By Javier Sánchez · Updated 2026-10-11

The Thai driving theory test: format, pass mark and sample questions

The theory test is a 50-question multiple-choice exam on a computer, and you need 45 correct (90%) to pass. It is available in English at most offices. Here is what it covers, how to prepare, and twelve sample questions.

The test at a glance

ItemWhat to expect
Questions50, multiple choice
Pass mark45 correct (90%)
FormatComputer terminal at the DLT office
LanguageThai and English at major offices
Time limitReports say 60 minutes, 50 minutes or none. Most people finish in 20–30 minutes.
Retake after failingSame day or the next business day, depending on the office

What sources report: The time limit

  • 60 minutes for all 50 questions, though most people finish in 20 to 30. One agency guide
  • 50 minutes. Another guide
  • No time limit. A third guide
  • 50 questions in 50 minutes, as simulated by an open-source mock exam. thaidrivingtest.com (README)

What sources report: Retaking after a fail

  • Immediately, at no extra fee. One guide
  • The same day, or rebook a few days later depending on capacity. Another guide
  • The following hour at some centres, another day at others. A third guide
  • The next business day. Two guides
  • No limit on retakes, though not officially confirmed. One guide

What sources report: Languages offered

  • English, Thai, Chinese and Japanese at major offices. One guide
  • Smaller provincial offices may only offer Thai. Another guide

Who has to take it

  • New applicants (no licence, expired licence, provisional licence): yes.
  • Converting a foreign licence: officially the DLT says holders of a valid foreign licence or IDP can request an exemption from the theory and driving exams. In practice many offices, Bangkok in particular, now ask every foreign applicant to sit the theory test, and a draft national rule would make it universal.
  • Renewing: no theory test for a normal renewal. See how to renew.
  • Motorcycles: yes, plus a handling test. See the motorcycle licence guide.

What sources report: Is it required when you convert a foreign licence?

  • Can be exempted. DLT information quoted by Lead Stories, Jan 2025
  • Mandatory for all foreign applicants since the 2025 rules. The Thaiger, Nov 2025
  • Required; only the practical test may be waived. The Thailand Life, May 2026
  • Not required for a conversion. Chiang Mai Visa Run, an agency page

The sensible plan: assume you will sit it.

What it covers

Traffic law

  • Priority at junctions and roundabouts
  • Overtaking, lanes and turning
  • Parking distances
  • Licences, alcohol and points

Signs and markings

  • Prohibitory, mandatory and warning signs
  • Lines, crossings and kerb colours
  • Pictures, not only words
See the signs

Safe driving

  • Speed, distance and visibility
  • Emergencies and accidents
  • Basic vehicle checks

How to prepare, in a week

  1. Learn the numbers

    Distances and speeds are the most testable facts: 30 m for overtaking near junctions, 10 m for junction parking, 25 cm from the kerb, 5 m from railway tracks, 60 m for signals, 50 mg% for alcohol.

  2. Learn the signs by shape and colour

    Once you know the system you can read signs you have never seen. Our signs guide shows every one.

  3. Practise in English

    The English wording can be awkward. Do a few full 50-question mock exams so the style stops surprising you.

  4. Review what you miss

    Re-do the questions you got wrong. That is where the points are.

  5. Take a mock exam the day before

    If you score 45 or more twice, you are ready.

Take a free mock exam

Twelve sample questions

These are written in the same style as the test. Try each one before you open the answer.

When approaching an intersection with a flashing red light, what should you do?

  1. Slow down and proceed with caution without stopping.
  2. Keep going at the same speed if there is no cross traffic.
  3. Stop only if there are other vehicles present.
  4. Stop at the stop line, then proceed carefully when it is safe.
Show the answer

Answer: D. Stop at the stop line, then proceed carefully when it is safe.

A flashing red light means stop at the stop line and proceed with care only when it is safe.

The light turns yellow when you have already passed the stop line. What should you do?

  1. Sound the horn and wait.
  2. Stop immediately in the junction.
  3. Reverse back behind the stop line.
  4. Continue through the junction.
Show the answer

Answer: D. Continue through the junction.

If you have already passed the stop line when the light turns yellow, you may go through.

What does one long blast of a traffic police officer's whistle mean?

  1. Proceed
  2. Stop
  3. Speed up
  4. Turn left
Show the answer

Answer: B. Stop

One long whistle means stop; two short whistles mean proceed.

