Thai Theory Test and Traffic Rules
Who has to sit the 50-question theory test at the DLT, how it works, and the Thai traffic rules it asks about. At the end you can test yourself with 10 practice questions.
Who Has to Take the Theory Test?
- No driving license at all. First-time applicants watch the DLT road safety training, then take the theory test, the 4 physical tests and a practical test on the DLT course.
- Thai license expired 1 to 3 years ago. You take the theory test and a longer training session. See Thai license expired.
- Thai license expired more than 3 years ago. The DLT treats you as a new applicant: training, theory and practical test.
- Converting a valid foreign license. Not at the moment: you take the 4 physical tests only. A 2025 DLT draft may add a written test, so we check the current rules before every booking.
How the Test Works
The test runs on a computer at the DLT office. It has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 45 correct answers to pass. First-time applicants watch a road safety training video at the DLT before the test, which takes several hours.
The questions come from a few areas: traffic signs, right of way, speed limits and road markings, penalties, and safe driving. The rules below cover the points that come up most.
Key Thai Traffic Rules
Drive on the left
Thailand drives on the left. You overtake on the right, and at roundabouts you go round clockwise.
Speed limits
Cars: 80 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside, unless signs say otherwise. Up to 120 km/h is allowed only on four-lane highways where signs show it.
Roundabouts
Where there are no lights or signs, the law says to give way to the driver on your right. In practice drivers do not always follow it, so slow down.
Seat belts and child seats
Everyone in a car wears a seat belt, front and back. Children under 6, or shorter than 135 cm, ride in a child seat.
Helmets
On a motorbike, the rider and the passenger wear a helmet. Police check this at almost every checkpoint.
Alcohol
The limit is 0.05 % blood alcohol. For drivers under 20 and holders of a temporary 2-year license it is 0.02 %.
Painted curbs
Red and white: no stopping and no parking. Yellow and white: stop briefly to let people in or out, but do not park.
Motorways
Motorbikes are not allowed on motorways. Phuket has none, but you will meet them around Bangkok.
Reading Thai Road Signs
Most signs follow the international shapes, with Thai and often English text:
- Yellow diamond: a warning, such as a bend, a steep hill or a school ahead.
- Red circle: something is forbidden, such as no entry, no U-turn or a speed limit.
- Blue circle: something you must do, such as keep left or turn in one direction.
Practice Quiz: 10 Questions
These are practice questions about the rules above, not the real DLT questions. Pick one answer per question, then check your score.
Questions About the Theory Test
50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DLT. You need 45 correct answers to pass.
Not at the moment. Holders of a valid foreign license take the 4 physical tests only. A 2025 DLT draft may add a written test, so we confirm the current rules before every booking. See the 4 DLT tests.
People applying without any driving license, and people whose Thai license expired 1 to 3 years ago. After more than 3 years the DLT treats you as a new applicant, with theory and practical test.
No. They are practice questions about the same rules. The DLT uses its own question bank, so learn the rules rather than single answers.
We Check Your Case First
Send a photo of your license on WhatsApp. We tell you which tests the DLT expects from you and book your appointment for the trip to DLT Krabi.