ISB has been receiving more questions and concerns about underage students driving in Nichada. There have been reports of accidents and near misses as recently as last week.
ISB would like to remind you of the Nichada and Thailand driving regulations.
Golf carts are not allowed to be operated on public roads in Thailand, but are accepted within the Nichada Community. Nichada rules, are clearly stated (on page 16 in the Nichada Resident and homeowner guide)
“Licenses must be held for all motorbikes and scooters.
Motorbikes and scooters under 50cc engine power are only permitted to be driven by persons of 15 years of age and over.
Golf carts are only to be driven within our private road network by those of 15 years of age or over who are in possession of a valid driver’s license.”
Please note that this rule applies to everyone in Nichada. Students are only allowed to drive a golf cart/scooter/motorbike if they have a valid driving license.
ISB follows, and supports, all Thailand regulations and driving laws. Operators of motor vehicles in Thailand must have a valid drivers license. Thai law allows a student of 15 years old to apply for a license which allows them to operate a motor scooter at 110cc or less. To obtain a license to operate a car or motorcycle over 110cc, applicants must be 18 years of age. All expats living in Thailand are required to get a Thai drivers license.
For students wishing to drive and park on campus, please note the following from the ISB High School Handbook:
– Only students with a valid Thai driver’s license may drive/park a car, on campus
– Students who are 15 years or older may drive/park a motor scooter on campus provided they:
- Have a Thai driver’s license for their age group.
- Obtain a parking permit sticker from the HS Office.
- Always wear a motorcycle helmet (and only carry passengers with helmets) on and off campus.
If you have any questions about the requirements for students to drive on campus or in Nichada, please contact Mark Hevland, Dir. of Risk Management (markh@isb.ac.th) or Andy Vaughan, HS Dean of Students (andyv@isb.ac.th).
To obtain a Thai driver’s license:
Option 1:
You have a valid International Driving permit or you have a current driver’s license from your own country. (If your Driver’s License is not in English, it must be translated into Thai or English and certified by your embassy.)
With either of these documents you may apply for Thai Driver’s License without the automated and driving tests. You will still need to take and pass the eye-color and reaction tests and attend 1-4 hour Video Class.
Option 2:
If you don’t have a valid driver’s license from your own country OR your license is currently not in English (and you don’t want to go to the embassy to get it translated into Thai or English and verified):
You need to take an eye-color and reaction test, attend the 1-4 hours traffic law class, the automated test (you will be given a traffic law book in English to study first), and an outdoor driving test the next day. The whole process may take two days and you must pass all sections.
You can apply for the driver’s license at any Land Transportation Offices in Thailand. There is an office located in Nonthaburi: https://her.is/2ITzBzu.
More information about getting a Thai driver’s license can be obtained here.
by: Mark Hevland, Head of Risk Management
markh@isb.ac.th