Physical and practical tests for a Thai licence
Every applicant takes four short physical tests. The practical test is the one that varies: usually waived for conversions, but not at every office.
This is a detail of the main guide: how to get a Thai driving licence as a foreigner.
The four physical tests
Short checks done at every office, in a few minutes, usually right after the document check:
- Colour vision: name red, yellow and green.
- Depth perception: line up two pegs in a box.
- Peripheral vision: name the colour of lights that flash left and right.
- Reaction: press the brake pedal when the signal lights up.
They are separate from the medical certificate. The certificate comes from a clinic, and these tests are done by the DLT. Since 2026, some renewals skip the colour-vision and brake-reaction tests, see how to renew.
If you wear glasses, bring them. A failed test is usually repeated.
The practical test
For new applicants, and for conversions at some offices.
- Car: drive forward and reverse between poles without touching them, stop parallel to the kerb within about 25 cm, and reverse into an L-shaped bay.
- Motorcycle: a handling test between cones, testing balance and slow riding. See the motorcycle licence guide.
- Several guides say you bring your own vehicle. Ask when you book.
What sources report: The practical test: who takes it and what it contains
- Waived for conversions. Exempt from the 5-hour training and the practical test. The Thaiger, Nov 2025
- Can be skipped "in many cases" when converting. Foreigners Thailand, Aug 2026
- Increasingly rare; some offices, Bangkok in particular, require it case by case. other guides
- Three manoeuvres: forward and reverse between poles, kerb stop within 25 cm, reverse into an L-shaped bay. The Thaiger, Nov 2025
- Also parallel parking (within seven gear changes), hill starts and three-point turns, and some DLT material describes five stations. other guides
Tips for the day
- Go early. The physical tests are quick, but the queue is not.
- Practise reverse parking in a quiet car park if you need the practical test.
- Ask when you book whether the practical test applies to you.
- Prepare the theory test in English: practise it free.
Frequently asked questions
What physical tests does the DLT do?
Four: colour vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and brake reaction. They take a few minutes.
Do I have to take the practical driving test to convert my licence?
Usually not, but some offices, Bangkok in particular, require it case by case. Ask when you book.
What is in the Thai practical test for a car?
Forward and reverse between poles, a kerb stop within about 25 cm and reversing into an L-shaped bay. Some sources add parallel parking and hill starts.
Do I bring my own car for the practical test?
Several guides say yes. Confirm with the office when you book.
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
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.
Motorcycle licence in Thailand for foreigners
Can you ride a scooter in Thailand on a car licence? What tourists and residents need, how the Thai motorcycle test works, helmet rules and insurance.
The DLT e-learning course for a Thai licence
What the DLT e-learning training certificate is, how long the course takes (1 or 5 hours reported), whether you can do it online and what to bring.
Sources
- The Thaiger: a foreigner's guide to getting a Thai driver's license (November 2025)
- The Thailand Life: Thai driving licence guide for foreigners (May 2026)
- Thailand Starter Kit: motorcycle driver's licence in Thailand
Requirements, fees and procedures change and differ by office. Confirm with the Department of Land Transport or your local office before you act.