Thailand Sets 30 September Deadline for Ride-Hailing Driver Licences
The Thai government issues a 30 September deadline for all app-based drivers to obtain public driving licences amid mounting passenger safety scrutiny
- The Thai government has mandated that all app-based ride-hailing drivers must obtain a public driving licence by a 30 September deadline.
- This enforcement aims to enhance passenger safety, standardize the ride-hailing sector, and address concerns over unvetted drivers and misconduct.
- To comply, drivers must complete online training, pass physical and theoretical tests, and clear a criminal background screening at Department of Land Transport (DLT) offices.
- Ride-hailing platform operators have been warned that their services risk suspension if their driver fleets do not meet the new licensing requirement.
The Thai government issues a 30 September deadline for all app-based drivers to obtain public driving licences amid mounting passenger safety scrutiny.
The Thai government has ordered all app-based ride-hailing drivers to obtain valid public driving licences by 30 September, stepping up a nationwide crackdown designed to standardise the rapidly expanding sector and enhance commuter safety.
Speaking on Saturday, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan announced that the Ministry of Transport, via the Department of Land Transport (DLT), is expediting regulatory compliance across all ride-hailing platforms to restore passenger confidence and guarantee service quality.
To accelerate the vetting process, the DLT has established a dedicated verification and registration centre at its Bangkok headquarters (Building 4).
The facility was opened after major operator Bolt briefly paused services to update driver records and align its fleet with legal transport standards, prompting a massive turnout of drivers seeking compliance.
Streamlined licensing process
Under the fast-tracked scheme, drivers must complete mandatory online training modules on the DLT e-learning portal and retain their digital verification certificates. Applicants can then walk into local transport offices to complete:
Physical fitness examinations and theoretical assessments
Formal criminal background screenings
Document verification, fee payments, and photographic registration
Drivers who clear the background checks will receive their official public driving licences immediately, allowing them to legally operate on licensed ride-hailing platforms.
Escalating safety scrutiny behind the clampdown
The strict 30 September deadline follows growing pressure on transport authorities and digital platforms over passenger safety, unvetted drivers, and account sharing.
While Thailand legalised app-based ride-hailing services in 2021, thousands of motorists continued operating on personal licences rather than commercial transport permits.
In recent months, mounting regulatory pressure, public complaints over misconduct, and concerns over unregistered vehicles prompted authorities to enforce stringent compliance, warning platform operators that non-compliant fleets risk operational suspensions.
"The government, through the Department of Land Transport, will strictly supervise app-based public transport services to ensure full adherence to the law," Ploytalay said. "This includes handling consumer complaints, managing violations, and sharing intelligence with app providers to enable swift enforcement, with public safety remaining our foremost priority."