How far in advance must you signal before turning, changing lanes or stopping?

  1. At least 30 metres
  2. At least 60 metres
  3. Only when you start turning
  4. At least 10 metres
Show the answer

Answer: B. At least 60 metres

Hand or light signals must be given at least 60 metres before turning, changing lanes or stopping.

Within what distance of a pedestrian crossing, junction, roundabout or railway crossing is overtaking prohibited?

  1. 20 metres
  2. 30 metres
  3. 100 metres
  4. 10 metres
Show the answer

Answer: B. 30 metres

You must not overtake within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossing, junction, roundabout or railway crossing.

How far from a junction is parking prohibited?

  1. 15 metres
  2. 3 metres
  3. 5 metres
  4. 10 metres
Show the answer

Answer: D. 10 metres

Do not park at a junction or within 10 metres of it.

A train is approaching a railway crossing. How far from the tracks must you stop?

  1. At least 15 metres
  2. At least 2 metres
  3. At least 3 metres
  4. At least 5 metres
Show the answer

Answer: D. At least 5 metres

Stop at least 5 metres from the tracks when a signal, barrier or sound warns of a train.

Two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled junction (no main road, signs or lights) at the same time. Who has the right of way?

  1. The faster vehicle
  2. The vehicle on the right
  3. The vehicle on the left
  4. The larger vehicle
Show the answer

Answer: C. The vehicle on the left

At the same time, the vehicle on the left has the right of way, unless one road is a designated main road.

At a roundabout with no signs or signals, you must give way to:

  1. Vehicles coming from your right
  2. Vehicles coming from your left
  3. Vehicles behind you
  4. Nobody
Show the answer

Answer: A. Vehicles coming from your right

At a roundabout without signs or signals, give way to vehicles coming from your right.

What is the general blood alcohol limit for drivers with a full licence?

  1. 80 mg%
  2. 100 mg%
  3. 20 mg%
  4. 50 mg%
Show the answer

Answer: D. 50 mg%

The general limit is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (50 mg%).

Under the driving licence points system, how many points does every licence start with?

  1. 10 points
  2. 12 points
  3. 20 points
  4. 6 points
Show the answer

Answer: B. 12 points

Every driver starts with 12 points.

What is a safe following distance?

  1. As close as possible to stop others cutting in
  2. 5 metres
  3. 1 car length at any speed
  4. A distance that allows you to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly
Show the answer

Answer: D. A distance that allows you to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly

Keep enough distance to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, and more in rain or at high speed.

The mistakes people make

  • Priority at an uncontrolled junction. In Thailand the vehicle on the left goes first, the opposite of what many Europeans and Americans expect.
  • Roundabouts. You give way to traffic coming from your right, and drive around clockwise.
  • Mixing up the distances. 3 m, 10 m, 15 m and 30 m all appear. Learn which goes with what.
  • The mandatory-versus-prohibitory colours. Blue is "do this". Red border is "do not".
  • Assuming a flashing red is optional. It means stop, then proceed with care.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Thai driving theory test?

50 multiple-choice questions on a computer. You need 45 correct, which is 90%.

Is the Thai driving theory test in English?

Yes, at major DLT offices it is available in English as well as Thai. Smaller provincial offices may offer only Thai, so ask when you book.

Do I have to take the theory test if I have a foreign licence?

Officially you can request an exemption, but many offices now ask all foreign applicants to sit the test. Plan to sit it and phone your office to confirm.

What happens if I fail the Thai theory test?

Depending on the office you can retake it the same day or the next business day. Retake rules are not published in one place, so ask your office.

Can I practise the real DLT questions?

The DLT question bank is not published. Our questions are original, written from the Land Traffic Act and current regulations, in the same style and topics.

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.

Start practising

Related guides

Thai road signs and their meanings Every Thai regulatory and warning sign with its official code, picture and meaning, plus road markings and the Thai words you will see on signs. Driving rules, speed limits and fines in Thailand Thai driving rules for foreigners: drive on the left, speed limits by road, alcohol limits, fines, the 12-point licence system and junction priority. 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.

Sources

The sample questions are original questions written by ThaiDrive from the Land Traffic Act and the 2021 regulations. They are not copied from the DLT question bank, which is not published.