog
- 100-500 THB other 2026 guides
Prices are not fixed. Ask before you sit down.
How long it is valid, and when to get it
The DLT asks for a certificate issued within the last 30 days. If the doctor writes a shorter validity, that applies; if nothing is written, sources say one month.
Book the DLT appointment first
Then you know the date the 30 days must cover.
Get the certificate 1-3 days before
Early enough to fix a mistake, late enough to be fresh.
Keep the original and bring a copy
Together with the certificate of residence, which has the same 30-day limit.
Common mistakes
- Getting it weeks before the appointment, so it has expired when you reach the counter.
- Leaving the form unsigned or without the clinic stamp.
- Assuming the certificate replaces the DLT's own sight and reaction tests.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a medical certificate to renew my Thai licence?
Yes, the DLT asks for one for new licences and for renewals. Check the renewal guide for the other documents.
Can any clinic issue the DLT medical certificate?
Yes, any clinic or hospital that uses the standard form. It is not limited to government hospitals.
How much does a medical certificate for a driving licence cost?
About 100-300 THB at a clinic, and 600 THB or more at a hospital. Sources give slightly different ranges, so ask the price first.
How long is a DLT medical certificate valid?
About 30 days, counted to your appointment at the DLT. Get it 1-3 days before.
Does the certificate replace the sight test at the DLT?
No. The DLT still tests colour vision, eyesight and reaction at the office, except for the renewals that the 2026 rules exempt.
Practise before the real test
470+ questions in English with the official Thai signs and road markings, and a mock exam for car or motorcycle. Free, no sign-up.
Related guides
TM.30 and the Certificate of Residence in Thailand
What TM.30 is, who must file it, what happens without it, and how to get the Certificate of Residence for your licence or vehicle, with fees and delays.
How to renew a Thai driving licence as a foreigner
Renew your Thai driving licence in 2026: when you can, documents, the reduced tests, fees (505 THB car, 255 THB motorcycle) and what if it has expired.
The Thai driving theory test: format, pass mark and sample questions
What the Thai driving licence theory test looks like: 50 questions, 45 to pass, English available, topics, tips and 12 sample questions with answers.
Sources
- Pattaya Mail: medical certificate required for a new driver's licence
- Roojai: medical certificate for a driving licence
- Expat Den: Thai driving licence
- Thailand Starter Kit: Thai driving licence
Requirements, fees and procedures change and differ by office. Confirm with the Department of Land Transport or your local office before you act.